Parents visiting New York

This past weekend my parents visited from Michigan. We had a great time, introducing them to Lily, showing off the home renovations, taking in a Broadway show, and generally had a nice relaxing visit. It's always a treat to have them visit.

As you can see, they welcomed Lily to our family with open arms!

Quick learner

Miss Lily has been a precocious learner, having mastered going up and down the stairs between our family room and our kitchen. She's apprehensive going down the stairs, but is still doing it under her own steam, only a few days after first encountering stairs.

Not only has she mastered the stairs, but she's also crate trained and asks to go out when needed. She's our own little canine Phi Beta Kappa.

Lily and Newton's First Law

Lily embodies Newton's First Law of Motion, that states that "an object in motion tends to stay in motion." As Lily bounds about the yard, she definitely "stays in motion."

Newton's First Law further specifies that "an object at rest tends to stay at rest." This dog sleeps with gusto and when resting, truly "tends to stay at rest."

New member of family

Today, we picked up Lily, the newest addition to our family. This yellow Labrador Retriever puppy is already eleven weeks old, and weighs in at 23 lbs and will eventually grow to 70-75 lbs. She's an affectionate pup, and explores the world through her mouth (if it moves, she'll try to eat it...she'll try even if it doesn't move). She is an adorable bundle of energy, gentle as can be, and handling the new home with great aplomb. Below are a few more pictures, starting with her in her bed:


And with her ball:


And having reached détente with Magpie, one of our two 16-year-old cats:

Rememberance of Sin Lam

It was a year ago that we lost Sin Lam. We remember her infectious enthusiasm for all things in life. Our thoughts and best wishes are with her family. Sin holds a special place in all of our hearts.

Rose Bowl

Charlie, my father-in-law, and I went to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this year. We went with a good friend who is a Michigan season ticket holder. The seats were great and I want to thank her for her help.

As a Michigan fan, I was excited about going to the Rose Bowl between Michigan and USC, but it was a test of character for Charlie, the former Ohio State Buckeye. Michigan-Ohio is a storied rivalry, and Charlie and I are always exchanging friendly barbs on the topic. But I warned him that we would be sitting in the heart of the Michigan cheering session and he would be taking his life in his own hands if he denigrated Michigan. Charlie realized that discretion is the better part of valor and kept his opinions to himself.

In the end, the game was a disappointment for Michigan fans, as USC out-coached Michigan. But we had a great time, nonetheless.