This has been an interesting year and has gone by so quickly. I’m still finding it hard to believe it’s almost over.
I have decided to do my Christmas card as a blog this year for several reasons. I’ve watched Jenna and Justyn share their news in their blogs and found them fun and informative; so I thought why not do one, too. (Thanks Jenna – Serendipity Designs - for helping me with this one) Now that I have been thinking “GREEN”, I also wish to reduce the amount of paper and trees it takes to print and mail my letter. And saving on stamps and printer ink is attractive, while conserving on petrol from delivering them across the country works for me. And maybe to be more honest, I’d like to share more of my many photos of the year with you as we say good-bye to 2008.
I truly love taking photos and rarely can be found without a camera within arm’s reach; so I have lots of pix of the 3 F’s - family, flora, and fauna. If you wish to see these many photos, please continue, CLICK on the arrow on the video to start each video - if not – have a very Joyous Holiday Season with Peace, Love, and Blessing in the New Year.
This past January Mom and I flew to Seattle to spend two weeks with my bother, Nory, and to visit a little with his daughter, Christina. The first week we went to Whistler, B.C., Canada (the location for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics). Nory skied while I did sightseeing and, YES, took pix. The second week he showed us many beautiful areas in the scenic Northwest.
The months seemed to drag somewhat after that, waiting for Jenna and Ed’s adoption referral, approval, and travel date to go to VietNam for the adoption of their daughter, Ella (Nguyen, Hien Thuong). They asked me if I would like to accompany them on the trip over and spend 2 weeks of their stay with them. Of course, I said, “YES!!!!!” We left on May 28th and arrived May 30th. Jenna and Ed met Ella for the first time at the orphanage and officially became a family at the giving and receiving private ceremony on June 2nd. She is such a joy -- full of love, spirit, and energy. They bonded immediately, and their journey as a family has been amazing.
The 2 weeks spent in VietNam were awesome. We fell in love with Hanoi, and are ready to go back. Did I mention that besides the sites and wonderful people, the shopping in Old Quarter was unbelievable - we had a hard time fitting all our goodies in our luggage for the trip home.
One of the loveliest sights was Ha Long Bay - a 2 hour+ drive in a crowded van with a 7-1/2 month old baby (who was wonderful traveling with) - made it all worthwhile when it brought us to so many "AHH look at that" - the camera's were busy!!!
Once back to Wisconsin, summer was in full swing. Jonathan flew in to Wisconsin July 1st and met his new niece for the first time – even though he felt he already knew her from following the blog Jenna set up with photos and information as the adoption proceeded.
His visits never last long enough. While he was here I did put him to work cutting out some of the shirts I've been making for him to wear when he's teaching.
On the 4th of July, Justyn, Rae, Alicyn, and Gracyn meet Ella for the first time. After they spent the morning together at the Milwaukee County Zoo, we had a Bar-B-Q at Jenna/Ed/Ella’s house and watched fireworks at the park across the street. A weekend later they went camping in Door County where I joined them on Sunday – we biked, hiked, and yes – took pictures.
Nory came in mid-July to visit and to watch some vintage car races at Road America. He, too, got to meet Ella for the first time. I joined him for dinner with his friends from Canada who also came for the races. We all enjoyed our dinner and spent a lovely evening checking out a lot of really neat old cars at the Concours d’Elegance. (Considering that most of them were new when I was in high school, does that make us … uh, classics, too?)
Summer went by in a flash but we still had time to spend together and enjoyed being a family.
Fall has been beautiful this year. I spent a weekend with Justyn, Rae, and the girls in Shawano during their peak fall season; so the girls and I went for a drive to enjoy the colors – you guessed it – and took pictures. Jenna, Ed, and Ella had fun times in the neighborhood park. After the leaves began to fall, Alicyn and Gracyn were here to play in my yard that was filled with piles of leaves that I am blessed with each fall. Ella enjoyed playing in the leaves as they raked and put them to the curb in Milwaukee.
The cold weather has arrived BURRRRR!!!! and lot's of snow - UGH!!!! Mom and I have hunkered down in front of the fireplace to stay warm with a good book. Justyn/Rae/Ali/Gracie were here for Thanksgiving and now we are planning our schedules for Christmas gatherings. Jonathan will be home this Christmas; we are all looking forward to spending time together again. He says he can't wait to play with his nieces and spoil them the way an uncle is suppose to.
Now the year 2008 is coming to an end, and with hope in our hearts, we are looking forward to 2009 and beyond.
In January, Mom and I are once again returning to Seattle to spend some time with Nory. Whistler will be our first stop. Taking more interesting pictures will be on my agenda as we see more of the beautiful Northwest.
I send you blessings of JOY, LOVE, and PEACE. Live life with love for everyone as we are all one in heart and spirit.
