Las Vegas {Road Trip}

On January 8th, Brian and I drove to Las Vega$ to meet up with friends. Katie, Rachael and Kiel from Indiana, Jim from West Virgina, and Theresa and Max from Arizona. Three of them had never been! We also took a quick trip to Red Rock Canyon and took a few snapshots.

Here we all are in Downtown. l to r: Brian, me, Katie, Jim, Kiel, Rachael, Theresa and Max.

On the way home, we saw the sun flanked by two sundogs. I'm happy that I was able to take a snapshot of it. Taken just west of Stateline.

I took this snapshot as we were approaching Baker.

Christmas 2009 { Happy New Year! }

Happy New Year! It has been a busy holiday season. With getting all the things done that needed done before Christmas, I haven't had time to post. My family and I had a wonderful Christmas holiday. We were able to visit family and friends and I was able to get a few snapshots of our gatherings. Wishing everyone Love and Joy in 2010!

Brian and me- New Year's Eve '09 (cellphone pic)

A few days after Christmas, I was able to visit the Stutsmans in Fullerton. Nadine and I enjoyed a good lunch at the mall and back at the house, I had a good visit with Mike and Linda.

Me, Nadine, Mike and Linda

On Christmas Day, we all went to visit my folks in Fontana. We had a fun visit with my family. Here are a few snapshots of those who where there.

Top pic- Mom and Dad with: Brian and me; Pete and Becky; Donna and Robert; Roberta and Manuel.

Bottom pic- Angie and Sas; Stephen and Chris; Billy and Emily; Andrew and Rachel.

Top pic -Group picture of the grandkids; Billy and Emily; Becky,Sas, me; Sas and Angie.

Bottom pic- Our Christmas morning family picture.

On Christmas Eve, The Hixson Family gathering was at Melissa and Bob's this year in San Bernardino. The food was great and we all had a good time.

Top pic: Richard and Karen; Darla, Haley and Darrick; Ab and Kim; Adam and Andrew.

Bottom pic: My family photo; Melissa and Bob; Andrew and Rachel; Emily and Melissa.

A few days before Christmas, Brian and I went to have dinner at the Cooks in Apple Valley. We always have a fun time when we visit.

Don, Andrew and Mary Ann.

San Francisco {Golden Gate Bridge}

Our quick trip to San Francisco meant a quick trip over the Golden Gate Bridge. With Brian driving and Uncle Egbert riding shotgun, I took these snapshots with my G6 from the back seat.

These snapshots were taken along side Conzelman Road.

San Francisco { Aunt Xiu-Lian }

On Friday after Thanksgiving, Brian, Rachel and I took a quick trip to San Francisco. Brian's maternal Aunt, Xiu-Lian, died the week before and we drove up to attend her funeral. Aunt Xiu-Lian was our 'Chinese' aunt and she has an amazing story...

In China's Gansu province 1929, Xiu-Lian's parents were killed during war and was left orphaned along with two other siblings. Brian's maternal grandparents, who were missionaries, found them huddled along the side of the road, took them home and soon adopted them. In 1939, Xiu-Lian married Ji-Ming and they had three children. In 1940, missionaries were forced out and Grandpa and Grandma, with broken hearts, had to leave Xiu-Lian behind. For 42 years, Xiu-Lian and Ji-Ming endured hard times under the communist regime in China. Then in 1981, Xiu-Lian was able to send a letter to the U.S. looking for her American parents. They were reconnected with Grandma and in 1982 were able to come to the U.S. After arriving, Xiu-Lian and Ji-Ming passionately served the Lord until their deaths- Ji-Ming in 1990 and Xiu-Lian in 2009.

Here they are on their wedding day and shortly after arriving to the U.S.

After the funeral, we all gathered at Tian-en's house. I was able to get some group shots.

Chinese and American families. Uncle Egbert is sitting second from the right.

First cousins with spouses.
Second cousins.

I have a story about Xiu-Lian and it goes like this...

Aunt Xiu-Lian is a kidnapper. Brian and I met Aunt Xiu-Lian for the first time in February 1983 when Emily was only 5 months old. We arrived at the home where she had been staying and as soon as she saw Emily, she took her and left the room. A few minutes later, I went looking for them. I found Xiu-Lian lovingly rocking Emily in her arms. As I stepped closer, I could see that Xiu-Lian was crying and quietly saying "Egbert, Egbert". I found out later that before Brian's grandparents were forced to leave China, it was Xiu-Lian's job to take care of Egbert, Grandma and Grandpa's youngest child. Seeing Emily, Xiu-Lian was overcome with emotion as she remembered caring for Egbert. Four months later, we had a family camping trip where Xiu-Lian and Ji-Ming also attended. Xiu-Lian was an amazing babysitter- she never let Emily out of her sight and surrendered her to me only to nurse. In the years to come, we enjoyed our visits with Xiu-Lian and her family.

Xiu-Lian and Emily, February 1983

Here they are at the Santa Barbara Zoo, June 1983.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day was spend with Brian's family at Kim and Abe's house in San Bernardino. Everyone was present... well, minus Emily+Billy (having dinner with his family in O.C.) and Sylvia and Chloe who, of course, live in England! Always fun to see everyone and dinner was great! I am thankful for having great in-laws! Here is the group picture.

Mojave Road Jeep Trip - November 21, 2009

Brian and I, along with the Mlakars and Andersons, took the Jeep out over part of the Mojave Road. We drove over LOTS of sand, rocks, through dry lakes and through a couple of water crossings over the Mojave River. We had a real good time. Here are a few snapshots.

2008 San Bernardino Co. Fair Entries

In the spring of 2008, I entered several photos in our local county fair. I was excited that four out of my five entries placed! I was even more excited that I was honored with Best of Show-Amateur :) Here are the four that placed.

'96 Steps' Upper Tahquamenon Falls, Upper MI

Best of Show-Amateur

'Oakland-Bay' Oakland Bay Bridge

Second Place-right behind '96 Steps'

'Jane's Angel' Bellsville Cementery, IN

First Place-Best of Class

'Morning Colors' Victorville, CA

Fourth Place

James Family { + Baby }

My friend, Cynthia, asked if I would take a few snapshots of her son's family. Of course I said yes! I met Chris, Lydia, son Nick and Baby at Prospect Park in Redlands. Here are a few favorites.