New Trampoline from George W Bush

We fulfilled our civic duty to stimulate the economy by purchasing a trampoline. Never mind the fact that it was made in China...I suppose the Chinese need economic stimulation too. Right?

Anyway, it's funny the types of comments you get from people when you tell them you bought a tramp. Most of them deal with the potential for gruesome injuries (see picture below...by the way we have broke most of these rules already). My standard reply is,"well, you have to embrace a certain amount of danger to have some fun." To which most people agree. Nothing in life is a thrill or really rewarding without the possibility of carnage.

So far, so good. No injuries and we're 5 days into this tramp thing. Last night after the we put the girls to bed, Carmen and I went out on the tramp and jumped our hearts out. It was darn fun. Parents should play like children more often. Afterward, we laid on the tramp and looked up in the trees and watched bats swooping in the darkening sky.

In addition to the tramp, we have had a super fabulous start to summer this weekend. On Friday we went to a wedding reception for the daughter of good friends in the ward--The Balkmans. The value of the food we consumed easily exceeded the value of our gift to the bride and groom. It was quite a spread. They also gave us 25 Dalia tubers that we planted the weekend. They are my favorite flower. So beautiful. See the picture.

Oh we also, went boating with some other good friends out on Lake Sammamish on Saturday. So fun. The water and the houses are beautiful and so fun to see. I got to get pulled around on a tube. I love doing things that make we feel like I'm 15 again. Carmen asked me to carry her to shore as we dismounted the boat. She caught me off balance and I went face first into the 58 degree water along with her. She was so good natured about it...not mad at all. I was embarrassed, but I'm beginning to see the good humor in it. Anna thought it was hilarious and continues to bring it up.

Today on Memorial Day I've been thinking about all those how have passed on to the next life who have made my life better. Those who fought for freedom from tyranny, or for freedom to worship. Especially, my father, Dwight, he was amazing. He overcame so much. As I read and reflected on his life this weekend, I found it remarkable that he faced so much sorrow and was able to achieve so much. He lost his mother at the age of 5 and his father at 18. He wore cardboard into the soles of his shoes. Within 20 years he was a successful businessman with a comfortable house in the suburbs, a fancy car, and a jet boat...only to lose most of it again later in his life. The hardships and sorrows that many have passed through are difficult to comprehend from our relatively cushy lives of today. Well, I gotta go jump on my trampoline now.

Smurf This

Smurf scarcity is over! I have come across some treasure troves of Smurf nostalgia that take me back to 1982.

There is a great toystore at the Pike's Place Market called the Dragon's Toybox that sells the little blue figurines for $2.99. Quite a bargain, even by my cheap/frugal standards. I bought a few of them for Aja & Anna and they are smurfing over the moon about them.

Also, Netfilx & Youtube have full episodes for viewing. The cartoons stand the test of time...they are quite good. However, I have to say, the whole thing of using the word "smurf" as a substitute for verbs & adjectives sounds suspect at times. I suppose I have become less innocent than I was at age 9. Anyway, I hope adults and kids alike will enjoy these smurfs as much as I have. Smurf this youtube video.

"Carm, you're totally rockin' it!" - Aja, age 4

We've been flying kites on Friday nights for the past 3 weeks. It's been really fun. Last night when Carmen was at the controls Aja said, "Carm, you're totally rockin' it!" It's funny to hear your kids parrot back things you never knew you said.

Speaking of Carm, she is totally rockin' it as a mom. Happy Mother's day sweetie.

Here are some action shots of Aja, Carmen & Liv.

On our last poll, the #1 thing you're sick of is high gas prices. Although I must admit, I was surprised by all the pent-up angst about Thomas Kinkade. Funny stuff.

Anyway in response to your displeasure with the price of oil & gas, you get to vote for your favorite "gas-less" modes of transportation. Mine are Tevas and wagons. What are yours?

Inside The Dragon

I've really been enjoying the May issue of National Geographic. It's entirely dedicated to China...it's beauty, sheer size, diversity, and evolving culture. Amy Tan wrote a fascinating article entitled A Village on the Edge of Time about the Dong people. It's amazing to me to get a glimpse into the mindsets and traditions of this small ethnic group. Check it out.

The articles reminded me of my travels in China nearly 10 years ago. One of my favorite places was the Li River in the Guangxi Province. I will never forget the full-day river cruise through the beautiful limestone pinnacles.

Reading about the pressure to succeed that is often put on middle-class school children, made me appreciate my Chinese friends from business school and work. They have achieved so much. One good friend at The U of Chicago (I won't use his name) was one of the student leaders in the Tientiananmen Square protests in 1989. His stories are remarkable to say the least.

The magazine also has some pictures of the architecture for the Bejing Summer Olympics. The "Bird's Nest" stadium and the "Bubble Wrap" swimming venue are mod and super cool.