Pictures at the Bountiful Summerfest

These are the last pictures of  Our Spaniards. We sure do miss them but have been in contact with a few of them since they have returned home. Now life can go on.

I love this Picture of Malinda and I

                          

Except for us we got them for FREE!

Julio and I

Malinda and Julio and I

Luis and I

Cesar and I

Antonio and I

Jose and I

Jesus and I

Jesus (Marrone) and I

Then it was my turn for a few kisses

Daniel and I

Javier and I

Miguel and I

I just love it when Miguel wears his hair down.

Paco and I

Bountiful Summerfest

When we told our Spanish friends Sunday as they left that we would see them in Bountiful. We wanted to see them one last time before they went back to Spain. We also had a few things that they left behind that we wanted to get to them. So Amanda, Malinda, Mom and Myself headed up to Bountiful. When we first arrived it was raining, but we saw blue skies in the distant, hoping that they would be coming our way, they did and it turned out to be a very nice evening. When we got there we didn't expect to see them for a while, but right away I saw Luis and went and said hello. He thinks that he doesn't understand or speak very well, but he does a good job. We asked them where the others were, he said Paco and Javier were taking naps the others were at the Great Salt Lake. He soon left and went and woke Paco up. I think he did this because he wasn't very comfortable talking to us alone. I felt bad because he woke Paco up. It was really nice to see Paco again. We talked for a while and then the rest of the group showed up, I think that they were all surprised and very happy to see us. We were just as happy to see them. We all talked for a little and we let them go and shower and get ready. The Bountiful Summerfest is a little different from the Springville Folkfest. The biggest difference is the stage. At Bountiful it feels like you are more part of the performances. We sat on the front row and felt like they were singing just for us. This was there best performance for me. After it was over we had more time to catch up and visit. I just love these guys. I got closer to some more than others. like Paco and Miguel and Daniel, I love talking to Daniel he is great to talk to. I  miss him and Paco and Miguel the most since I got to them the best, but all miss them all especially there singing. Here is some video of there last night. Pictures will come soon.

Day 7 of the Springville Folkfest

We had to get up early this morning so they could get packed and have breakfast so we could have them at the drop off place on time.

I went down to make sure they were up and they had been and was almost ready to go. They must have gotten up earlier than I. While Paco, finish packing Miguel came up and made them breakfast. They like sandwiches for breakfast. So I sat down and talked to Miguel while he ate breakfast. I was starting to get emotional, then Paco came up to eat while Miguel finish. Paco was sitting across the table form me and we were just staring at each other. No words need to be said because we could just see and feel them. Then he moved over next to me and put his arm around me and I just lost it. I started bawling. I have come to think of these two great men as part of my family and I was going to miss them so much. I know that we will stay in contact with each other, but they live thousands of miles away and 14 or so hour plan ride away, and even though I have told them I will come to visit, it is had to say goodbye.

It was then time to leave. So we packed the car up and headed out. We were the first ones to get there, so Paco got his guitar out and started playing then Jesus and Julio showed up and they got their guitars out and joined in. As Carol and I sat there listening to them the waterworks started again this was going to be a hard goodbye. Then everyone else showed up and we visited a little more and the mood lightened up. It was nice to visit just a little while longer. Then they had them put their belonging on the bus and come back for on last goodbye. The Folkfest Committee always has the host families sing "God be with you till we meet again". I was doing fine until we start singing the last verse and the waterworks started again. We gave them all hugs and kisses and Daniel told me I didn't need to cry, but I just couldn't help it. I love all them so very much and when you say goodbye to a loved one it is just hard. They all got on the bus we waited for the buses to leave so we could wave goodbye and it was all over.

I just have to say even though we have all been a host family for 2 years this is probably going to be my favorite. It has to do that I got to spend the whole week with my family, not just Randy and the Boys, but my Mom and Dad and my Sisters and Brothers-in-laws and my Nieces and Nephews. But those men are the most special group of people I have ever meet. I will never forget them or this feeling I got from there music and their personalities. If you ever get the chance you should host. It is a crazy busy week, you will never be more tired in or life, but it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do. The friendships and the bonds that you make, make up for everything else.

I LOVE YOU!! Paco, Miguel, Daniel, Javier, Cesar, Jesus M, Luis, Jose, Antonio, Julio, Jesus.

May God Be With You Till We Meet Again.