Bedtime

Now that Bella is in 'real school' she brings home a couple of books a night to read. A few of days ago Bella snuggled up in our bed with one of her books (and the audio version on our iPod). Jake saw her and followed suit!

The kids doing their 'nightly home reading.'


Jake checks out his sister.... he wants to make sure he keeps up with her!


Bella all smiles as she listens along to that Norman Bidwell classic: "Clifford Gets a Job."


Hey Jake... how is that book you are reading?


We think he likes it!

The Boy being a boy

Jake has found a new favorite activity... running and then flopping himself face first on the ground! Check out the little maniac in these recent videos. Be sure to find the spot where he leans forward with his arms back as he prepares for his big run and faceplant!

Expensive toys? Who needs them when you have some blankets, a mattress and a few pillows on the ground!


Who is that hiding behind the door...?


Here he comes......!


Arms back... ready to go! Listen for how he counts "4, 5, 6" right before the second run!


Still getting the hang of it! Don't worry... he was fine after this little tumble.

More Jacob!

While uploading Jake's 2nd birthday video we came across the gem below.... check out little Jake's first year!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Our little Jacob turned two years old on Friday! Below is a look back on a few pictures taken during his second year.

A New Member of our Family

Last weekend we welcomed a new member into our family. Little Josefina has joined us as Bella has been entrusted to 'look after her' for while. Josefina original owner, the daugher of the assistant principal of Bella's school, is now in High School and unfortunately doesn't have enough time to take proper car of her. So Bella has been gracious enough to agree to take good care of Josefina for the time being. Smiles all the way around!

Bella smiles while she holds up little Josefina.


Born in 1824 Josefina Montoya is a Hispanic girl whose heart and hopes are as big as the New Mexico sky.


Bella is all smiles as she sets up little Josefina's bed in her new home.

Fun at the Mall!

Idul Fitri has come and gone here in Jakarta. Idul Fitri is the biggest holiday in Indonesia and we had a four day weekend here to celebrate. To kick things off, we did what most Jakartans do on such days: we went to the Mall! Check out some of the fun the kids had.

Jake has fun going down a slide.


Bella swings while Jakes comes looking for fun.


All that practice back at Channing Park has paid off!


Jake is starting to talk... one of his favorite words is "SLIDE! SLIDE!"

Bandung!

A few weeks back, right after we got back to Jakarta from the States, the four of us took an overnight trip down to Bandung. Famous for it's strawberry fields, shopping outlets, and large plastic balls.... Bandung did not dissappoint!

Little Ms. Bella shows off her stylish new hat and iCarly sunglasses.


A giant plastic ball floating in the water... what ever for?


The most fun you can have for $3.00!


It actually is a lot harder than it looks...


We survived... barely!


After our exploits inside the ball it was time to pick some strawberries!


Jake looks for some yummy and ripe berries.


Bella brings up her full basket to the cashier.


After a long day out on the farm the kids were ready for a bath.


Jake enjoys his dinner... a big plate of french fries!


Bella was worn out.. so she grabbed a banana and retreated to Jake's crib for the night.


The next day we even found a little outdoor arcade... complete with a car for Jake!


Bella tries her hand on the drums.


Fighting off a mid-life crisis Mark gets back in touch with his younger self.