One of my favorite times with my family was our trip to Yosemite about  a year ago. We left a day after my birthday, and I was originally upset about having to go. After hours in the car, we finally got to my cousin’s house in the park. I was stunned by how gorgeous the mountains and the waterfalls were. We went on hikes and explored the area, and I was so glad I got to go.

I received permission from everyone photographed to use this picture.

One person who has passed in my family is my dad’s mom, Grandma Betty. I was only two years old when she died of breast cancer, so I don’t have many memories with her. Based on what I’ve been told, I wish I could’ve known her longer.  She was known for her cooking in my family, which was amazing. Even now, 11 years later, we always use her recipes and her creative ideas with food. Every year on her birthday, we celebrate her life and how much she has impacted us all.

I’m Emily’s mom and I’m Writing about my dad, Ted Laudise. He lives with my mom in Duluth Minnesota in the summer and Key Largo in the winter. He retired from the US Air force as Colonel and Commander.  He flew all kinds of jets and served three tours of duty in Vietnam. My dad studied piano and engineering and grew up in Rosemead California.  He was born in New York and his grandparents emigrated to the US from Genoa Italy.  My dad can build anything, he and my mom built their lake house in Duluth.  He can fix anything, he loves to garden, fish and clean.  Just like me.  Except the fish part, I leave that up to Emily’s dad.

I chose to add a calendar widget to my blog. Usually, posts have to do with the time of the year or month, and it is helpful to have on the sidebar. It is also useful for time difference in other parts of the world.

This week in blogging, I have learned that adding photos to a blog can add interest and realism to a post. However, it is still important to give credit for photographers and get permission before using the photo. Although they are good to use, it is still important to use them properly.

I got permission from my father to use this photo. My native language is English, which is the only language I speak. This photo was taken when I was in kindergarten after I won the student of the month award. My dad has always been supportive of my academics, and I was so happy that my family came to my elementary school that morning to see me. My brother and sister went to the same school as well at the time, and it was a really joyous day for me.