WII

This video game has brought more families together than nay board game ever has. It sure did it for us this November family weekend. Even my mother got involved. There definitely is something for every age. Here is Gina, demonstrating how it works and my mom and my sister, Tina, listening intently. Julian my 5 year old nephew ended up playing all night and had a sore body the next morning! We are all planning to pitch in to get him his very own Wii for Christmas. That was a fun game.

Gina and Julian

This picture was taken at a mall in Sacramento. The entire family was dressed in white and khaki and we were going to take family portraits. We had to wait in line and felt pretty funny dressed alike, waiting in a mall. Julian and Gina took advantage of this time to get caught up. Gina, in my eyes should have her own child. I think among the three sisters, Gina is probably the one that's shown the most interest to kids. Tina would be next, then me. Although we all are very excited about kids, I see Gina as the one who probably would be most likely to have kids if situation permitted it. She is a very very giving person with a huge heart. So, I feel this picture captures Gina in all her glory. Just sitting with her buddy, Julian, taking a break and having a little chat. It's so lovely.

During our visit, we played with Julian, or youngest nephew. We are so excited to have a young nephew again, as both our nephews, Nico and Mikee are in college already. Julian is quite spoiled. But we can't help it. He is such a good and very smart kid. He is spoiled but he is not a brat. I feel those are two different things. He still has manners and is taught to behave. But we do tend to bend over backwards for him just because we're excited to have him. It's not the worse thing in the world, I think...

Vacation in Sacramento

I'm a bit behind on posting my pictures. This obviously wasn't taken in December. This was taken not too long ago though, in November. Pat and I went to Sacramento for a family reunion complete with all siblings and spouses. We were supposed to come over for thanksgiving but since my sister, Tina, who lives in Hongkong were planning on being in Sacramento a bit earlier, we decided, of course, to come when they were going to be there.

This is what we did the first day. It was so beautiful in Sacramento, we went for a nice long walk. While we were walking, we walked past these horses and they immediately walked up to us and let us pet them. I thought they were super friendly. Pat thought they might have wanted some treats. Either way, they were beautiful animals and they look like they have a good life here.

Speaking of good people.....

I was at Amy's house with Tina and Piper just for a small get together with her friends who Tina and I just get along with very well.

I got a chance to hangout with her after I left that company that she currently works for. I left the company in March and I haven't really seen her since.

I met Amy about two years ago and she has become a good friend. She is truly one of those people who are just plain good. She and I have a lot in common. We wear our heart on our sleeve and we want everyone around us happy.

The little person behind Amy is Lucas. Amy married her husband Colin the same month she started with GSK. Both Amy and Colin have a uniquely great relationship built on strong family values and mutual respect. I love being around them and I love how much they love Lucas and play with him.

In addition to Tina and Piper, we had dinner with Liz and Hal. These are Amy and Colin's friends. This evening was fun. I look forward to spending more time with them.

A Miracle

Miracles happen everyday but it's great when they happen to people in your life! Tina's story strengthens my faith in never giving up and always hoping. This miracle is Tina's baby girl, Piper. Tina has been waiting for Piper for a very very long time. Her story is one that I don't need to print here for me to remember as I will never forget the journey she went on to end up here. We are all so happy for her and just happy, period. Happy that good things happen to people around for us to witness.

Happy Muzzle

As I work with Chance and deprogramming the bad habits he learned while he was in the shelter for a year, I decided to make him wear a muzzle when on walks and in public. I found a great company that has this muzzle called "happy muzzle." They come in different attractive patterns to make the muzzle not look threatening. He looks cute in it and he doesn't seem to mind it at all. He is such a good dog. He just doesn't complain much at all. He's just so happy to have a home that he is willing to go through anything to make it work out.

Fireside Pleasures

This is one of the favorite things the dogs like to do. Sit by the fireplace. Both Ivan and Chance take turns on the best spot in front of the fireplace. Sometimes when Ivan has the best spot, he takes full advantage of it and sprawls out. He is very happy right now.