Christmas in New York

We traveled to New York for a Jasinski family Christmas. We each took numbers and waited for our turn to hold Thomas or William. Most photographs of the celebration includes a baby. Claire, Luisma, and Martin as usual made the record for longest distance to the party since they traveled from Spain. Here Luisma visits with Syd and holds William, or maybe Thomas.

Marco moves to the Big Apple

In early December, Marco left the quiet parochial farms of Grand Rapids for the gritty urban world of New York. Here he shares an exciting party night with his cousin Anna Claire and the boys.

How life changes

Leaving the womb, the boys have entered a new world. It looks like Nellie has too.

No hurry

In early December Nellie's impressive profile could part raging waters. It deflated when she gave birth to two beautiful boys, William and Thomas. Already they are negotiating issues of dominance and precedence.

Avian Spelling

It is well known that geese fly in a V, but the formation in this picture has not been widely observed. Recent research by the Audubon Society, however, has determined that only Michigan geese have the required linguistic aptitude, explaining the rarity of this Geese behavior. Little Vinny always knew that the New York geese were trying to spell his name.

Introductions

We returned to Michigan for Thanksgiving and found that Nicholas has a new friend. Welcome to our madhouse Sunny.

Radiant Norah

As we were traipsing around the country, Norah was growing in beauty and insight.

Vinnie in Washington

On land, as on the boat, the traveling team of Vinnie and Maria live as though they are welded together. This photograph in the Washington Post is evidence that Vinnie's doppelganger is leading a secret and happy life on a motor boat. He must be the Captain.

The Surprise

All of dad's sisters, Claire, Eulalia, Suzanne, and Daphne, arrived from across the country to help us celebrate his life with memories of his life from childhood to 80 years.

Back in Atlanta

In early October Stuart had his 80th birthday. Instead of dancing girls and elephants, the family decided to have a surprise birthday party. Dad was surprised, nearly laid low with surprise.

Good times

The visit to Iowa was also a chance to enjoy the company of Francesca and her friend Jarrod. Here they get into the party spirit with Norah.

Transformation

The baptism must have worked, shortly afterward Norah turned into a flower.

Norah Claire

In late September, Norah Claire Hemsley was baptised. We joined family from across the country came to Iowa for the ceremony.

Vinny Meets the Catapiller

Although we missed the event, Little Vinny's visit to Uncle Tony and Aunt Joan was big news. His love for serious machines must be an inherited personality trait since Uncle Tony has it too. They did wheelies with excavators and races with backhoes. Who could ask for more?

If not for them....

As in past years, in early September Mom and Dad forgot their anniversary. Fortunately, their children and grandchildren did not. We all have a reason to celebrate their 52 years of marriage. .

Climbing the Peaks

For their summer vacation, Karl, Katherine, Antje, and Joe went to Mount Ranier for their adventures. Despite the warnings of anxious observers, they crossed a snow field and reached high altitude.

Lexi Learns to Swim

During the summer, Lexi left behind all fears and anxieties in her sure determination to not only swim, but join a swim team. We're not sure if she made the high school cut, but she did master the finny arts.

How did we do that!!!

Our many travels to family and friends have brought our odometer to over 206,000 miles. This feat would not have been possible without the support of Scott and Don Hull of Excel Auto Sales in Grand Rapids, MI. Since purchasing the Sunfire in May of 2006, we have put on an additional 20,000 miles. A car running repeated cross country marathons needs occasional repairs, and Scott and Don have treated us like family. They have taken care of all the work, with remarkably minimal charges for parts and labor. Several repairs have been at no charge whatsoever.
If you are looking for a good used car in the Grand Rapids area (actually, anywhere in the Midwest), we highly recommend Excel. Click on the link below to visit their web site. Thank you Scott and Don for taking care of us.
Excel Auto Sales Web Page

Where have we been?

We have been traveling around the Eastern and Midwestern US for the last 3 months. This map shows our route while covering over 6,700 miles. Add this to our 13,000 mile Alaska trip and we have driven close to 20,000 miles since leaving Amante in May. We are looking forward to getting back to the boat soon, if only to get some work done. Still anticipating our daughter Alessia's upcoming delivery, our next grandchild.

At the helm

Here's Vinnie at the helm of the big rig. Getting ready to leave Atlanta for our trip to Alaska. We will not be updating this blog, but we are starting another. You can keep track of our adventure at:

http://bubbah.blogspot.com