Lunar Unity Parade in Cupertino

Lunar Unity Parade in Cupertino
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

One should never pass up an opportunity to be in a parade, so we joined Cupertino Rotary's brigade in the Lunar Unity Parade. Helen and Claire started out by marching, but quickly decided that our props for the wheelchair foundation offered a much more efficient means of travel.

Heavy Lifting

Rope & Pulley
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Well, I can officially say I've experienced single parenting for an entire week sans grandparent support. With Baba on a business trip, and my folks off for a tour of China, it was just me and little Ru fending for ourselves. No morning coffee brewing, no yummy breakfasts, no home cooked dinners -- this was more minimalist than camping! But we made it, thanks to our "village" (you know who you are!) We celebrated our survival with a trip to the CDM and look forward to the weekend with our family at full strength.

Ru-bi Reunion

Ru-bi Reunion
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

What do you get when the Daye Ru families gather with the Chibi families to celebrate their third anniversary since being in Hubei together? It’s a regular Ru-bi Reunion! Once again the Greens hosted a fabulous party, and we all basked in the glow of these wonderful kids that have lit up our lives.

Ru Girls -- 3 years later

Ru Girls -- 3 years later
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen, Maxine, Mae & Kai – wearing their birthday shirts and smiling big. As we watched each family’s adoption day video, we shed many tears, and tried to remember those first few hours and days as personalities emerged, bonds formed, and friendships rooted.

Ru Girls More Subdued

Watermelon Girls Quarterly Reunion
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Yep – same girls, and same line-up, minus Mae. This was taken after only 6 months at home. This party was quite a bit more lively now that our girls really know how to have a good time – diving into the pool, throwing the football, swinging themselves to the tree limbs, and stealing cupcakes.

Ru Flotilla

Ru Flotilla
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Mae gave Claire and Helen a few tips about how to be an Angeleno. The pool was a big hit with everyone given the warm March weather. We had already gone swimming at our hotel earlier that morning – after all, it was 80 degrees at 10:00 a.m.!

From Hubei to Hollywood

From Hubei to Hollywood
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Claire and Helen entertained themselves the entire long drive to and from LA. They arrived in Hollywood not the least bit worse for the wear, and pranced about as if they owned the joint. They couldn’t have been more delighted to have friends to visit, parties to attend, sites to see... It was the same kind of whirlwind tour we did together in China three years ago. To all of our thriving girls, all we can say is that we are in awe of you and love you so much.

Reflections

Reflections
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Three years and a lifetime ago we were wandering around Beijing – seeing the sites, bonding with our wonderful travel-mates / life-long friends, and trying to comprehend what lay ahead. This photo from the Summer Palace (one of our favorites) captures that sense of longing we were feeling, and to this day, completely transports us in such a beautiful way.

Spring Ride to Rollo's and Back

Spring Ride to Rollo's and Back
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Fast forward to the present. The deepest reflections would never have revealed our whereabouts exactly 36 months later. Here we are, jogging after a purple bike with training wheels down to our favorite doughnut joint... pink converse shoes pumping along... a big smile on the helmet clad head. Our two dogs in tow, our beloved Auntie Margaret helping to steer, and fresh flowers in hand from the farmer’s market. Life is very, very good.

Sweeter Than Two Bowls of Ice Cream

Double Dipping Revisited
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Still eats with gusto (although much more sporadically). Still as sweet as the dessert she loves so much. Helen has always been an empathetic soul, and this is emerging more and more in her personality. Recently we were walking in a rainstorm, and I was carrying her, two bags and the umbrella. Our destination was at the top of a steep hill. As my breathing became more labored, a little voice inquired, “Mama, is this hard for you?” Yes, I had to admit, it was. “I can walk,” said the little voice. And she did. These moments of selflessness make me such a proud parent.

The "P" Word

Princess Parade
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

No need to panic
They're actually quite harmless
Disney on Ice
Is about athletic prowess?

Jasmine, Ariel, they all look the same
Wait, I think I see Cinderella
"Who is that?" she asks as another skates by,
but I don't know if it's Belle or Aurora.

Bombarded by glitter and all things pink
Each princess looks for her prince
Is it just me, or is it really the truth
that the warrior Mulan gets short shrift?

Tinkerbell is cool
The fireworks are disarming
At the end of the day, the choice is made...
Cotton Candy over Prince Charming.

My Lucky Day

Gi Gi Reads a Story
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We spent a wonderful spring day with Gi Gi. Walking, reading, eating, blowing bubbles... all of the essential elements. So, appropriately, Gi Gi is reading "My Lucky Day" to Helen. Lucky is certainly how we felt.

It's All Downhill From Here (in a good way!)

It's All Downhill From Here
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

After watching Baba demonstrate a few times, Helen gets ready to barrel down a grassy hill. Delightfully dizzy. Endless giggles.
More, more more!

Hina Matsuri -- Happy Girl's Day!

Hina Matsuri -- Happy Girl's Day!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Japanese Girl's Day is on March 3rd. On this day in Japan, families display special dolls on a red felt covered platform. The dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, Court Ladies, and Musicians. The red felt cloth is a symbol of the sun, liveliness, strength and good fortune. The families pray for good health and sound growth for their daughters. What a lovely tradition. At preschool this week, the girls celebrated by bringing in their own dolls, and taking these special photos in beautiful kimono's.

Marge in March

Marge in March
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen loves her JaJa Margie, and so do we. Sensing that our time together was short, Helen asked Marge with total earnestness if she could stay with us for a few weeks... This from the kid who has been known to ask guests if they're ready to go home yet after barely finishing their dinner.

School House Rock (s)

School House Rock (s)
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen is becoming quite the seasoned theater-goer, but today's performance of School House Rock was extra special because her friend Anya was on stage.

To refresh our memories, and to prime Helen, we watched a few School House Rock re-runs on You-Tube. I think we're now doomed to be doing the "conjunction junction" for quite some time.