Eating Grapes

Eating Grapes
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen & Jonah eat grapes. Meanwhile, their parents & friends enjoy some adult conversation.

Since these two are in day care together, they could play for periods of time allowing us to catch up with our guest-of-honor, Alison who was visiting from out-of-town. And it gave us time to cuddle with Jonah's new brother Ari, the sweetest tempered baby in the west!

Picnic

Picnic
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Our Mandarin Music teacher invited us all to a picnic today that was organized by her Buddhist Temple. It was a gorgeous, but windy day which was perfect for the dozens of kites in the air! The crowd was so welcoming to us (the 3 families who looked a little different than everyone else!) and we were treated to fabulous vegetarian food, kids activities, performances, games, and singing.

After lounging on the grass, chasing kites, and people-watching with a backdrop of the San Francisco bay, we decided that we definitely need more "park" time to recharge our batteries.

Gravity?

Gravity?
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Dragon Kite

Dragon Kite
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Doesn't this photo have Memorial Day Weekend written all over it?

May Away

Hey!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We Made It!
Helen made it. Mama made it. Baba made it. Poh Poh made it.

Chris and I both had work obligations that took us away from home for two days and three nights -- our longest time away from Helen in the 14 months since returning from China. With Poh Poh being able to stand in for us at home, there was minimal disruption. Thank goodness for family in close proximity!

And, speaking of being home for 14 months, Helen's time with us now equals her time in China. That threshold is palpable. Our sense of being a family is so deep now -- no longer a novelty. It just "is". What a wonderful feeling.

Red Carpet Run

Red Carpet Run
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It seems that the allure of the red carpet is universal.

Lovely little starlets.

Smiling Like a Cheshire Cat... Not!

Smiling Like a Cheshire Cat... Not!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We had such a good experience at Cirque du Soliel that we thought we would try the Circus Chimera. If nothing else, it raises money for the Children's Discovery Museum.

Although it definitely wasn't Cirque quality, the "Alice" themed 2-hour show was entertaining. You have to love that the hoola-hoop/fire ring lady was also the ticket taker and face painter! The music was a bit much for Helen in places, but she hung in there.

Not sure why we subjected her to the big purple cat, but I swear that she asked to go see him/her!

Memory Train

All Aboard
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

A little more than a year ago Helen & Cameron went for a train ride in Vasona Park as babies in their parent's laps.

Boxcar Buddies

Boxcar Buddies
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This year they are riding their own train.

Hold on to your hat!

Spring Friends

Good Times
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Hooray!

Spring is here in earnest. The combination of warm weather and more daylight hours has made us all happy.

Here's to getting together with friends at the end of the day and being able to enjoy the outdoors!

Four Generations

Four Generations
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This was an extra special mother's day. (It still seems strange to me sometimes that I am now a part of this celebration!) We had a lovely brunch that included both my mom and grandmother, so we were four generations together. Grandma Poh Poh and Gi Gi had combined their efforts the previous evening to take care of Helen while we attended a wedding.

Volcano Wedding

The Rose
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

On Saturday we witnessed a radiant Sharon and Bill tie the knot at the St. George Hotel in Volcano. Volcano, we learned, is in the heart of gold country and provides an unbelievably gorgeous setting for a wedding. Every detail from the flowers to the marvelous cakes (yes, cakes) were sumptuous. On our way to the wedding, the proprietor of the B&B where we stayed wished us luck in catching the bouquet. Little did she know... I think we have that more than covered!

No Apolis.

Stripes and Polka Dots
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen: Where's Baba?
Mama: In Indianapolis.
Helen: No Apolis!

We have survived our week without Baba, thanks to Grandma Poh Poh who has filled in beautifully as a surrogate. Not only did Helen make mid-week trips to the park & Happy Hollow, but we also have clean clothes, dishes and full refridgerator. No time for Poh Poh to rest on her laurels for Mother's Day, this year she had to re-earn her stripes!

Grinding Corn

Grinding Corn
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

With Chris off to Indianapolis for the week, we entertained ourselves by joining the Schutz-Ballards at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. This was our first visit, and we were all charmed by the laid back and beautiful setting. (It was so laid back that when the front desk attendant didn't show up for work they simply let everyone in for free!) A horse-drawn train took us to the "working farm" where we saw baby pigs and an assortment of other animals. The period-dressed docents have activities going throughout the day and one showed us how to grind corn. Helen, who usually happily observes from the sidelines eagerly participated. The working farm quickly gives way to a gorgeous estate and gardens. It's hard to believe that you are just seconds off of the 880!

Diaper Change

Diaper Change
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen gives her baby a quick change... (and found the portable changing pad for the task.) This really is a fun stage right now. I am amazed at how much learning happens. For so long you wonder if anything is sinking in, and then in what seems like minutes they can count to 10, sing the ABC song, and identify colors and shapes.

It's also funny to see what concepts and phrases she latches onto. For example, her favorite shape is an "oval", which she identifies at every opportunity (our bathroom mirror, a paving stone, my eyeglasses...) I was prepared for a favorite color, or that she might like triangles... But ovals? Strange! Kind of like at dinner tonight when she proclaimed that she was "almost all-done"...

March of the Molars

Hoodie
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Well, our day started out relatively normal. As normal as a Monday can be with us both at home with Helen. Our day care providers participated in the Immigrants Rights march today, and we were on duty! This ended up being a good thing because Helen had a an unexpected guest arrive in the form of a molar. At least we think that's what's going on because she is running a fever, and telling us, "mouth hurts". I guess for this next round of major teething it helps that she can verbalize her ailment. We intended to join the march as a family today, but Helen and I ended up staying behind. Chris and my godson Kristopher represented us in the rally that was 100,000 strong.