halloween

Jack the pumpkin and Michael the purple dragon before hitting the neighborhood this year.

The Cake

Carolyn went to town on this gorgeous cupcake tree for Michael's 4th birthday last Friday, October 20th. Each little cake had a paper cutout character from a children's classic. Big hit, as everyone picked out their favorite. Curious George was, of course, on top.

Jack is learning to walk!

Jack is coming along just fine. Taking his first steps with Michael as inspiration.

Michael on the grass

Within the first few days of coming home from China. We didn't think he had seen or felt grass before. He was mesmerized by it. Walking down the sidewalk would take forever, because he kept wanting to veer off onto the lawn.

zuma beach

Our first trip to Zuma Beach in Malibu, just 5 weeks or so after coming home with Michael. Trying to catch the gulls.

Jack stairmaster

Never did get those gates up at our new rental, and now the boy has mastered the stairs.

Mary Poppins Step in Time

Kinda speaks for itself. This was fine preparation for a rare, Disney release of a movie print for viewing in Santa Monica, so we took Michael and his friend, Luke, there along with several hundred children. It was a scream.

Jack's 1st Birthday

Came fast - celebrating Jack's first birthday (April 12, 2005) just two months after bringing him home. Michael loves rituals: costuming, candles, song.

Michael turned 3: October 20, 2005

Michael singing "hello everybody"

Michael swims!

Michael sings to Victoria

The Moment we got Jack

Chengdu, Sichuan Province. We were anxious, but all that melted away when we saw this beautiful, smiling baby - JACK! Madame Wu drove down a few hours from Deyang City to do the handoff. Michael is trying very hard to entertain his new baby brother.