Day 2 — Mesquite, NV to Huntington Beach, CA

After an amazing night in Mesquite with our fabulous hosts, we boarded the bus for what is known as a "Drive Day". We had 355 miles to cover along with everyone and their mother returning from Las Vegas to California. We've got a bus driver and they have kept us on time and most importantly, SAFE! 

                

After a quick stop for lunch somewhere in the desert in California, we made our way to Community United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach, CA. Melissa Hartline (WBR Ringer #344) and Pastor Lisa's friend, Pastor George Hooper.  CUMC is a beautiful church! Our hosts prepared an amazing baked potato bar, fried chicken and sweet tea!

   

             

The concert was well attended and our audience members included, Melissa Hartline (Ringer #344)and her son, future ringer, Leo.  

                     

Director Katie Lay's family were also in the house - Bell mom and brother Geoff (Ringer # 341) and wife and bell mom Jen, grandparents Dottie and and Alan, cousin Adam, Aunt Katherine and other family members. 

The Chidester family came as well!

Terry Waite's cousin, Barry Waite and wife, Margie joined us too. 

Suzy's college roommate, Brette and his family also joined us at the concert.

Anna's friend, Katherine, was excited to see Anna in action.

Having familiar faces in the audience is an added bonus! 

We also met Marsha Grove, a member of the handbell choir at Community UMC. She shared that she has been playing bells since she was 25! A role model for of all of us for sure!

Thanks to the great tech team at CUMC-HB, we have a master recording of our concert! We've got a full day tomorrow as we will be at Huntington Beach in the morning and the Aquarium of the Pacific in the afternoon before heading to our 3rd concert at St. Andrew's-By-The-Sea in San Clemente, CA.