Two years ago today our family celebrated its first Independence Day on foreign soil.  That year it was in Singapore.  Last year my friend Josh, a fellow countryman, and I were in Shanghai (I believe) for the 4th.  This year our family is home in Xining and strangely enough it’s rainy here.  As much as…

It’s been a great Father’s Day in Xining.  The girls were very excited to shower me with attention and gifts.  Since I have been known to take on the persona of a Pirate they thought I needed my own treasure chest (shown here.)  I think it’s pretty cool looking. (Anna made me the blue card…

When I was a kid and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day would roll around I remember asking, "When is kids day?" The answer I got (everyone in unison now):  "Kids day is every day!" Well, this is not true in China.  In China and in many other countries around the world, June 1st is the…

To these special ones and to all the other great "moms" I have known…I salute you!  Your impact on the world in incalculable.  Your love makes the world spin! Thanks for mothering us all…

Well, our trip to the countryside for Easter was very fun and refreshing.  We didn’t really have any big agenda other than to let the girls play in our friends’ spacious back "yard" (i.e one big, fun sandbox!); enjoy good conversation, hardy meals, rest and relaxation; and to take part in all the Easter festivities…

Time has been flying by here in America.  Every day that rolls by I think to myself…I should be blogging about something.  And then I procrastinate another day… In addition to daily lattes and time with friends, I’ve really been enjoying the majestic evergreen trees here in the Pacific Northwest. They are truly awesome!  It’s…

Yes, even though I’m an American, I do realize that this type of boxing is NOT what Boxing Day is all about.  (This guy is looking pretty fierce though, don’t you think?) If wikipedia can be trusted there are quite a few theories on Boxing Day’s origins… (Check them out using the link above.) I…

But for those of you who do…hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!  (There is so much to be grateful for.)  Right now my stomach resembles that of the disgruntled bird pictured above… He got his revenge.

Well, this year’s harvest party once again rocked da house.  It was a much smaller affair than last year’s bash, but we intentionally planned it that way.  (Kept the parent-to-child ratio pretty even.)  Anna & Sarah invited 6 peers to this year’s gala.  There were costumes, decorations, games, crafts, and (the most important part) delicious…

Since I won’t be carving any pumpkins this year I decided to do the next best thing… I made jack o’ lantern coloring pages out of my offspring.  Before you chastise me I think you should know they LOVED these.  It’s easy to do.  I know Halloween is over, but if you want one for…