When Kristina came back for her fall break, she was desperate to eat at "Sushi Sam's". Her favorite dishes are Salmon Sashimi, Chef's special sushi, and their dessert. Kristina and Brittany had a good sisterhood chat and we were just happy to see her for the 1st time since she went to college.




This was her dessert.

Kristina and Brittany updating their lives .









Her yummy Salmon Sashimi.









She is grown and looks great.

sibling

During the month of September, both my brothers visited me with their family members. Every time they visited me, it made me miss my parents tremendously. Many times I asked myself, "Why did two great people deserve to die in such a horrifying disaster?" At the same time, there is still no closure about how the fire started. I feel pain every time I think about the incident that happened 7 years ago. Luckily, I have 2 brothers to share.
We try to live the way our parents had taught us to. I remember very well that they were helping all kinds of people who had certain needs. I asked my mom once why she never asked those people to repay her. She replied, "You decide to help them because you want to help, not because you want something in return." I remember clearly that she took me and my brothers to the orphanage often when I was young. She bought each child some winter clothes and cooked them food. She wanted to help and she wanted us to know that we are fortunate and should appreciate what we have. My brothers and I try to live up to that. The other lesson I have learned from them helped me more: I learned that I should never judge others by their race, gender, choice of religion or politics, etc. until I at least shake his/her hand and talk with him/her for 20 minutes. I love you, mom & dad!

Kristina, the college girl

Aug. 24th was the day we took Kristina to her college, Pomona College in Claremont, California. Logan and I debated with her for days and months about this school, and of course she insisted on her choice. I can see why. She was like this little fish and found the right pond to swim in. She looked right at home with the people, room, and the whole thing.

This is Kristina in front of her dorm building.


This is the dorm building again. Being a 24/7 mother, many people thought that I would cry when we had to say good-bye.
Hey, people out there! I didn't cry at all. How could I? It was very hard to feel sad especially when I saw her so happy and when she couldn't wait to wave goodbye to us with her signature smile.
I'm sure she will have 4 wonderful years ahead of her.




This is inside of the building and right in front of her room. This room was built especially for handicapped people, so it includes a big bathroom. Kristina shares this room with a roommate from NY. Where is Kristina? She went off to socialize with her new friends, of course. That's her!





That day was so boiling hot! (98 F) . Logan got so tired of sweating, so he decided to rest in the car which was luckily parked under the shade. There are tons of big trees in Pomona, and that is a good thing.





Brittany likes her big sister's school, too. Logan was like "ummm....... very expensive, dear." I was like "work as hard as your sister!" and of course Brittany's reaction is :( .

Logan B-day 1

On Aug. 11, Logan's 60th birthday, we went to Half Moon Bay under his request for a relaxing day on the beach. Here is the birthday boy.






The girls love the beach as much as their dad. Kristina really followed the instruction---relax. Brittany was watching the waves and some playful dogs on the beach. Don't let the bright sun fool you, it actually was a little cold. Kristina and Brittany just liked to get some sun tan.




After the beach, we ate at this "Sam's" for dinner. The beets salad was incredibly good. And I love the seafood stew. And the view of beach and ocean was impeccable. I'd love to come back and try their lobster sandwich which is famous there.





This sign is close by the restaurant. We thought it was a funny sign. It really adds some humor to the message. Hope no one wants to kiss raw fish in the middle of the ocean. We actually found many people taking photo of this sign.

Logan B-day 2

After the big yummy dinner, we had to walk off the food by climbing and hopping on the tough rock trail.







Occasionally we paused a little bit to check out the scene.












We "stop & go" on the rock for quite a long time until we got the chance to watch the beautiful summer sunset. It gave a nice finale of this fun and relaxing day.

different is different

The white hamster is named after the movie "Enchanted" character, Gisel. She doesn't like to run on the wheel even she has the bigger wheel. This funny hamster likes to do monkey bar instead. She also likes to stare at the human beings when we are close to her cage. If Gisel gets thirsty, she can drink 1&1/2 minute straight. When Brittany gives her a paper towel tube, Gisel loves to shred through the tube and make a lot of air-conditioned holes. Gisel can't live with Ro and Bo since they are different specie and not getting along well. They are all cute, and Brittany shows unconditional love for them. Brittany is almost a pro when it comes to hamster.

Olympic gold medal runner

These two Roborovski hamster are almost 2 years old. One named Ro, and the other is Bo. They are very tiny even for dwarf hamster. As long as they are awake, they run like Olympic Marathon gold medalist. They are Brittany's pets. It is better off to leave them alone and not trying to catch them. It is nearly impossible to catch them. When Brittany is in school, I occasionally feed them lettuce, which they love as special treat.

3rd day of the Chicago trip

This is Frank, one of my best friends during my youth, but, hey, I'm not old!!!!










Frank's 5-year old son, Ethan. He is absolutely a fun kid.
Bundle of energy and expresses himself from his heart.










Frank's other two sons (Alex, 11 and Kevin,14)
They are such smart and great guys to company us.
They are camera shy, though.










This is Frank's wife, Alice, with Ethan.
Alice is very patient with kids (which including Brittany and me).










This is like old times with old friends.
We've got to get other old friends to hang out.

We had so much fun with his family. They showed us the Chinatown of Chicago, the famous deep dish pizza, and the water cruise travelling out to the Lake Michigan. Alice is so super about knowing everything. She lined up for the pizza and bought boat tickets so quick. Very resourceful. Their boys are very patient when Brittany shopped at the "FOREVER"21. The water cruise is so cool. We got on the board about 7:45 pm and see all the buildings and downtown during the day-time. And we also were able to see the whole thing in the night time when all the buildings lighted up. Alice, thank you so much.
The last day we visited their house for barbeque. Their 3 boys are very smart, well-behaved, and easy to talk to. Frank and Alice, you have raised your kids well. And hope we didn't pollute them with our California trash. Frank, I will definitely visit you and Chicago again. But, you need to visit us first. The trip was short but full. I thought I was just going to visit a friend and his family, but I also got to know Chicago more than I expected to. The dynamic in this city is very different from San Francisco Bay Area. Brittany and I took in a lot with our perspective point of views. We were happy that we had this chance to go.
Thank you, Frank, Alice, Kevin, Alex, and of course Ethan, for your hospitality.

2nd part of 2nd day in Chicago

This is a view from the Sears Tower.













Are you able to see some building have
swimming pool and tennis court on top of the building?












We loved the Art Institute of Chicago.
Next time we need to visit the Modern
Art museum too.












This is Buckingham water fountain.
Do you think the queen is showering in there?











Brittany found this rabbit in the middle of
Grant park (named after president Grant)
and there is another park named after
president Lincoln.

We also love the art institute where we were mesmerized by some art collections. I wish I have some art collections or an art museum close by so I can visit often. We went walking around in the Grant Park ( There is another Park next to this one is called Millenium Park) and Brittany found this rabbit. She chased this rabbit for quite a long time and used alot of her memory and battery in her digital camera?!

This is the new Trump Tower in Chicago

























This is Brittany in the Wrigley(gum company)
Building center court.











This is not only a boat, but also "water taxi"
to travel in the middle of the Chicago downtown
on Chicago river.











This is Brittany when she doesn't
cope well with the dizzy feeling.

I took Brittany with me to Chicago for a few days. I want to visit my friend's family. He (Frank) is one of my best friends from high school. We are like brother and sister in a way. Then we lost contact for a long time(years), and when I found his info, that's when I decided to go for a reunion.
The first day we arrived at late evening, and we right away felt the humidity. Then he took us to John Hancock building up at the 96th floor. It was really beautiful and breath-taking.
Next day Brittany and I went on ourselves for the city explore. We love the buildings in Chicago. There are some really cool (new and old) buildings. Lots of statues everywhere. It is impossible to park a car in the downtown, so when we found the water taxi to take us to famous places, we right away jumped on the chances to take the fun way to our next spot.

The 1st match we saw.












She (Marion Bartoli) went into Final.

I took Kristina and Brittany to the Bank of West tennis tournament at Stanford. It is part of the US Open Series. We sat at the front row. It was a great experience for us. We totally watched 2 matches, but didn't really finish the 2nd match. It got too cold and late. It was fun, and next year I think we should go much earlier to get some autographs and other stuffs outside the courts. Fun with my girls!

Kristina and Brittany's Artwork

I enjoy my girls' art works a lot. Kristina took art during her junior and senior year during high school. She likes her art teacher very much and occasionally goes to the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art with her art class. Sometimes the objectives are challenging, but she thinks that art takes away all the tension and stress from AP classes. Brittany hasn't had as much direction from a teacher, but she is on the way for some good art (she drew the charcoal dog). Sometimes Kristina and Brittany just draw to relax. I was never that great at painting or drawing, so their skills obviously don't come from their mommy.

tennis camp

Brittany has been taking tennis camp every week so far. Unfortunately, this week is firing hot, and she is MAD at mother nature. Then when she is bored at home, then she is happy to go again. Doesn't she look like the future Wimbledon winner? I might take the girls to watch the Bank of America tournament in Stanford next week. Some world famous players will be there, and I hope we get a chance to get their autograph!!!

McOmber Reunion

these are the videos from the mcomber reunion, where everyone was taught to dance the hula except me; the photographer

my 48th birthday

my family took me to san francisco to paint the town red.

enjoy the pictures!