The One In CA '07 (part two and the ring)...

I'm technically not in California any longer. We all made it back safely on Sunday around 1:00 in the afternoon. The redeye flight we took back to the east coast went smoothly except that we took off an hour later from Los Angeles and had to wait an extra hour in Jacksonville for our luggage. The two-hour drive back to Tallahassee went by quickly for all the people sleeping and somewhat of a challenge for Howard - the boy was driving while all of us dozed off. Not all of us had quality rest on the plane ride back. The most important thing is that we made it back safely and that we still all can fit in our pants - I didn't, however, say comfortably.

The remaining part of the time out in California was fantabulous. Amanda did so amazingly well with dad and the extended Kan family. She actually ate some real Chinese cuisine, but the hardcore stuff will have to come in the future...or maybe never. According to our rental SUV (Jeep Commander), we logged 40 hours in the vehicle during our week out there. I can honestly say that all 40 hours were either filled with laughter or quality time spent with everyone. The amenities weren't the best, but we made the most of it. Thank goodness that me and Amanda are short or else toughing it out in the child-friendly third-row seating would have been a bear to endure.

Sequoia National Forest, Kings Canyon, Crystal Cave, and the Hearst Castle were all so amazing to see and experience again. We took plenty of pictures between me, Tony, and Howard. Once we sort out all the pictures, I'll be sure to post them for all to see. Other than the above-mentioned places, we visited the Ontario Mills Mall, saw an Angels game, and visited a multitude of fine dining establishments (Asian and American). Not one minute was wasted on this trip. In previous trips out, there always seemed to be a day or two where there was slack time. It was a very fruitful trip for everyone. The entire Kan family really thought so much of Amanda; and they could see why she has made me as happy as I have been for the past eight months or so now.

Once things settle down, I'll share some other aspects of the trip - think bigger picture and how that affects me and Amanda and the entire Kan family. Of course that's probably not shocking news to the regulars who visit this site. So if you haven't guessed it already, me and AmandaLyn are officially engaged (as of 7/30/07 around 8:30 PM @ the dock). I hate to leave y'all hangin' like that, but I'll include the details soon (hopefully). There will be a lot going on in the next few weeks and months. That's probably the biggest understatement I've made on here thus far. Thanks for tuning in and for reading. Much blessings to all...

A fiancé now to the love of my life (not to mention a beautiful one at that),

~KH

No Reservations (viewed on 7/31) - 8 1/2 Turkey Legs