Hello Dolly! (Photo compliments of Betty Chu) 

A visit with Betty Chu on 12/17/2005 

Business Mixed with Pleasure

Chloe and I took Friday off to accompany Pete on an inspection in Monte Sereno, near San Jose. We decided that we would make a weekend out of it. Chloe endured all of the weekend driving without crying once in her carseat. Of course the Baby Einstein DVDs didn't hurt.

After our inspection, we stopped by to visit two of our favorite cousins in San Jose, Bruce and Lorene Riley. Bruce is now retired and his hair is longer than mine. I admit, I am jealous! Chloe is now cautious around strangers, but she sure warmed up to cousin Bruce in a hurry. Toys everywhere and good companionship. Lorene was having a rough day after spending the morning out and about. It was so good to get to spend time with her and visit. I wish we had brought the camera in to take some pictures!

The next day we stopped by to visit a long-time rabbit breeder friend, Betty Chu and her husband Albert. Betty has the loveliest angoras anywhere in the world. I loved catching up with news of the rabbit world. She even had some baby rabbits in her home and I got to hold one. Nothing is cuter than a baby English Angora bunny. Chloe loved Betty's back yard and wanted to climb all dangerous apparatus such as ladders and hand trucks. Betty graciously sent us off with a large bag of persimmons. Now I will have to try out that persimmon bundt cake recipe.

We then went on to Carmel to complete our weekend Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, a major storm system came in that night and we could barely sleep in the hotel. The wind was howling fiercely and something kept banging on our window all night. The rain poured, vertically and diagonally. Chloe wasn't even phased. After room service on Sunday morning, we opted to cut our trip short and head back home to Shafter. Halfway home, we stopped in Paso Robles to visit more of Chloe's cousins. It was a great weekend!

Chloe guarding the car at mall play area 

Chloe's first carousel ride 

Chloe with Dad on living room floor 

Yes. We're still here.

It has been awhile since our last post and we have received a lot of comments reminding us of that. Since shortly before Thanksgiving, we have had a round of colds in our household. Chloe is finishing up on round three and Mom is finishing up on round two. Dad had one bad cold at the beginning, but he has been avoiding any relapses so far.

The week before Thanksgiving, we went to a park in Thousand Oaks for National Adoption Day. We met with a group of other parents of children adopted from China and Chloe had a fun time playing. It was nice to interact with other parents and share experiences. When Choe is older, I think she will also enjoy the opportunity to spend time with other kids who share her unique circumstances.

Yesterday we were all finally feeling well enough to get out of the house. We decided to finish up our Christmas shopping by going to the mall in Valencia California. It is a lot nicer than the mall here in Bakersfield (and a lot less crowded). There is a two story carousel and a special play area for small children. They even have a lounge for parents with lots of diaper changing stations and private rooms for breast feeding. There is a bathroom with two toilets and two sinks. One of the toilets and sinks is miniaturized for children. It is so nice! Chloe had a great time although she screamed hysterically when we finally left the play area. She only cried a little when we took her off the carousel ride. It was her first time and she sure enjoyed herself. Mom stood by her side and each time the carousel made a full circle to Dad, Chloe would wave and giggle loudly. One time, she waved too soon and the lady who was the recipient waved and laughed back at her. Pete told me afterward that I didn't need to get him anything for Christmas. This day with Chloe was reward enough! I agree.