Uncle Ralph

My uncle Ralph passed away. He's my Aunt Lee-Lee's husband. He was diagnosed with a rare form of blood vessel cancer 40 days before.

The last thing I did with my cellphone before we left the U.S. was text my Uncle Kelly to ask how Ralph was doing. No change. We had hoped to go up to Milwaukee to visit him, my aunt and my cousins before we left for South Africa, but we just couldn't do it. Zoe was supposed to be with us on the trip, but she stayed home. Thank God.

My dad told me, and it's the worst feeling to be so far from your family when all you want to do is be with them. I couldn't sleep. I just cried. I felt so guilty: how could we do anything in South Africa while I knew the whole Coppernoll family was hurting so much? But I took a new look on it. Maybe we could do all of this for him.

So this trip is for him, for Zoe and for Aunt Lee and Joshy.

I love you, Uncle Ralph. The world was better because you were here.

Is that another fish book, grandpa?

Here are some random photos from our weekend celebrating Sue and Dean's anniversary.

Mia shares a seat with my cousin's son, Nolan.

Mia listens as my dad reads her a story, which is probably related to fish.

Mia approves of the Razorback salt and pepper shakers.

Check out this old school Coppernoll photo! From left: Aunt Connie, Uncle Kelly, Uncle Jeff, Grandma Sue, Aunt Connie, Grandpa Dean and my dad. Adorable.

Happy party-versary!

We attended my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary party, and here are a bazillion photos to prove it was fun. Mia was a gem, and her dress even survived someone giving her two forks - two! - to eat chocolate cake with.

Wisconsin

Welcome to Wisconsin! Hey!


We tried to go to the Miller Brewery, but it was too late in the day. We'll come back tomorrow.


We were lucky enough to stay with our friend Tanya, who we last saw in South Africa during the World Cup. We were pretty excited to see her, even if it was just for a few hours.

We went to supper with my aunt, uncle and cousins. Zoe is about to leave for college, and Josh is about to start work with the YWCA. Hooray! We had such a good time.