A Visit to Josi in Etna

A few months ago, my parents asked me if I would help them make a visit to see Josi and her boys.  Since Josi broke her leg, she had to cancel her trip to see us in SoCal at the beginning of January. So I booked my parents, Rayleigh, and Jack flights from OC to Medford using out Allegiant vouchers and it worked out perfectly. I found us a nice airbnb and my parents paid for that and the rental car. We made a good team!
I pulled the kids out of school early on Friday and we drove down to Laguna, picked up my parents, and flew from John Wayne. The airport and flight was smooth and easy. We arrived at night and took a short Uber with an interesting fellow named Dan. He revved his truck for Jack and we all thought Parker would have gotten a kick out of that.

After we got all settled in the rental van (which was the same as mine) we drove 1.5 hours to Etna, stopped in Fort Jones for some late night McDonald’s. Half the high school showed up for ice cream and it was a happening place at 10:30pm! Josi had checked us into our airbnb early and made sure the lights were on and that we had a few food provisions which was AWESOME. It was a little chilly and we had a hard time figuring out the heater. But Josi saved the day with some extra blankets. It was so good to see her!

The next morning we slept in and took our time getting ready and headed over to see Josi around noon. We walked over to the Greek Orthodox Seminary behind her house for a tour and a bake sale. The kids were soooo great on the long tour and it was pretty interesting. These teenagers and young adults leave the lives all over the world to attend this seminary, get college credit, and devote their lives to God. It’s pretty remarkable. After the bake sale, we hung out at Josi’s and the kids ran around the hood until dinner. We had the best meal at 5 Mary’s and dessert back at Josi’s where the kids played more games until bedtime.

Sunday was snowy! Big fat soft flakes fell all day and it was pretty magical. We went to church and then relaxed at Josi’s all day. We had chicken n rice and the kids played games. Matt helped them shoot off a rocket at the school across the street. We made homemade snow cones with all the fresh fallen snow which were super yummy. It was a nice day!

Monday was our departure day and we said our goodbyes to Josi and Matt and the boys over breakfast. They have ducks and chickens and the scrambled eggs were delicious! We drove back to Medford and had some Dairy Queen for lunch which, oddly, totally hit the spot! Everyone we met was so friendly and my dad kept tipping everyone. We got to the airport and had another easy flight home. It was pouring rain and we were hungry for tacos so we drove all around town looking for a good place until we settled on Rubios. It was sad dropping off my parents at home before heading back to Eastvale. We made a good travel team! They are easy and accommodating and never once complained about anything. Rayleigh and Jack are great little travelers and even though there was throw up all over my seat on the way back, we got moved to the front of the plane and the kids got lots of snacks! So that was good! I’m glad my dad is better about flying not so these trips can happen more frequently.

Josi and made have created the most magical life up in Etna. Their small town is so beautiful and their home is so warm and cozy. The boys are so well mannered and polite and the dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks totally add that family farm feel.  They are so happy and doing so well and it was truly a joy to be up there with them.

Both times I’ve visited Josi it’s been cold and snowy. So next time I’m hoping for another season! I’m sure it’s amazing in the summer time! Tanner was waiting in the garage in the pouring rain holding a big bouquet of flowers and chocolates so welcome us home. He missed us! There’s no place like home.
Tanner had a great time with Parker and Ella when we were gone. He took them out to dinner, took Ella to get her hair done before taking her to a birthday party, and just spoiled her in general. Shannon brought her home from church on Monday- it takes a village!

Jack was so happy to play the piano at the airport!

Dinner out on Friday