Love the expression on these kids’ faces. They’re wondering when we’ll leave so they can play.

Volunteer Park’sgot some great big trees, and Yuli’s mom enjoyed seeing the varieties. As we walked around the park, she pointed out unusual bark, leaves, height, branch formations. We take these things for granted in the Emerald City, but back home in Taipei, nature is practically non-existent.

The Chinese camels guarding the front of the Asian Art Museum are replicas, perfectly okay for climbing. The marble originals, from late 14th-mid 17th century, are housed inside the Seattle Art Museum downtown.

I’d never met Yuli’s mom before, and I was struck by how much she looked like my mother. It wasn’t just her eyes, nose, mouth, or her hair and the shape of her face. It was her mannerisms too, and what she wore and how she walked. The resemblance was so strong it was kind of freaky. Maybe in 25 years, Yuli and I will look alike too!

Jack, 8, was beat by the time we checked into his hotel room. Poor kid. Pretty nice view of downtown, though, from the 32nd floor. He did perk up later when the hotel employee brought up his luggage and he unpacked his Star Wars action figures.

She’s got two doting parents, Kristina and Brandon, and more toys than some kids. At Volunteer Park, Sadie was beside herself with all the people around her playing soccer and Frisbee, and the squirrels and crows to stalk. At one-and-a-half, she’s got tons of energy and loves to play.

Kristina’s always wanted a pet, but her parents wouldn’t let her have one growing up. (Too much work!) Her mom even tried to talk her out of getting Sadie, but now Sadie’s grown on her.

Sadie’s favorite toys are balls, Frisbees and new people. When she meets a new person, her tail wags so hard her back legs bounce back and forth too.

Brandon wanted a dog who would fetch, and fetching is Sadie’s speciality. Even if she misses the catch and the ball smacks her face, she doesn’t seem to mind.

High five!

Nora had a big weekend in Seattle: visiting the aquarium and Volunteer Park, watching Star Wars and playing princess dolls with her aunt and uncle. Here’s a nice note she wrote:

See those white socks warming her feet? Her parents say Riley has a gift for shrugging off her socks. When she starts crawling, Bill jokes, they’ll be able to find her by following a trail of socks.

Riley has a good grip for a little baby. She can lift up her head by herself, but for now, her round belly thwarts her efforts to crawl.   

Look at those expressive eyebrows!

Tiny fingers…

…and tiny toes. Jenny showed me a pair of the cutest little Merrell hiking boots — they were a gift — that likely won’t get much use. (But who can resist buying ridiculously adorable baby gear?)

Head to head with Bill.

About an hour into pictures, Riley started yawning and yawning and yawning. Modeling is exhausting work!

Bill cradled Riley in his arms, and pretty soon, she closed her eyes and was out for a nap.

Congrats, Bill and Jenny, on your beautiful new baby!

Like my family, Merilee’s family includes two sisters and a little brother. The youngest one is the tallest!

I’d hoped to make some pictures in Volunteer Park, but a persistent drizzle sent us down the drive to the Conservatory instead.

Thomas, 1, is has the bluest eyes and is cuter than any Gap model. I saw him two months ago at our wedding, and already he’s gotten so much bigger! Look how grown up he is, with his polo shirt and cargo shorts.

Morgan, almost 5, has beautiful curls and the sweetest smile. Here’s a joke from Morgan: “What kind of dog has no tail?”

Answer: a hot dog.

Jack, 7, is a terrific big brother. He taught me (well, tried to teach me) how to throw a baseball. Here’s a joke from Jack: “Have a nice trip! See you next fall!” (Get it?)

We walked around Fire Island along the water. The beach was so stunning it looked like a movie set — and it’s within easy reach of Manhattan. Except for one stretch of nude sunbathers, we practically had the whole beach to ourselves.

At first, Thomas wasn’t sure if he liked the sand. Mom piled it over his feet so he could get used to wiggling his toes in it. A few minutes later, he took off in a wobbly run down the beach and didn’t even need the reassurance of his mom’s hand.

And one more joke from Morgan: “Why did the boy throw the clock out the window?”

(He wanted to see how time flies.)

A picture of the whole family. Morgan started feeling under the weather, so after some snacks at the beach, we headed back along the boardwalk.

Jake drove back to the house without hitting anyone, and I got a great tour of West Seattle. It was the most beautiful Saturday in weeks, the perfect day for doing senior portraits.

Jake suggested this picture against the concrete wall along his driveway. I like the way it turned out. We did get some funny looks from Kathy, who pulled into her driveway to see me sprawled out flat on the ground to make this picture.

Besides, the book gives me extra chances to show off pictures of my niece!

The finished book ended up with 26 pages. I could have easily gone on many pages beyond that, but I restrained myself with some good picture editing judgement.

I’m planning on bringing over the book next time we’re in the Tri-Cities — I hope they will like it!