tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78263299135263454062024-03-13T20:28:22.898-07:00Two Girls & A GuyBeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-88576834407577979452013-01-26T00:14:00.001-08:002013-01-26T00:14:32.569-08:00Marine Corps Ball<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415402389/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8415402389_84c8cd97c2_o.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One of the biggest events of the year for us here at the embassy is the Marine Corps Ball. A good reason to get all dressed up.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416499556/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8416499556_b45434a1fb_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I had some struggles with my dress, as I was just getting to the point of having a baby bump. I actually had a dress made here at a tailor shop, but it wasn't right at all. In fact, in Meeshell's tactful way, he asked that I please not wear it : ). So I scrounged around and came up with something I wore while I was pregnant with Leah, on a cruise with MB and my parents. It worked but I was disappointed about the dress.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416499600/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8416499600_103cf254f6_o.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I wasn't very excited to go but in the end I had a pretty good time. Although as the party went on (until 1am or so!), this pregnant mama asked to be taken home at around 9:45. Just can't party like I used to, I guess.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416499658/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8416499658_2bac96cceb_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I was happy to have this guy as my date. So handsome, right?<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-58024594658883621382013-01-26T00:02:00.001-08:002013-01-26T00:02:05.648-08:00Christmas morning<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416481528/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8416481528_c52406ea3e_b.jpg' border='0' width='249' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Although this picture is blurry, I think you can still see the excitement on Leah's face as she came downstairs and saw all of the presents under and around the tree. Ian was also super excited.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384645/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8415384645_010f1fc05a_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />First stop: play with the new dollhouse and train set that Santa had left out in front of the tree. Ian actually played all morning with his trains. We had a hard time getting him to open his gifts when it was his turn.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384693/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8415384693_c93bd43b82_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Leah jumped right into the present opening and helped us pass out the gifts as each person had their turn.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384755/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8415384755_44d9c8a7d8_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As soon as she unwrapped her princess dress from her cousin Emily, she had to put it on immediately.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384807/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8415384807_a7dd83e7bc_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She was quick to help Ian unwrap his presents when he was taking too long to do it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416481930/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8416481930_2db65d6ec0_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We got lots of presents from all of our generous family, who lovingly shopped, packed up and shipped to us here in Beijing. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384923/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8415384923_51263ffa20_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thanks to their efforts, the kids were able to have the same kind of Christmas celebration that we are used to having in the US. We felt very blessed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415384993/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8415384993_0bdc406b15_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I didn't feel so blessed to have to clean this mess up, but the kids contently played all day long with their new toys. All in all, it was a great Christmas Day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415385139/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8415385139_d106fca693_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And no Christmas Day would be complete without these lovelies. Seriously, could not stop eating them. Leah often asks when we will have Christmas again. And when it snows here in Beijing she is always convinced that Santa is going to come back to our house. <br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-23165836835985666242013-01-25T23:45:00.001-08:002013-01-25T23:45:29.930-08:00Christmas Eve night<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416457418/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8416457418_acaa60479b_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After getting their new jammies, reading the Christmas story out of the scriptures and watching the nativity video, we continued the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415360967/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8415360967_622b69b81b_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is a Michael thing (from when he was a child perhaps?) and one that I have tried to outlaw (I love the anticipation of gifts on Christmas morning and really like to wait to open all of the presents in the morning), but I guess we are going with it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415361131/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8415361131_a597016fd0_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />That's the good thing about Christmas traditions - the mixture of habits and celebrations from each parent's childhood. The kids were happy to get to unwrap some of the loot before bed.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415361209/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8415361209_bfde92f921_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once we got the kids in bed, I spent time in the kitchen prepping for the cinnamon rolls for breakfast. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416457896/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8416457896_9f08fea85c_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Michael spent his evening laying out Ian's new train track set from Santa. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415361309/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8415361309_daed21e9a3_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Leah's dollhouse also got set up. I had fun getting all of the adorable furniture set up just right. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415361379/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8415361379_fff05c6296_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Everything was ready for the morning wake up. Christmas is fun for everyone, but we especially enjoyed the excitement of our kids this year as they are catching on to the idea of Christmas and all the fun that goes along with it.<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-58121930238115725452013-01-25T23:30:00.001-08:002013-01-25T23:30:47.222-08:00Christmas Eve traditions<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416435682/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8416435682_321e8c399d_o.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In our efforts to make this year's Christmas a normal celebration (even though we are so far away from where we used to call home) we headed out on Christmas Eve day to have some holiday fun.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416435750/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8416435750_3782f8b9b4_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our first stop was at the Hilton down by the embassy which has the best train set up that I have ever seen before. The kids were in heaven, to say the least.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416435920/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8416435920_a3c6ec252e_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This gives you an idea of the scale. The Christmas tree in the middle is huge, and the train set up had many different levels and trains. There was such intricate details.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416435970/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8416435970_1e6ce24afa_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This kid was in heaven. He and Leah ran around the track, following the trains as they went along their tracks. I'm not sure the employees at the Hilton knew what to think of us and our kids. The strange thing is that we were the only ones who were there to see the trains. Seemed to me like a fun (and free!) place to bring your kids on Christmas Eve day. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416436036/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8416436036_6467ae8e47_o.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next stop was a great (American??) burger place close by the hotel. This is our newest tradition - burgers and fries (not the kind from McDonald's like in our last post) and shakes for lunch on Christmas Eve day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415340033/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8415340033_d4dace8405_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The kids loved it and so did I. It tasted like a real burger. The meat here is usually a little bit or a lot different than what we used to eat in the US. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416436188/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8416436188_f2e6d82597_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A big fat juicy burger and sweet potato fries really hit the spot. I know just where we will come next year.<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-39238357927510153212013-01-25T23:16:00.001-08:002013-01-25T23:16:20.760-08:00Christmas shopping<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415319155/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8415319155_f12ba4afdc_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We set out a few days before Christmas to do a little bit of shopping here in Beijing. We ordered most of our gifts online but needed to pick up a couple of small things. First stop: McDonald's. This isn't too far from our house and actually tastes pretty authentic.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415319217/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8415319217_c15818b8e6_o.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The kids were having fun and they always get lots of attention while we are out and about. It's mostly because of their light hair, but their Chinese also brings them adoring fans as well.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8415319333/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8415319333_0251a55455_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He loves getting his picture taken. Can't you tell?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416415352/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8416415352_7195faee44_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next stop on the agenda was the mall right down the street from our neighborhood (where the McDonald's is actually located). There was plenty of Christmas decorations up, which the kids loved.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416415508/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8416415508_928a57a005_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Some of it was a little strange, but it was mostly normal (welcome to China, where life is mainly weird with a tiny tiny bit of normal). The kids loved getting up close with this snowman. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416415582/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8416415582_8c68cf946f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also had a quick photo shoot with some adorable bunnies upstairs.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8416415656/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8416415656_0f41927117_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a fun little outing together. It's nice to have some shopping options close to home and not to have to go downtown for everything.<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-31231089254631020692012-12-16T04:07:00.001-08:002012-12-16T04:07:30.850-08:00snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, I think I get two gold stars for taking the kids out into the frozen tundra to play. We doubled up on clothes, with their jammies on underneath (MB thought this was overkill but I was cold!). They kind of had a good time. <br />
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I don't think they understood the concept of playing in the snow. I think they thought it was finally a chance for them to play outside, just like they used to when it wasn't so cold. Ian looks thrilled here, doesn't he?<br />
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They were happy to become reacquainted with the swings that they love so much. When Leah slipped and fell, she cried because there was snow on her mittens. Certainly no snowman making going on around here.<br />
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Ian decided he didn't need mittens. He didn't last very long outside. He was crying to go back inside in about 7 minutes. He really is my favorite child sometimes.<br />
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Leah wasn't quite as anxious to get back inside. She wanted to play on all of her favorite toys while she could. Of course, while trying to get on this horse, she kept getting snow on the seat. I helped her on up and then she was happy.<br />
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I included this picture because it shows our house in the background. There it is, right next door to the playground and on a cul-de-sac too. We really lucked out.<br />
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I finally convinced Leah to head inside with the promise of some hot chocolate. Well, some lukewarm chocolate. My kids don't like to eat or drink anything even remotely resembling warm or hot. They don't know what they're missing.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-71464324327316156972012-12-16T03:45:00.000-08:002012-12-16T03:45:10.915-08:00it's snowing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've heard snow isn't that common here in Beijing, but it feels pretty common this year. This week was the second time we've had snow since moving here. And this time, it stuck around. The kids were excited to check it out and I was happy for them to be looking at it from inside. I couldn't take them out to play the first day (it's so cold here!) but I promised them that we could go out the next day. More pictures to follow of the winter wonderland. And yes, that is our patio furniture cushions that are being ruined. What can you do?Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-31298039715597765042012-12-16T03:36:00.000-08:002012-12-16T03:36:04.499-08:00we decorated for Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had a couple of request for pictures of our Christmas tree and decorations, so here they are. I have been trying to get things all organized and decorated (including switching out embassy furniture a few times!!) and am still working on it. Things take much longer here to get done than they do in the US (no quick runs to Target or Walmart for everything you need), but I was excited to put the Christmas decorations up to detract from the "undoneness" that I can find myself easily obsessing over.<br />
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The kids are thrilled with all the decorations and they keep talking about Christmas and Santa coming. Leah continually thinks that Christmas is "tomorrow". I'm sure when it's finally the 24th and Christmas really is tomorrow, she won't believe it. <br />
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Wish I could show you a picture of the tree lit. We bought lights here (no spare converter to plug in and use our lights from the US) and two days later, 2 of the 5 strands we bought aren't working. And I bought them new, and she plugged them in before I bought them to show me they were working. It's nice to know that the lights made in China and sent to the US are better quality than the lights made in China and sold in China. I think this experience has taught me that even Christmas lights can be bootleg. Oh China....Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-61448286376638871412012-12-16T03:02:00.002-08:002012-12-16T03:02:21.428-08:00Thanksgiving in Beijing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a fun Thanksgiving this year in China. I made pie, among other things. This was the first time I made an apple pie, though, so I had to document it. I was a little nervous, especially when the ayi (our domestic help) kept telling me (in Chinese, no less) that she thought I really needed to cook the apples first. I assured her that this was a recipe from my sis (thanks Catherine!) and I was sure it would work out. I'm glad to know that I know more about apple pie than my Chinese ayi. Score one for the United States....<br />
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Oh, isn't that lovely? I sure think so. I also made rolls (the only ones you ever want to eat on Thanksgiving, the ones my mom makes. Yum!), sweet potato souffle, stuffing, and pumpkin cheesecake. We got together with two other families here in Beijing and had a great meal. <br />
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Here's a shot of the kid table. They didn't eat much beyond rolls and punch, as far as I could tell. Until dessert time. The saving grace was a basement where they escaped to for playtime while we adults enjoyed our turkey and mashed potatoes. It was a fun party, until Leah threw up on the carpet downstairs. Talk about pink punch. A bit of a mess, but we got it all cleaned up and rushed Leah back home so the next time she threw up, she was at our house. Another mess. That was the start of a hellish night for the Browns. We all got sick, and I layed in bed all night, trying to sleep, half listening out for the sounds of crying and/or throwing up from the kids. We were running out of sheets, blankets and towels by the time morning came! I was never so happy to see the ayi arrive and get to work cleaning the place up and washing the linens. What a kind soul. I won't even tell you about the 2 hours I spent laying in the bathroom next to the toilet, praying for relief. It really was awful, but by the next day, most of the horror was gone. Here's hoping for no sickness next Thanksgiving...Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-21471260894110709332012-10-28T01:28:00.001-07:002012-10-28T01:28:26.503-07:00Halloween Beijing styleThis year we celebrated Halloween on the 27th of October here in our neighborhood in Beijing. The clubhouse had a big haunted house, lots of kids in costumes and a costume parade that we missed.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130227175/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8130227175_caced67db0_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />While we were waiting for the trick or treating to begin we spent some time on the playground.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130253406/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8130253406_57b534dba7_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ian dressed up as a dinosaur or a dragon, as some people guessed when they spotted him tonight.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130253942/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8130253942_993f6e6bcf_b.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Leah was a little tinkerbell. As I was putting her down for a rest this afternoon before the partying began, she told me she thought that tinkerbell actually had no sleeves so would I please take the sleeves off her costume. I explained that I put the sleeves on her costume because of the cold weather. Then she said ok, so I guess she got it.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130228091/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8130228091_d3411b9e87_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The color of Leah's costume was perfect for walking around the neighborhood in the dark. She was practically glowing. I picked up most of the fabric (sequins and bright green- so awful but she loved it!) on my first trip to the fabric market. It was a great day. More about that later.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130254464/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8130254464_1512bef91c_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='203' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I grabbed stuff for Ian's costume from around the house. An old blue blanket (that I think used to belong to MB's old roommate a long time ago), Ian's green striped t shirt that was stained and michael's old solid green t shirt that was looking pretty rough. I was happy not to spend any money. And if we ever have really cold temperatures here, I have a warm suit for Ian to hang out in. I mean it's essentially a fleece blanket with arms and legs.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130254658/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8130254658_5d42b8c786_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='262' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> The kids did ok in the candy department. Only a few people handed out American candy. Most of it was Chinese, which they don't mind. But I have less to snack on at night (because I don't like foreign candy. Give me a snickers or a twix anyday!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130254828/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8130254828_85f746d980_b.jpg' border='0' width='228' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ian spent most of the night asking me to unwrap candy as we walked to the next house. He ended up pretty dirty by the end of the night from the stickiness and the dirt, I guess.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8130228921/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8130228921_17f9481d4b_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here's the aftermath. One filthy, sticky, exhausted kid. Leah was tired too and definitely hopped up on sugar but she was clean. By the looks of them, you would've thought they spent their evenings in different places!<br /><br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-89809286109993682392012-10-13T23:08:00.001-07:002012-10-13T23:08:15.375-07:00Leah turned 4...a month ago<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085184166/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8085184166_eec7db22f3_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This girl could not have been happier with her birthday celebration. It was adorable, she was so excited about the cake and all the presents.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085184907/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8085184907_47b346dd37_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our packages have been taking forever to get to us so we were waiting on gifts from both sides of the family. They finally got here and the cake was made.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085184514/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8085184514_f65fd636e7_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />She was counting on a birthday mermaid from her Grandma Mary, who did not disappoint.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085184636/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8085184636_b6859f35df_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A whole package full of little people princesses and even a cute grandma and grandpa little people set came in the mail, along with a princess memory game, and adorable Minnie Mouse pjs and matching slippers.<br />She also got her Barbie mermaid, an Ariel mermaid, and her own mermaid costume with a matching crown.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085185353/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8085185353_4bea41fb37_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Michael and I (read: me) added in a tea party set and a pair of (hideous) light up Cinderella "glass" slippers. Leah was pretty much in heaven.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085184902/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8085184902_94feb83a8f_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here is Michael, pondering on my dress making skills as opposed to my cake dress making skills. I think he decided I'm lacking in both areas.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085185573/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8085185573_9f169fb1cd_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Of course the costume had to go on immediately.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085185709/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8085185709_b5ed957158_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> And her crown and new shoes makes her outfit complete. It's a great shot here. I just wish I had a picture of her from the next day, walking down the street to go to the park in the same get up. It was quite a sight....<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-59500040166418168392012-10-13T22:35:00.001-07:002012-10-13T22:35:55.950-07:00birthday cake timeWe FINALLY celebrated Leah's birthday (about a month late- what can I say?). After seeing her cousin Jordan's princess cake, that's all Leah talked about for her birthday party. I don't quite have the skills that my mother has in cake decorating (she made Jordan's cake) but Leah was pretty happy anyway.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085133055/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8085133055_ec354a25f3_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a pretty low key "party" but Leah didn't know any better. She said "I'm so happy Mommy!". Pictures of the actual party will follow.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8085131660/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8085131660_91b1ba0f90_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-35551502001703665832012-10-09T05:33:00.001-07:002012-10-09T05:33:53.996-07:00the long awaited pictureHere we are in our tuk tuk. Just zipped over to the fruit lady to get our produce. See our 2 pumpkins in the front basket and the back. Hoping to actually use these pumpkins for baking this year, as the canned pumpkin is ridiculously priced here. We will see how that goes.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8070514080/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8070514080_d72a7d5570_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I've got the kids sort of secured in the back, in their carseats and a couple of trusty bungee cords. It doesn't take long to adopt a pretty casual attitude towards safety here in Beijing. Rode to church on Sunday in the back of a friend's van with the kids in our laps. It's about a half hour drive to the building in downtown Beijing. I think you get extra protection when you're going to church, right?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/8070514262/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8070514262_140ba00304_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-56633859659205508862012-10-02T18:40:00.002-07:002012-10-02T18:40:31.194-07:00our house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are a couple of pictures from our house here in Beijing. This is all embassy furniture and the pictures were taken before our shipment of stuff arrived. Right now, the living room is full of boxes and things that need to be put away, somewhere. I'm working on making this all feel like our home.<br />
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It's a nice big house and we feel very fortunate (mostly to have double sinks in the master bath, finally!) but it sure needs some work before it feels like home to us. We ordered a couple of pieces of furniture yesterday (custom built) and they should be here by the end of October. I will post some more pictures then and hopefully, will be more happy with how things look. In the very least, I'm hoping to be rid of all the boxes by then.<br />
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<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-82885809950390981262012-10-02T18:28:00.003-07:002012-10-02T18:28:36.604-07:00the most expensive grocery store in the world<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Jenny Wangs (local grocery store here in Beijing),<br />
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I want to take a minute to not say thank you for putting these adorable little mini carts in your store. What was once a horrible job (grocery shopping with kids) is now impossible. Neither myself, nor my fellow shoppers appreciate the inconvenience of having to dodge little mini size people running around the store unbidden with mini size carts, trying their hardest to make their mother lose her mind. Do you really have to park them out front so as to make them unavoidable when we are heading into the store. And while we're at it, no thank you for your ridiculously high prices. Seriously, are you really charging $3 for a cup of yogurt? It doesn't matter if it is imported from France and delicious. $3??!! And just so you know, the cans of Hunt's spaghetti sauce cost $1 in the US, so your $3 price tags are a slap in the face. No spaghetti for us, not at those prices. And seriously, where is our consumable shipment? I'm hoping those 1,000 pounds of food will help me avoid the grocery store for at least a couple of months. <br />
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Here these two are, lined up for their grocery cart race. It's Supermarket Sweep, Beijing edition. I think Ian would take Leah, if he had the chance. As for me, I'm adopting a strict no kid policy at the grocery store. Either I leave them home (with the ayi/nanny/domestic help) or I send the ayi and stay home with the kids myself. I'm sure 3 years of that will leave them acting like orangutans when we move back to the US and they have to start going to the grocery store with me again. I think I will face the music then and enjoy the solitude now. Now I just have to find a way around the high prices...<br />
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<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-51969933533906488732012-09-30T03:18:00.001-07:002012-09-30T03:19:20.792-07:00marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-22584606543946025552012-09-24T18:43:00.000-07:002012-10-02T18:44:21.795-07:00here in Beijing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're finally here, able to post to the blog in Beijing. It took some time, but we can pretty much access any site on the internet that we could in the US. These are pictures taken in the US and were used for the kids passport photos.<br />
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I'm working on taking more pictures here in Beijing and will post them as I do. I know, I know, there are many requests for tuk tuk photos. They're coming, we've just all been under the weather a bit so haven't felt much like taking pictures if we went out in the tuk tuk. I'll post them as soon as I get them!Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-69486407618329890162012-07-19T14:51:00.001-07:002012-07-19T14:51:29.071-07:00Cinnabuns make everything better...So we are just weeks away from our big move to Beijing. The stress and long to do lists that come along with that is abundant!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7605963076/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7605963076_b84c76bd90_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As I was doing some last minute shopping before our movers came, I decided the best thing to do was to stop for some adorable little cinnabuns for the babies. They were pretty happy. Of course that didn't stop them from trying their hardest to embarrass me in the store with their naughty behavior. At what point does their behavior become a reflection of their bad choices, not my poor (and lazy...um, exhausted!) parenting? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7605964538/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7605964538_9c5a6f4f7a_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-12737657674171666462012-05-18T07:50:00.001-07:002012-05-18T07:50:16.956-07:00A birthday party, kind of<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221681808/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7221681808_42a00267e2_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ian turned 2 and we had a kind of birthday party. Nothing big, just some cake, candles, and birthday presents.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221682268/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5039/7221682268_0a1b55849b_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ian didn't really know what to do with the lit candles. Neither did Leah or Isaac when we finally asked them to blow out the candles for Ian. I finally blew them out myself. Seriously, has anyone even been to a birthday party?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221682642/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/7221682642_9c9a4ca0d9_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ian wasn't even really getting opening presents. His late late afternoon nap didn't seem to help. At least he's got some awesome new toys to play with.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221683274/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7221683274_3308be6d2a_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He's becoming more and more like MB everyday.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221683718/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/7221683718_8fdae68e00_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-26988428880348989762012-05-18T06:53:00.001-07:002012-05-18T07:00:33.910-07:00happy birthday deeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Ian -<br />
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How did this little sweet thing go from a small red baby with huge feet to a big boy with a humongous head in only two years? You are my little boy, and I love you so much. I love how much you have brought into our little family. You and your sister Leah are good buddies and sometimes frenemies. You are both still learning to share, but you love to laugh and run and play together. You love cars and balls. And you can't get enough of playing outside.<br />
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You are learning Chinese as quickly as you are learning English and we couldn't be prouder. Your daddy is especially proud to hear you help him count to 10 in Chinese. You are a happy little guy and although you have a seemingly insatiable need for sleep (hmm, remind you of anyone else??), you usually wake up happy. You often have a smile and a hug for me when I go in to check on you before I go to bed and you're asleep in your crib. <br />
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I'm so happy to be your mom and I can't wait to watch you get even older.<br />
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Dear Ian -Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-49393063156041938842012-05-18T06:42:00.001-07:002012-05-18T06:42:25.922-07:00New York, New York take 2<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221354806/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7221354806_4e9cc6536d_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ok, we met our dear friends, the Arthur's in NYC a few weeks ago. No time this year for a cruise, so we settled for a long weekend in the big apple.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221355154/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7221355154_497a02055c_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lots of laughs. (no surprise there)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221355518/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7221355518_ec0fe77877_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We spent some time in Chinatown, where I was able to practice my Mandarin. I need more practice, safe to say.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221355872/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/7221355872_fc25c334a6_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Apparently we were boring MB.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221356234/'><img src='http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/7221356234_4979a9d968_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I love these two. We will still be vacationing together when we're in our 80's.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/77829722@N06/7221356588/'><img src='http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7221356588_15c2254b90_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Can you see the lady liberty behind us? <br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-14146041038805763442012-05-18T06:35:00.001-07:002012-05-18T06:35:13.698-07:00new york, new york<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some of my closest DC friends and I decided to take a trip before we all embark on our international adventures (mine is taking us to Beijing). We tried to go to the Bahamas to visit another good friend, but it just wouldn't work out. New York was our second (and perhaps better because I didn't have to put a swimsuit on in the winter!) choice. We had such fun. Including being right next to the taping of "Real Housewives of NYC". We were at the table directly behind this family, who apparently is a character on the show. Keep your TVs on to see if we make the show.<br />
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Here's a photo of us outside standing in line for tickets to SNL. We didn't get any and ended up getting far too little sleep for the privilege of standing outside in the rain/snow for absolutely nothing. Lesson learned. SNL tickets are not easily gotten.<br />
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We saw our fair share of 30 Rock. Here's a snapshot of my boyfriend, Jimmy Fallon. So cute.<br />
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It was such a fun trip. I love these ladies and I'm so happy we got to have our girls weekend, as they are already gone (miss you Shelagh!) or getting ready to head out soon. Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-1556334089662848692012-05-18T06:22:00.000-07:002012-05-18T06:22:48.966-07:00i turned 30...about 6 months ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Seriously, I am the worst. But about 6 months ago I turned the big 3-0. And I'm still living, albeit with an older, achier body. I'm glad I'll never catch up with my old man. Now that's old...Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-34074228658823295312012-05-18T06:13:00.005-07:002012-05-18T06:13:45.058-07:00snow white<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The second installment of our Halloween in June update. Yep, we've been pretty busy around here since about last fall.</div>
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Leah (read: me) decided she wanted to be Snow White for Halloween. With Mom's help, we put together a snow white dress. It was one of those works in progress where I didn't really know what I was doing along the way. I guess it works though. She still asks to where it with one of her princess crowns.</div>
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This girl loves her balloons. We went to trunk or treat with Keyla and Isaac. The kids didn't really know how to act. I think they will "get" Halloween a little better next year, er, this year.</div>
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<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7826329913526345406.post-10799588505169146712012-05-18T05:57:00.001-07:002012-05-18T05:57:17.962-07:00my little lion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I've got a lot of nerve posting these pictures from Halloween in May. Don't act like you're not impressed. So obviously Ian was a lion for Halloween. A lion who loves lollipops. </div>
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Double fisting it - nice technique Ian. Apparently we let our kids do whatever they want when they look this cute. Don't judge.</div>
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I'm pretty sure this is the cutest lion I've ever seen.</div>
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<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07726957910017941846noreply@blogger.com0