"Hey!"

We were driving to dinner last night when we heard Ming, from her back perch in our rental SUV, say "Hey!" I looked back and she was pointing to a Saguaro cactus alongside the road. I responded, "Yes, darling, that's a cactus." As we saw a couple of others she enthusiastically voiced her best effort at saying 'cactus.' At first I thought it was odd that Ming picked them out and was curious by the prickly things. Linda told me that she has seen them on TV when she watches Dora and her cousin, Diego. It was cute to see her excitement as she was obviously connecting the dots in her mind between what she had seen on TV and in real life.

Phoenix Phun

Tonight we hit the town a little after dinner. Ming and Linda found a vegeriffic spot to pose for a photo in their jean jackets.

Ming a little tired (and therefore a little spacey) in Whole Foods.

Never too tired to make a fashion statement.

Gypsy Girl

Levi was clowning with Ming this afternoon and tied her blanked on her head. She thought it was pretty cool, so she took the time to show off a little bit.
In case you're wondering, yes, that is sunshine on Ming's arm. After snowfall again this morning before church, the sky has cleared up and ol' Mr. Sun popped out. It's not particularly warm, but then again, it's not snowing...
I depart for Phoenix on a work trip tomorrow afternoon - the desert will be an anticipated experience. Last weekend, while it was snowing again, Linda went online looking for cheap plane tickets to Arizona. She found some, so Linda and Ming will also be traveling to Phoenix. We're on different flights going and coming, but it will be fun to have my girls there in the hotel at night when I return from the day's work.

Welcome to April

While this is going on outside....

This is going on inside...

Ming's Mommy

As part of our 25th Anniversary celebration, our boys 'sent us packing.' They bought us a night at the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. We enjoyed a couple of wonderful meals out, watched a movie, and generally enjoyed about 18 hours away from the responsibilities of home. Ming did just fine hanging with Aunt Cindy and Grandma S. This was my moment to celebrate my beautiful bride who has been so amazingly loving, caring and giving to me for all these years. Thanks for being such a great Wife and Mommy. And thanks, guys, for the terrific gift to Mom and Dad.

Party Time

To our surprise, Linda's sister and husband (Kim and Roger) threw a surprise anniversary party for us on Friday night. We hit 25 years of marital bliss on the 25th, so they decided to have a celebration. We showed up for what we thought was one of our routine but wonderful Roger-cooked dinners, and found family and friends in their living room (with cars carefully hidden) to help us celebrate. We felt loved and honored...and everyone wondered where an old man like me got that 'trophy wife.' :-)

Somebody Got A New Bike Helmet

Mommy came home from the store today with a new bike helmet for Ming Mei. The Mingster and I were just settling in for one of our favorite snacks, so Ming wanted her helmet on while she ate her popcorn. Hey, you never know when you might fall over and crash while you're enjoying popcorn.

54 Seconds of Smooth Jazz Lovin'

Titus had some project for school that resulted in this video collection of photos. Linda was the Executive Producer, Levi was the Artistic Director, and Titus gets the glory. (Please, everybody, don't tell Ming that she's the star...else she'll want a pay raise.)

Ain't She a Swinger?

The Architect and Her Mother

Linda and Ming were building castles in the living room.

The Other Way to Wear an Easter Hat

Ming likes to put hats on her head. Here she is with her special Easter hat that Grandpa gave her, only she is wearing it backwards.

Happy Easter

I missed out on this morning's Easter happenings - didn't get to dress up in my Sunday best for church like Ming did. I spent the week down in sunny (85+ degree) Southern California and just returned this afternoon. Mommy did good with Ming pics so that I had a couple of post when I arrived home. Ming and Nate are looking snappy in their Spring colors.

An Interview with Professor Ming

The following interview was conducted at Professor Ming's kitchen laboratory in Spokane, WA by the award winning journalist, Bobby Blogger.

BB: So, Professor Ming, is it really true that in a blind taste test you can tell the difference between Kelloggs Froot Loops and Post Fruity Pebbles 100% of the time?
Professor: Well Bobby, you know, considering the fact that I am gifted with an extraordinary set of fungiform and filiform papillae, along with a better-than-average olfactory system, it is true. There is really nothing magical about my abilities...had you been born with my tongue and nose, you could do it too.

BB: When it comes to afternoon snacking, what is your pleasure: Jell-O Pudding Pops, or Yoplait Gogurt?
Professor: There is really no question about it, Bobby. Categorically, I would choose Gogurt every time. The active cultures in the Gogurt make it gentle on my digestive system. I have a slight hint of lactose intolerance, so eating yogurt helps reduce the unpleasant side effects I sometime experience from dairy products. And besides, I really like Berry Blue Blast flavor.

BB: And finally, Professor, tell us who you prefer reading you books at night - Mommy or Daddy?
Professor: Don't be stupid, Robert. It's Mother all the way.

St. Patty's Celebration

Well, kind of. It's actually Levi's birthday...The Big One Three. He couldn't quite make it until 3/17, but came roaring into the world on Friday afternoon, March 16th, 1995. Hava Nagila, baby! Ming enjoyed the cake, candles and baloons.

Jump...For My Love...Jump In!

Titus had Ming doing a little jumping over the melting snow river in the street tonight. Gotta love that big kiss at the end.

My Sky Is Always Blue!

Ming brings new meaning to the word 'glamour.'

Catching Up on My Blog Posts

I spent a week in Seattle so I didn't do much blogging last week. Here are a couple of shots from today (with color experimentation) where the Mingster and I were messing around in the music room.

Cool Noodles

Ming always seems to be hanging around SoYun when she is eating. Here she is cooling off a chop stick bite before partaking.

Dad Say: "Sad Day"

Tonight we took Heloise to the airport. After six months of being "our daughter," it was time for her to go back to Taiwan. She was sad. We were sad. Everybody is sad. She is hoping to work for a year as a nurse in Taiwan (her profession before coming to the States to learn English), then come back. We hope she does.