My first visit to China

Hutong Cafe
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal

I had a wonderful time in China last week. Highlights include a trip to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Tienanmen Square, the Olympic Village, and the wonderful shopping and dining in Beijing.

I also met with four of our second-year students from Pepperdine who are studying in Beijing this fall. They graciously showed me around the city and took me to lunch at this delightful hole-in-the-wall in a hutong (alley). The food was amazing, and I felt so generous when I picked up the entire tab for lunch at 28RMB (about $7). Notice we're all still in our coats because it was about 35 degrees in the restaurant (and about 25 outside!).

Indian with DC Friends

Indian with DC Friends
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal

The Kirby's came to town for a one-day surfing lesson. We were able to get together with them and the Crowe/Warfords for dinner at a local Indian place. A wonderful evening of fun and fabulous food.

Literally? Give to the poor? Really?

My good friend Rich Beck had this on his blog last week. Funny stuff...

Play-doh creations

Play-doh creations
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal

Marcus and I spent the morning making fall-themed play-doh creations before school. Here are two candy corns, a car, bat, turkey, corn, and snowman. While the snowman is not exactly fall themed, it's a mythical creature in LA so we can make it whenever we want.

Marcus' homework...

Multimedia message
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal

I was going over Marcus' homework today and found this. In case you can't read it...
"The worst thing about TV is dad is an NFL fan. NO!"

Why am I the only sports-fan in four generations of Williams?

2009 Halloween Costumes

2009 Halloween Costumes
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal

Here they are for the 2009 edition...

Pumpkins with friends

Pumpkins with friends
Originally uploaded by 5 Ms In SoCal