Santa's Little Helper

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

Due to the fact that it's still 70 degrees in Hong Kong and all the Santa's are Chinese men, it's been somewhat difficult to get in the holiday spirit.  It seemed crazy to get a Christmas tree since we're going back to the States for the holidays, and unfortunately I packed zero Christmas decorations or ornaments in our move.  In a desperate attempt to reach my inner Cindy Lou Who, I decided Tyler deserved a gingerbread house for his first Christmas at the very least.  I know what your thinking...and unfortunately at this time my artistic creations are not for sale!  

Seriously, we are so ridiculously excited to come home for Christmas!  We would love to see as many friends and family as we can over the course of our stay.  We'll be in Cincy December 19-24th, Muskegon December 24-31st, and back in Cincy the 31st thru January 2nd.  Happy Holidays!

A minute with TKB

When Tyler's not cruising the streets of Hong Kong, you can usually find him relaxing in this recliner. Note to soon-to-be parents...this bouncy seat is a must...we wouldn't get through dinner with both hands free without it. And you get the added benefit of incredibly romantic dinner music!

Lantau Island...home of the Big Buddha

Recently we took a trip to Lantau island, the largest island in Hong Kong.  It's almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island, and home to some of the region's best beaches, wilderness trails, and monasteries, in addition to the Hong Kong International airport.  The island is easily accesible by the MTR, Hong Kong's mass transit railway.  The highlight of our trip was a cable car ride that links the town of Tung Chung to a village called Ngong Ping.    

The cable car ride provided breathtaking views of the island...

In addition to a spectacular view of Hong Kong's airport.

The village of Ngong Ping is home to a huge Buddhist monastery called Po Lin, although today it's more of a tourist attraction than religious retreat.  On a hill above the monastery sits the Tian Tan Buddha, apparently the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha.

The big Buddha is surrounded by several of his much smaller, Buddhist friends...

Guess who's 3 months old!!!

It's hard to believe it's been only 3 months since Tyler arrived, considering how much our lives have changed in such a short amount of time.  The little man is already a whopping 15 lbs...and according to the Chinese, looks like he's twice his age!