Hal sledding

Birthday parties

Chilly Day in Chicago

Allie and Dan - cuties!

Karate Kids

Tyler and Allie had a belt test yesterday for their Karate class. They both did very well. They will get their fourth stripe on their white belts, and orange belt is next. The Karate teacher said that he didn't know Allie could talk for the first 6 months that she took lessons, but now she talks all the time.

Spain

Visited Madrid and Granada Spain recently for work. Here are a few shots.

Jones name - a rarity

Get this... our school district, Lake County district 96, has two middle schools, five elementary schools, and 3,117 students. The kids brought home the PTO phone directory, and guess what they noticed? In the entire school district, my children are the only ones with the last name JONES. That compares to 9 with the last name GOLDBERG, 10 with the last name OH, 20 with the last name KIM, and 27 with the last name LEE. It makes us feel so special!

Halloween Fun

Dan and Allie

A few trip photos - Vietnam and China

Also some added to the Ducky Migration blog.

Vietnam and China

Have been working in Vietnam and China for the past 10 days, and am looking forward to returning today. Had a productive trip, met with our marketing team in Vietnam and spoke with some pediatricians there. Am currently in Shanghai, China helping put on a congress for pediatricians from around Asia.

Was in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) during my entire stay in Vietnam, and found it quite fascinating. Very few cars, mostly motorcycles and mopeds on the road. To cross the street, you just start walking and trust that the sea of motorcycles will open and go around you as you walk. Fascinating place, great people, and great food. Had a little time one day to see a few sites like the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum that had some of the history of the Vietnam (also known as the "American") War. Americans in general are very well liked in Vietnam, from what I can tell, and one of the best claims we can make on our products is #1 in America.

Shanghai was good, quite modern compared to Vietnam, and much more expensive. I got to attend church here, which was a different experience. They don't have their own building, but rent out a space for the English-speaking branch here. Probably 150 in attendance, with 80% Americans. Seemed fine. The young men did an interesting high adventure going hiking in the mountains of Tibet. I was a bit jealous of that. Otherwise, pretty similar to a ward you would go to in the U.S.. They are allowed to have worship services, but proselyting is not allowed among the native Chinese.

Had some stomach sickness this week, but otherwise doing very well and looking forward to seeing the gang again!

Apple orchard

Sunday walk near Lakeshore Drive