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.

Day 6 of the Springville Folkfest

We got to sleep in a little bit to day, but not as much as the day before, because I had invited Amanda and my Mom and there guys to an American Breakfast. We had Fried eggs, Pancakes, Sausage and Bacon and OJ. After it was eaten and all cleaned up we headed to the swimming pool. I had tons of fun with everyone going down the slides and teaching them how to play Marco Polo. I think they all had fun.

Jesus

Luis

Cesar

Malinda

Addy, Steve, Rosy, Lala, Trae

Porter and Tyler

Javier

ME

Steve

Daniel and I

Malinda, Trae, and Addy

Javier

Javi and I

Jesus

Miguel

Jesus

Luis

Julio

Jesus and Daniel

Paco

Miguel

Javier and Randy

Antonio

Jesus

Paco

Antonio

Jose

Randy and I

Javier

Amanda and Mom and Malinda didn't stay as long as we did because my Mom's side of the family had a Reunion. I would have liked to have gone put I had already committed to this week so they took the boys and I got stuck with their Spaniard's, which I didn't mind. It gave me a little more time to get to know them better. We also had Daniel and Luis since we had to take two cars I told Cassidy that we would drop them off at the dinner that they had just for the performers. Randy and I went out to dinner at the Art City Trolley, I was nice to have some alone time since we hadn't had any. Then we went to the Arts park for the evening performance. Randy had to say good bye to all of them before it started because he had to leave early and had to go to work the next morning before we all were up.

These next few pictures are them practicing before hand.

Paco

Antonio and Javier

Cesar

Jose

Miguel and Jesus

Daniel and Luis

Jesus

Julio

To start the evening out they had a gift exchange with the Folkfest Committee and the Directors from each Country.

They gave each country a statue of an Indian.

In exchange Spain gave them there thing around there neck which signifies that they are now in their Brotherhood.

Randy's family also joined us at the Arts Park for this evening and we enjoyed them coming. My Mom and Dad and Amanda and Malinda made it back form the reunion right before intermission and since Spain always performed after intermission they were able to hear them. Spain always performed after intermission because they had to use every mic that they had.

It was raining right up to when we got there and then it stopped and I loved how the sky looked and the a little of the sunset.

They can't end the last evening with out the fire dance.

At the end of every performance all the performers join hands and make a circle on the stage.

Since this was our last night with them Carol and Nolan had invited everyone back to there house for an after party. They just sang to us and we ate a little and laughed. It was a great night. We didn't get home until 2:00am, but it was worth the late night.

Carol's grandson