Summer of 2012 #2 - Beijing!

On our first day in Beijing we checked into our super cool hotel... check out the photo below!

We then used some of the local transportation on offer to head out to meet an ex-student of Mark's and his family for a nice dinner.

We spent a few minutes in a park near our restaurant before dinner.

Korean BBQ! So yummy... and we were VERY proud of Bella for trying a bunch of new food.

Mark and Andy Yoon... whom Mark taught in Kindergarten back in Los Altos!

All the way to China for... Korean food! :-)   Well worth it as it was a fantastic meal.

The Summer of 2012 #1

We kicked off the summer by 'swinging by' China on our way to the States. With a 6:20am flight to Taipei... it was an early morning! Below: Bella and Jake smile in their jammies at the Jakarta airport.
All smiles during our short lay-over in Hong Kong.
Jake was a little worn out from our 3:15am wake-up!
We spent one night in Taipei... before flying to Beijing the next day at 8am. Bella was not very enthusiastic about waking up early two days in a row!  

 We made it to Beijing!
 
 Jake and Bella take a snooze in the taxi on our way into town.

Our Maestro

After months of hard work and lots of practice... Bella was ready for the big stage. Last our little Maestro performed beautifully at the annual JIS "Strings Bash!" -- over 150 kids from JIS (ages 6 to 18) showed off their talents to many a proud parent.

Jake was very excited to see his sister perform.


Bella getting ready back stage.


Our little angel... 7 years old now!


Bella smiles right before doing a fantastic job playing her violin!


What did Jake think... well..... you can see below...


Video! Check out little Bella.


More video!

Family Picnic!

A few weeks ago we packed up our car with a few blankets, some sport equipment and some food... and drove down to the Universtiy of Indonesia for a picnic! The U of I is Icha's alma mater so not only was it fun to just hang out as a family... it was a great time for us all to visit Icha's old school.


Bella and Jake enjoy some time out in the sun.


Icha returns to her Alma Mater... this time with hubby and kids in tow!



Mark toss Jake while Bella gears up for some real football.



Icha shows off her soccer skills!


Jacob Bima -- our little athlete!


Jake enjoying himself


Icha gives Bella ride!


Jake's turn!

Bella's Basketball Comes to and End

After eigtht weeks of fun, Bella's Saturday morning basktball came to a merciful end last weekend. Aside from the fact that her practices/games began at 8am each week these mornings were, while lots of fun, a bit of challenge. Why.... you ask? See below:

Unlike her Daddy... Bella played some mean defense!


Bella contenplates who she should pass the ball too...



Time for some drills... hey! Where is Bella?


Ah... there she is!


Game time! Where is little Murnane... taking a well deserved rest?



Looks like that mean defense didn't last....



Well... she had fun each week and we got to spend some quality time together... and went to Starbucks after each game/practice.... all in all a good experience!

Bella's New Hobby!

Our little Bella has decided to expand upon her musical talents by taking Violin lessons! She came home from school a few weeks ago asking us with great enthusiasm if she could sign up to learn how to play this time honored instrument of musical harmony. After a couple of weeks of lessons... she was ready to bring home her beloved violin... and put on a mini concert for us!


Bella concentrates as she prepares to play some music for the 3 of us.


Our happy little musician.


Time for the big concert!


Bella shows off her new skills.


More music... and little Jake enjoying a little bed time song!

Jake starts school!

Today marked a big milestone for us down here in Jakarta: Jake started school! The boy turns 3 this coming Saturday and began his academic career this morning at a very nice pre-school quite close to our house.

Our little pride and joy proudly shows off his first day of school outfit.


All ready to go!


Balls in hand... Jake checks out the action on the playground.


Golfing! Nothing (except for perhaps a bowling set) could make Jake happier.


Jake gets ready to take a big swing!


Jake takes a few tentative steps across the bridge... check out the videos below for more action.


Music time!


Jake gets ready for snack time --- time to wash up.


Crackers, water and raisins.... no finer food for a 2 year old.


Jake finshed up his morning with a good book.


VIDEOS!

Jakes takes a few steps down the hill in the backyard.


To highlight just how much Jake learned in one day... check out this sequence of videos.

Our boy watches a 'bridge running expert' with envious eyes.


Jakes gives it a go... ever so slowly....


After a little practice... Jake shows off his new skills!