Family Time at the Grandma/Pa Sue and Al's Cabin

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins Grandma and Grandpa met at the cabin for the first of an annual Fall gathering. We had great weather, and got to decorate pumpkins, take a horse drawn carriage ride and play in the woods. The kids built a fort with timber twice their size.

Grandparents' Visits

Granny and Grandpa Benton try to make it here very couple of weeks, if we don't go to them. We had several bbq's this summer with Anna, Nikolai and Helena.





We are often able to see Grandma and Grandpa Maloney as they visit when they come home from working out of state.



Grandma and Grandpa Yokers visiting during the summer (Grandpa could not make this particular visit:( We also like to visit them at the cabin!

Violet adores her grandparents.

Kangaroo Lake

Every year, we go to Door County with my family. This was the first year we had Violet and Helena with us, and it was better than ever. A lake is the ultimate bath and the beach is the best sandbox.

Violet's New BFF...Introducing Onyx

He came from Bob's sister, who is getting ready to go to grad school and will be too busy to give him the time he needs. He's a Dotson/Shitzu and Peekapoo mix, but seems to have the intelligence of the poodle and energy of the Shitzu.

Asian Fest, State Fair and Company Picnic

State Fair: Size of a small city where you find holes in your pocket with nothing to show for it but a pint sized stuffed toy and cotton candy rot gut (but fun anyway).




Yes, she is sleeping with one finger to her temple...I had to look twice as well.


At Bob's company picnic, Violet was interested in getting a balloon, but unsure about the clown making them!

Violet Day~August 1

We met Violet one year ago today, in a small room on a hot day at the Taiwanese Women and Childrens Association. It was the most exciting day of our lives. She about 6 and 1/2 months old. That day, Violet was alert with interest and gave shy, sweet smiles. She slept in a tiny cradle next to our hotel bed that first night, and we woke up several times to watch her sleeping. It was surreal. We have had an incredible year with her as she has learned to crawl, cruise and walk. She says several words, including "mama" and "dada," and she still sleeps with the same Pinky Blanky she did the first night she came back to the Feng Yuan hotel with us. She is inquisitive, wickedly smart, funny and kind. We celebrated our first "Violet Day" by going out for dinner and spending a relaxing evening together.

Video recap of Mom and Al Cabin 08

We spent Bob's birthday visiting the Yokers grandparents at their cabin. It is a great place where Bob can escape from the pressures of work. This is the the video highlight.