My Dad taught me so much about the joys of life...when he succumbed
to Cancer on April 12, 1999, my world briefly stopped. It is his memory
that often keeps me smiling and seeking out the best in others and myself.
I never met anyone who knew my father who didn't love him...
he was a magnificent surgeon, doctor, friend, tennis player, gardener,
husband and father. I love you daddy.

I was extremely blessed when I met Maarten Andriessen. We were with
my father before he died and had the chance to tell him of our upcoming
plans to marry - my whole family was thrilled - I had found someone
who they loved and loved me.

 We married and our lives go forward with laughter and hope and so
 much happiness. You can catch a glimpse of our romantic wedding
 in IJsselstein, the Netherlands.

Biological Mom MaryAnn, Sister Susan, me and Aunt Susan - My Biological Family - Maternal Side

I had the amazing and unusual opportunity to meet my biological mother
and sister when I was 18 years old.  I have maintained a relationship with
them since and have also located my youngest sister Susan (again!) and my
biological father Ed.  Can you imagine 2 sisters named Susan!
Oh and Maarten has TWO MOTHER IN LAW's!  Fancy that. 

I have been blessed with the knowledge that I was not a discarded baby
but a reality of the 60's. Adoption is not the end of the world....
it's just the door to another galaxy. Ha Ha Ha!

Jos en Ine Andriessen - "mijn schoonouders"

My In Laws are Dutch and have had an interesting time incorporating
their American daughter in law into the family.  Ine went out of
her way to take me places and show me things when I first arrived.
The first months many of our conversations were mostly a lot of head
nodding and hand movements.  We all get along great!

Mechteld on holiday

Mechteld  is Maarten's younger sister by a few years.

                              
Jeroen and Mechteld in various Black Tie poses at the wedding reception at Kastel Henkenschage

Jeroen is Maarten's little brother (who is way taller than Maarten and towers over me).
He is studying film and writing at Uni and we have big hopes that he will be famous some day.
Doesn't he look like he fits the part in his first Black Tie event?
We had a terrific time with the whole family dancing and laughing the night away.

Rebecca, Caroline, Cindy and Grace - Girls Pajama Party Summer 2001

I have made a great many terrific friends while living in Holland
and a few of us get together regularly to just be ourselves and have some fun.
Caroline started the Girl's Night Pajama sleep overs and they are quite memorable!

Don Larson cooking Christmas Eve Dinner 2001 - Lobster and Homemade Bread

I should really have a picture of Donnie and Mark Issacs.  Amsterdam Americans!
They have been so much fun to "hang with", do Thanksgiving with,
Road Trip around Germany and Luxembourg and basically just dine at their place.
Donnie is the best chef ever and of course we can't forget Joy their daughter
in hiding who travels back and forth from Arizona to Amsterdam. 
Maarten and I truly feel like family at their place!

Linda Vivas and Maarten on his birthday - Don made the cake!