Saturday, October 31, 2009

1st Halloween

Today is Everett's first Halloween. It was a very eventful day for him. We went to lunch at Zupas with Grandma and Grandpa and lots of aunts, visited Great Grandma at the hospital, and then dressed in our costume and went to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner. We had a fun day, but missed our daddy. Be safe on the road Dad!

Isn't he the cutest puppy dog you've ever seen?



Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Such a Good Dad

I was just looking through pictures and came upon this one. Isn't is great? I think so. It completely captures the love and care Ryan has for Everett.

I love you Ry, thanks for being a great dad and husband. I miss you! Be safe driving.

Eight Months

My little boy is now eight months old. I've said this a million times, but I still can't believe how fast he is growing. Everyday is different and it is such a joy to see him experiment and learn. Some of his new favorite tricks include:

1. Pulling him-self up to the standing position using a stationary object. This new trick has caused several bumps on the head. I try to be there every second, but sometimes I fail and then feel guilty for the rest of the day.
2. Patty cake. He now claps his hands when we say patty cake or just when he wants some attention.
3. He recently started to say "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma". This is more of a noise than a word, but still cute.
4. When we give him a bottle and put him to bed he pats me or his dad on the cheek the entire time. We think it is adorable. It's his little way of saying I love you.
5. Everett loves to go on walks and take baths. He flails his arms and squeals with joy whenever he hears the bath water running.

He is a sweetheart and fills his parents hearts with joy everyday!


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Beijing

Our second and final stop on our trip to Asia was Beijing, China. Ryan and I arrived on Thursday, October 15th and we were exhausted. We went to the hotel took it easy for an hour or so and then took the metro to Tienanmen Square.

As we strolled through Tienanmen Square I couldn't help but admire both the beauty and the history of the Square. I gazed across the street to the entrance of the Forbidden City and imagined what it was like 60 years ago when Mao stood atop the gate and announced "The People's Republic of China". The country has come a long way since then and I can't help but admire its (bumpy) progress.

Entrance to the Forbidden City. Also the gate that Mao stood atop.

This was the extent of our site seeing on Thursday as the jet lag and lack of sleep had caught up with us. I believe we stopped at McDonald's on the way home and had the best McDonald's burger I've ever tasted.

Friday we explored the Lama Temple and the Temple of Heaven. I enjoyed taking in and experiencing the culture as we watched spiritual rituals at the Lama Temple and everything from choir practice to chess playing at the Temple of Heaven.

Lama Temple

Temple of Heaven

Saturday was my favorite day. Ryan hired a private driver for the day and we headed to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. I don't know how to put this experience into words besides to say it was absolutely breathtaking. It is the most amazing site I have ever seen. I'll let the pictures say the rest.

Riding the lift up to the Wall.


Alpine slide down the Wall.

After exploring the Great Wall for three hours or so we asked our driver to take us to the Olympic Park. We were able to see the Birds Nest and the Cube. The Chinese did a great job building and so far maintaining the park.

On Sunday we went to the Summer Palace. The site was packed with locals so we escaped on a boat and explored most of the park on the lake. It was fun to escape the crowds and take in grand size of the Palace.



Monday, our last day, we explored the Forbidden City. This was another one of my favorite places. Most of the buildings had been newly renovated and the vibrant paintings on them were amazing. After exploring the city we hiked a small hill at a park across the street and enjoyed seeing a view of the entire city. It's looked like a sea of yellow tile.

Forbidden City

Riding through a local Hutong (neighborhood)View of The Forbidden City in the background.

Thank you Ryan for the most fabulous trip. I loved spending so much time with you and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing sites. I love you.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tokyo

About 3 weeks ago Ryan and I decided to make a last minute trip to Asia. Crazy? Maybe, but well worth it.

We first went to Tokyo to see our dearest friends Scott, Heather, Reina, and Ivy Harper. In true Harper/Butters style we spent a significant amount of time eating, laughing, watching TV, and site seeing.

We're on our way.

The first night in town Scott and Heather arranged for us to taste some of the best Japanese drinks. My favorite, Calpis. Hmmm....I'm craving it as we speak.

Exploring the Meiji Shrine

Cleansing my hands before entering the Shrine

This is one of Scott's favorite restaurants. The food was delicious. All you can eat meat and you cook it right at the table. Thanks for lunch Harpers.


Everything is better in Tokyo. Even Ryan's favorite drink, Mtn. Dew.




Hanging out in Shibuya, home of the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world.

Shibuya, We love you guys!




We met up with another great friend from HBS, Rick Atkin, and enjoyed wonderful Indian food together at Samrat.

Scott and Heather, thank you for hosting us and giving us a grand tour of Tokyo. We love and miss you guys!

Monday, October 5, 2009