I have a lot to cover since I haven't posted in more than six months. Life is full and we, like everyone, have had our joys and sorrows this year. Sadly, I lost my Dad in February. He was an example of enduring to the end with grace and patience. He was our patriarch and he and Mom created an amazing family if I do say so myself. He has left us a great legacy of perserverance, honesty, humor, hard work and faith. Mom cared for him to the very end with love and compassion. She, too, has been an example that we hope to emulate.
Happily, our family is growing again. Whitney and Ryan had twin boys on March 23, 2010, William Ryan and Truman Ryan. As you can see they are beautiful and very good babies. They were born 6 weeks early, but weighed 5 lbs. 15 oz. and 5 lbs. 6 oz. Will came home from the hospital after a week, but Truman had a few breathing problems and remained for 2 1/2 weeks. Whitney is recovering well from the c-section, and Ryan and Whitney are great parents. What joy! Santa Barbara has become our new favorite place to visit.
William Ryan Stodtmeister
with grandpa
Truman Ryan Stodtmeister with grandma
Here is a quick update of the last six months. Enjoy the photos!
We had a great month in Hawaii in July.
Isabel in her Thanksgiving coat. Pretty irresistable
Nicole created this darling costume for Isabel to wear at Halloween. Nicole wore the spider web skirt and Isabel was the spider.
As busy as everyone gets during the holidays, it was so fun to get together and feel the Christmas spirit at a spur of the moment luncheon. What great friends I have.
More fun times with friends, snowshoeing and hiking the Galena Trail.
In October we had another baby added to our family. Wesley Paul Strassburger, born to our niece, Heather and her husband, John. They were totally surprised after 10 years of marriage to find themselves pregnant. Heather had a very difficult pregnancy and so Wesley's safe arrival was a great joy to everyone. He is beautiful and everyone instantly fell in love with him. Laurel and Toby came from Germany and we had a great reunion at Trader Vic's. We had four generations there. Mom and Dad have quite a posterity now and we hope we are bringing them joy.
Christmas at the Bailey's beautiful Santa Rosa home. Family is the best.
Isabel turned one with a big party on February 13. We combined the celebration with a shower for Whitney.
That is a quick wrap of the last six months.
with grandpa
