The Tampkins Homestead: Asian in gray tshirt & Jeans. CA Trip Day 1

SO we are finally here!!! Our hotel room is amazing! Matt picked us up from the airport (which fyi: on the way here I got to fly over the mountains & the grand canyon..first for me to ever see) and we drove around Orange County *Bob Marley on the radio* looking for a Wienerschinitzel. Never had it. But David recommended it for a quick bite to eat... And of course, he had it planned: The have Chicago Dogs! & I had it on a pretzel bun (yum!). Then Matt drove us to the hotel and we got checked in. Its beautiful and looks like a one bedroom apt. Plus its smells good. Cant wait to take a dip in the jacuzz one night ( i have to!).
Around 4pm we met up with Diamond. She is Jazmins Social worker. Matt said wed know her by: an Asian women in a gray tshirt and jeans. True enough! We met up a hour before the meeting to just discuss whats going on -really- in Jazs life. Kids dont always tell you everything, and for the most part our baby girl has been up front and honest about alot. Nothing really to hide. I think Diamond was pleasently surprized at how much she tells her dad. We sat at starbucks on The Block -out door mall now turned into outlets!- and just talked.

A hour or so later.... We all three met up with Matt at the Market Broiler then sometime after Linda & Jaz showed up!!! It was soooo hard not to cry. David and her just hugged and hugged. We ALL were holding in our tears. I knew if I let one go, id loose them all. Dinner was Great! I recommend that place to anyone in the area! Highish prices, but I mean... its expected.

Then we headed over to a bowling alley on The Block. It was fun. None of scored above 100. We are some champs. It went quick and it was soo hard to say goodbye for the night that I dont even wannnnna think about sunday. I will cry. Its so amazing to see this beautiful girl happy to have people who love her surround her. Diamond, Linda, and Matt put their all in to Jaz and it feels like a family. I am truely touched by how they care and love her. David and I are just so blessed. Jaz is so blessed.

I dont wanna steal Davids thunder today, so ill end it here: Jazmin gave me a hug and called me mom. Not step mom, not Shawna but MOM! Im a mom. I never been called that. She seemed shocked because she thought the little ones called me that. I said no hunny, they have a mom... i get to be the cool auntish type that gets to have fun with them.
Which is great. Im a first time mom to an 18 year old! And it is truely a beautiful thing!