Summer of 2011

This summer of 2011 is officially over... and it was a fantstic 7 weeks in the USA! Over the next few days we will review some of the fun we had on our latest visit to the homeland.


Our trip began at the Jakarta airport back in early June.


Jake settles in for the long flight.


Bella looks ready for a nap!


Jake and Bella enjoy playing around in the Taipei airport.


We made it to SFO! Jake and Bella walk towards immigration.


Welcome to America!


Bella and Ma reunited!


The next morning Bella was a bit jet lagged... but happy to be back at 1056.


Jake looked a bit fresher than his sister and enjoyed some quality time with Ma.

Gymnastics!

After six months of tireless practice and preparation Bella was ready for her first Gymnastics competition! Last weekend Bella performed along with 200 other Olympic hopefuls in the JIS Gym on the PIE campus for the Spring Prime Gymnastic Competition.

Jake checks out the action and thinks he might be the next Bart Conner.


Bella prepares to climb up on the balance beam.


Our little Mary Lou in action!


Bella went home with a few ribbons, medals, and a big smile. All in all a great morning.

Christmas in the USA #2

The fun continued for us in the USA.... the next morning we started things off the right way:

Ma and the boy smile... Jake was ready to head out for a quality breakfast!


So many choices... so little time....


A donut connoisseur at age 2.


Bella contenplates her choices....


No finer way to start the day.


CHRISTMAS EVE meant time to open some presents with Ma, Pa and Auntie Ria!


Forty family pictues taken... this is the best we could do.


Pa and Bella gear up for the first round of presents.


Jake kicks things off!


Hmmmmm... Jake likes what he sees in Pa's hand....


BEER!


What book is that....?


Looks like the PERFECT book for Pa!


All ready to rock baby.


Clearly Bella and Maria have differing opinions about this gift.


Bella snuggles up to her Aunite Ria --- Bella would later ask Maria on this trip: "Aunite Ria can I live with you in New York?"


A Jakarta mug! Now Maria can think of us each time she has her mornng cup of Joe.


Bella smiles with the newest addition to the Murnane family: Rebecca Rubin.


Uh oh... Jake is on the loose... where is going... what is he going to do...


That's our boy!

Christmas in the USA #1

On Saturday, December 18th we made the 'big trip home' for the holidays. We flew from Jakarta to Taipei and then onto San Francisco. A mere 28 hours from door to door... but all good fun.

For the first time of thirty (or more!) Bella listens to "Baby Baby" by Justin Bieber while waiting for our flight in Jakarta.


Icha smiles while the kids amuse themselves in the Taipei airport.


Jake shows off his Niner Pride!


San Francisco! After the long haul Jake was a little worn out.


After a couple days it was time for the Annual Murnane Family Dinner! Below Maria, Monica and Michele smile.


Icha shows off the boy in his Sunday Best.


Dinner time! Bella, Lauren, Ryan, Monica, Jordan and Brooke all get ready to dig in.


Maria and Pa contenplate what to have for dinner.


Thank you Ma and Pa for another great family dinner!

Fesitval of Lights

This morning here in Jakarta was the annual "Festival of Lights" holiday concert. Bella was back on stage and once again did a great job singing! She was even selected to introduce one of the songs. It was a fantastic show and as always we were super proud of our little Angel.

Bella shows off her stuff.



Little Bella... a little nervous! :-)
Back to more singing!

Back to more singing!


Bella showing she is ready for Broadway.

Bella's Sixth Birthday Video

In honor of our little Angel's sixth birthday... below is a quick look back at the past year.

Happy Birthday Luau!

Last Saturday we celebrated Bella's 6th birthday in style.... a Hawaiian Luau! This was the first "girl only" party for Bella... and the first "no parents or nannies" party... a big milestone in the life of little ones here in Jakarta.

Cupcakes... by Icha. Taste even better than they look.


The calm before the storm... Mark enjoys a cup of coffee and the morning paper before the kids arrive.


Snowcones! Who wants a snowcone?


Bella and Mariska enjoy painting their Hawaiian pictures.


Time to learn the Hula!


The girls show off their new skills.


The fashion queens smile... just before time to sing happy birthday.


Happy Birthday Bella! We love you.