2/28 Kenosha

Jen, Momma and the family mascot McDuff in Pennoyer Park beside Lake Michigan - Feb 2008

We arrived in Kenosha, Wisconsin which is a very pleasant town on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. There was plenty of snow on the ground and the bitter cold weather added just the touch to make it an other worldly experience for Jen. She lived in a very warm coastal city of southern China and had never seen snow or been in weather like that. We went to introduce Jen to her extended family -- her very first relatives.

Most of my wife's family still lives in her hometown and our trips back are filled with memories of pizza and family gatherings and visits to the lighthouses along the lake. On Sunday afternoon after we arrived, the assisted living facility where my mother-in-law resides hosted a Winter Wonderland dance. It was a very nice occasion and the music brought smiles to many faces. Of course, it wouldn't be Wisconsin unless they played the Bunny Hop and a polka. We were not disappointed.

The Parham clan gathered for a group shot at the dance. We were only missing one of Kristy's siblings. We missed you, Aunt Laura!

Of course, mission no. 1 was to introduce Jen to her grandmother (Chinese: lao lao). We had talked for weeks about her lao lao and they finally met. We went out for a nice lunch and the girls posed for a photo.


My daughter and I got to play checkers by the fireplace. It felt so normal to be there with her. It is unusual for me to relax and an enjoy a chance like that. That was a special moment.




Jen made friends with her cousins -- they were so sweet to her. We are thankful there are still some close to her age. My wife and I are both the youngest in our families and so most of the cousins are already grown.

Lexie and Jen all dressed up for the dance

Going to visit her cousins

Danny, Jen, Maddie and Cullie

Jen and cousin Lexie at her brother's choir concert

It wouldn't be a family outing unless McDuff somehow was involved. On the way home, we stopped in Amish country again and found fresh fallen snow. McDuff always likes to explore new places