LuPu Da Chao

LuPu Da Chao is translated into English as: "LuPu big bridge". Sabrina and I recently climbed this bridge, which is the world's longest arch bridge (Google: "Lupu Bridge" to learn more as I'm not a bridge expert). I take this bridge every day on my way to work and it is the second largest arch bridge in the world that you are allowed to "climb". We climbed this with our neighbor and friend, Lisa, and Marilyn, her mother-in-law, who was visiting from the States. It was a nice climb of numerous steps and the bridge at its highest point is 110 meters from the Huangpu River, the river that separates the east and west parts of Shanghai.

It was about as sunny as we get here in the the big city of 18 million people and the view from the bridge is "ok" as you can see the area that the World Expo will take place. The World Expo, a "world's state fair" if you will, will take place in 2010 and the area is just starting to be constructed - picture below. That is the way things happen around here...an empty lot today...becomes a huge building tomorrow. The pace of development is unprecidented. Actually just six months ago, this open area (west side) was a warehouse district similar to the east side of the river. (picture further below)

Until next time enjoy the view:

James Blunt & Birthday Cake

Last night (Saturday - April 19th) Sabrina & I took in a James Blunt concert here in Shanghai. Sabrina purchased the tickets for me for my birthday. Our seats as you can see from the picture were awesome. 4th row - front and center. We were so close you could the moisture from his mouth when he sang. The concert was at a small venue, probably 1500 people at the most and sold out. It was a theatre style set-up. The concert was absolutely spectacular and we are bigger James Blunt fans now because of it. Going to a concert in China is a bit different than that of one in the States as for some reason people don't like to stand. This just felt different, but about 1/3 of the way through James Blunt jumped into the audience kissed about three different people and this got the whole audience to its feet. www.jamesblunt.com

As noted in a previous blog we also celebrated Ava & Caden's 2nd birthday. We celebrated in small fashion as their birthday was the day after we arrived home from our vacation to Hawaii. We had cake and candles. Ava & Caden blew out their first candle. It was pretty funny to watch them try to blow.

We also received some packages in the mail just so you know...! Thank you Grandma Sandi for the wonderful sticker books and crafts, today we received another package of Play-Do and other fun stuff from Cousin Colin, thank you to Uncle Tom & Maribeth, and thank you cousin Abby and family. Your gifts and cards make for a bright day as the twins are starting to understand what presents are.Ava is starting to become the fashion princess as she wants to pick out her own clothes now and we think she really knows how to match at least the same colors together. Perhaps not the same same style yet...but colors... yes. Shoes are also the thing now as you can see in the picture below of Ava with Mom's boots on.

Twins & Two Years

Today is a "Birthday Day". Hard to believe but two years ago... at almost 2 in the afternoon..two 4 pounders entered this world with barely enough energy to take the next breath. Now we are the ones needing time to take a breath as each day is filled with energy & activity.
Sabrina & I were talking yesterday on our way home from Hawaii, that vacations are supposed to be relaxing. But we quickly concluded that a vacation with toddlers is more of an adventure vs. a relaxing time basking in the sun. The adventure was well worth it however and we enjoy every minute of it. We wouldn't do it any other way... :)

Hawaii h2o...Maui Style

For this blog - I'll let the pictures do the talking. We took a snorkel tour and were promised to see sea turtles. Top picture - Sabrina and our niece Sadie. The next picture Tony & Brandon.

Eric & a turtle catching a breathe of air...Brandon floating in the background.A fun day for all..

And Mom & Dad enjoying the luau...later the following day..

Until next time...much more to come...