Day at the beach

It was a magical day at the beach halfway between our house and my parents. We spent a sunny warm autumn day eating a tasty picnic. Mom and dad wrangled over who would hold Violet next, and mama dipped V. in cold Lake Michigan. She didn't seem to mind, and this further confirms our belief that she is a true Buddhist.

Daddy's girl

Daddy and Violet bonded quickly, and it wasn't long before Violet had him securely wrapped around his finger. How's the circulation Bob? They like to play flying, tummy tickle monster and chill out together after Bob returns from work.

Meeting Maloney Grandparents

Today, Violet met her Maloney Grandparents. They were driving through WI back to MI, where grandpa is working on a project.

Settling In

Violet has been adjusting very well. She had no noticeable jetlag which is more than I can say for me and Bob. She has two teeth now, and is standing, with assist, and sitting. We'll need to childproof the house soon. Violet's really interested in mirrors, toys that make sounds, food, and music.

First try of solid food

Asleep in the backyard

Enjoying the park & Lake Michigan

Our first restaurant outing back home

Meeting Yokers Grandparents and Aunt Robin.

Violet got to meet more Grandparents and her Great Aunt Robin.

Homecoming

FINALLY!!!

We left Taipei at 4:30 AM... we were not thrilled with getting up so early, but Violet didn't seem to mind and the car drive through Taipei was magical at this time. As we drove away from the city, the sun was just starting to rise and the mountains could be seen in the background in colors of blue and purple with scattered lights reflecting human presence in the distance.

We all stayed in good spirits considering none of us slept very well (except for Violet)... we had a short flight to Osaka and Violet slept in her bassinet. The trip from Osaka to Detroit seemed to take forever, but Violet didn't cry and was enthralled with the Taiwanese woman sitting next to us. The Taiwanese woman was very nice and was leaving Taiwan for the first time in her life to study at the University of Wisconsin Madison... (Bob's alma mater). We hope she is doing well in the cold Wisconsin climate.

We finally arrived in Chicago, 22 hours from our departure time. We were greeted by the Benton Grandparents and Aunt Anna. The trip was long and exhausting, but the joy of seeing family and being back home was exhilarating.

Life in Taipei

Despite Bob's long work hours and following a baby schedule, we were able to do some sight seeing in Taipei. We found the city to be very metropolitan and dynamic. Violet was just as happy to people-watch at Starbucks as she was taking a walk in the Bjorn, or going to the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.

Standing at the top of Taipei 101


Chang Kai-Check Memorial

life in the hotel



Helping Daddy with work

Chang Kai-Check Memorial Gardens & Dancers in local park


Taoist Temple worshipers