My visit to the Sunflower State

Hi everyone!

I'd like to tell you about my trip to Kansas to visit Grandma & Grandpa.

It was just me and Mommy because Daddy had to stay home and work. We took an airplane and I behaved MUCH better than Mommy thought I would--even when we were delayed a couple hours. I fell asleep in Mommy's arms--something I haven't done since we were in China. In case you haven't met me, I don't like to miss much.

While I was on my trip, I got to go to Grandma's work twice. She works at the National Weather Service and I might've been an F3 tornado on their scale. I got to meet lots of Grandma's nice friends. They were so kind to give me some sweet gifts. I also got to meet some of Grandma & Grandpa's nice friends--including Sheri. Sheri let me use her car seat, crib, stroller, and many toys and books. That was so nice of her. Mommy was VERY relieved to not have to bring that on the trip.

Grandpa turned 60 years old while I was there. We got to sing to him and I helped him open some of his presents. Tearing paper is fun!!!


Right down the road from Grandma & Grandpa is a farm. There are cows, horses, donkeys, llamas, and ducks. We took all the hedge apples from Grandma & Grandpa's yard and fed them to the horses and donkeys. I petted the horses. One was named Jeff--like my uncle.

I was on my best behavior at their house. I loved walking up and down the steps and liked looking at Grandma's pretties, but I didn't touch. Grandpa walked with me up and down the steps. Grandma would twirl and twirl with me until we'd both be giggling so hard. Now I see why my mom is so goofy!

I missed Daddy but not too much. Here are some pictures from my fabulous trip.

Love,
Lindy Li-Xiao

Labor Day at the Branch Ranch

Almost each year we've lived in Texas, we've spent Labor Day at Dr. & Mrs. Branch's ranch in the Hill Country. There's a fish fry, lots of friends, and, for some, dove hunting. It's always a fun day visiting with special friends, eating way too much, and relaxing in rocking chairs on their large front porch.

Lindy had her first Labor Day at the Branch Ranch and loved it. She ate like the best of them, got more attention than you can possibly imagine, and even joined the folks who were shooting skeet. Just shy of 16 months, we felt it was a little too early for her to try her hand at shooting skeet. (Not to mention her mother is not at all fond of hunting and won't be encouraging her daughter to do it!!!)

Here are some pictures from the day.