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!