Probably the best part was meeting new people and enjoying the company of friends...

We were fed like monarchs...

...dined like royalty.

...even in the university cafeteria.

..they just kept bringing out dish, after dish, after dish, after d...

"Really -- I'm good...take that back to the kitchen...please...for the sweet love of all that's holy

...and of course nan -- traditional bread of the Uyger people.

While we were in Northwestern China (Urumqi) we got a taste of the Uyger culture...felt right at home.

That "blonde" bombshell in the middle was a hit with the local Chinese. Kristie got elevated to "Rock-star Status."

One of the earliest forms of irrigation was first established in this part of the world. Grapes are the big crop here along the Silk Road...

More pics of Granpa and Grandma Smith with Kai. Enjoying Waikiki.

We're one step ahead---little league baseball pictures!

Play time at the park. Kai blowing kisses to mom.

And they're off! Mommy gets more exercise than she bargined for. Kai just takes off in the walker and he's gone.

Our neighborhood is full of kids. Kai gets a kick out of them---especially this cute one, Ziggy. He's a handful, but Kai just loves him.

Kai is an active and happy boy.
I think he's checking out the
mechanics of his walker already.

Thanks to Jim and Judy, we were able to go on tour (for Justin's job) with the BYU-H choir to China and Mongolia. Grampa and Grandma Smith flew over and stayed at our house for 2 weeks to tend Kai. It was an amazing experience. Thanks again Jim and Judy. Kai took to them very well. In fact, he prefered them over mommy when see flew home from China.

The Marlers and friends came into town. So we had to hit the beach again---can't get too much of it. We had a great time with them and I'm pretty sure Bart left Hawaii with a perma-grin.

Kai is wearing one of Justin's old outfits (about 8 months or so later than Justin did). What a doll!

Beach time!

My two angels!

Easter Sunday...

Kai's first Easter egg hunt. Kai finds the eggs, Mommy gets the candy. Fair trade, right?

A REAL Easter bunny -- two weeks old.

Petting farm -- When he's not tugging their ears and pulling their tails, Kai really enjoys animals. Not sure the animals enjoy Kai, though. He's still getting down "be soft" and "be nice", but he'll surprise us every now and again with a kind pat, like here with the baby pig and goat.

...more eggs.

Show mommy how the piggy's eat...

Kai is playing on his friends toys...

Nice and curly in the back...