Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Fall 2014 - Crazy as usual!

Of course, this Summer and Fall were a whirlwind.  What with carting Lilly around to meet the USA, our usual schedule of boy related activities, and coming up to speed on princess movies, the time just flew by.  Lilly did have her palate repaired to start the summer off right, from which she has recovered beautifully.  Below are a few of our favorite highlights:

Reid and Riley got to start the Summer with a week at the Triple R Ranch.  One of Dad's favorite places...



Bec and the kids made hit the nations capital to make sure one of it's newest citizens was properly welcomed!

Time down in the Southland with Poppy and cousins, always fun.

Then came the Midwest swing; thanks to Uncle John for being the adventurous type (by that I mean taking on 5 kids by himself).  Don't know why Ro is looking so tough here.

This one speaks for itself.

Meanwhile, back in China...  This year's man trip was a Men's Retreat thru SIF to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of the top mountain ranges in China.

The motley crew, braving the elements and baring our souls.

There he is, the famous "Monkey overlooking a sea of clouds" rock.  Can you see him?

Dave headed to the USA for a week of work and to be the porter for the flights back.

Muay Thai training.

Can't leave the purse behind...

Fun in the neighborhood park.

Grinding apples with friends.

Then the best part, pressing into cider!  Later comes the fermenting...

Camping as usual.

For Halloween, the younger boys went Minecraft and Reid went as a biker.


Had to be a cowgirl after we picked up these boots in Texas this summer.

Honing the first aid and life saving skills.

Trying new foods - this was a horse shoe crab.  Let me tell you, this was every bit as delicious as it looked.  Thankfully it came with plenty of Thai chili sauce.

Christmas!

The running of the bulls.

Fear me.

Oh yeah, it has begun...

Big gift "for the kids" was a Go pro.  We would later put it to good use on the trampoline and several roller coasters.

Friends gathering later in the day for some food, fellowship and then "Minute to Win It".

Ro dominating the M&M transfer.

You try it, it is nearly impossible in my opinion.  Good for pictures tho...

Another good one, she was ultimately successful.

For New Years, we headed to Hong Kong and Macau for a long weekend.  Macau was PACKED.

Up on top of the fort.  We got yelled at for this tree climb.

Get in my belly!

Love the obvious fusion food in the name.

Inside the Venitian casino.  We were able to pick up a lot of local food as their food court had many outlets of local chains.  Favorites were the fried pork chop bun and the egg tart.

By popular demand (and lack of options)...

One reason why Lilly's theme song is "You CAN always get what you wa-ant"...

Back in Hong Kong and needing a break, we took a time out at Stanley Beach.

Boom!  That just happened.

Hong Kong Disney and Space Mountain.  A fun ride and nice nap for dad.

Reid, being a great big brother and a good sport, accompanied RO as they were conscripted into the green army men army at the Toy Story section.

This smile rapidly turned into tears and a "I don' like dat".  Nice one dad, but better than the safari ride later at night that had her screaming a bawling.  Ah well, hopefully a few rounds of therapy will get her thru.

Riley's turn to be the big brother.

My girls.  So this picture is one of my favorites of all time.  I was pretty much in tears watching the sheer joy.

After the parade, "It's a Small World After All".  She didn't see much of it.

Time for some pictures in front of the castle.  Show me:  "Sad Face".

Show me:  "Sweet Smile".

Show me:  "What you talkin' bout Willis".

Making sure her loyal subjects have a nice souvenir picture.

This is how you know Disney was a success...


Finally, I leave you with the below (I was originally going to end with the picture of the horseshoe crab, or maybe a toilet as usual, but decided to go easy on you).  This little pose came out of nowhere one day.


SASSY!!!