MArvelous Family

It's rare that we get to see long-distance family twice within a few months. Especially since the last time we were all up was for cousin Jason's wedding to Maki in 2006.

I am very thankful for Family. I truly believe that we were given the family that we have for a reason. Family ... people we cannot take for granted. We can better understand ourselves, our parents and their parents if we see, understand and accept who they are, how they were raised and who their relatives were: what their personalities are/were like, what their struggles and triumphs were etc.. I mean, blood is thicker than water... and if you're wondering how a person has that strange or unique characteristic? Well... look at who they are related to. I'm sure you'll find someone in the family having that very same trait.

Each family member behind us (a generation back) did something ... good or not so good... that helped put us where we are at today. It was not easy. (Who says life is easy?) But everyone did the best they could with what they had.

It is up to us to build on their triumphs and provide a new way of our children and their kids etc..

Matthew's Uncle Pat (aka 5-Sook) whom he's always had an affinity for because they had so much in common interest-wise. He just reminds me of my side of the family (open, honest and funny) so that's why I appreciate him so much.

He graciously lent us the use of his Challenger (I call it his mid- life crisis car) when we were there.

Funny thing... when we were driving around one day one of 5-Sook's friends saw his car and thought that it was 'stolen' for a sec since it wasn't him driving it. Thankfully he recognized Matthew so he didn't call the police. Vancouver is a very small city... or 5-Sook just knows everyone!

Gathering at the airport ready to go back home

The girls with their YehYeh/Matthews' dad. It's always a blessing and treat when the girls get to travel with their grandparents.