The Spirit of Adventure

This weekend, we saw the third and final installment of the Toy Story series. It was great. We laughed, we cried - it was everything a Pixar film should be.


When Derek was a little boy, he made short films with a his friend, Andrew. They filmed "aliens from outer space" and "things" in their backyard during the long summer breaks from school. Andrew is now an animator at Pixar Animation Studios. Last October, he invited up to enjoy a private tour of Pixar in Emeryville, Calfornia. It was incredible!! The movie "Up" (one of our favorites) was still in the theaters and throughout the amazing facility they had pre-production drawings and models on display. We weren't allowed to take photos inside (for obvious reasons; that's what memories are for!), but we did snap a few shots just outside.


The entrance to Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif.


Derek and Andrew outside Pixar Studios. Recognize the lamp in the back? It's Luxo Jr. 


Inside the gates... Notice the "Cars" logo on the roadway? Cute.


Okay, we're not stalkers, but we thought this was so cool! We found this Jeep in the parking lot of Pixar  - the owner covered their spare tire with the grape soda button from one of our favorite films, "Up." Here's to the spirit of adventure!

Georgia on my mind...

We enjoyed a week in Georgia before Malinda's little sister got married in a beautiful wedding ceremony to our new brother-in-law, Matt. As a teenager, Malinda spent most summers and winter breaks in Atlanta, Georgia visiting her dad, step-mom and sister, Amanda. We had a great time visiting with family and friends, and playing tourist for a few days before the wedding.

We spent the day at the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world.

One of three Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. This one was 20-feet-long! The Georgia Aquarium is the only place in the world where you can see these incredible creatures.

Malinda's aunt and godmother was in town from Tuscon, Arizona. She joined us for the day at the Georgia Aquarium.

We enjoyed the season finale of "Glee" outdoors with friends on the lawn at Atlantic Station. The audience cheered and clapped after every musical number. It was great!

Amanda, our new brother-in-law, Matt, and us at the outdoor laser and fireworks show at Stone Mountain, the largest piece of granite in North America! Next, the biggest ball of twine. Just kidding!

Laser and fireworks show at Stone Mountain, Georgia.

We couldn't resist! On the way to the wedding rehearsal, we saw this sign at Hardee's (like Carl's Jr). They've got some pretty expensive burgers in the South!  

Wedding rehearsal: Amanda, Dad and Malinda

Two of my favorite people: Dad and Derek.

The bride is ready to go!

Yay! Amanda and Matt are married!

Us at the wedding reception.

Yes, it was a Karaoke reception. Check out Malinda singing"Livin' on a Prayer" with Amanda's new nieces.

Malinda singing "Summer Nights" with family friend, Andy.


We had a great time in Georgia. It's always hard to leave family, but we know we'll be back again soon. Although we're on opposite sides of the country, we've remained close and talk on the phone at least once a week, if not more. 

And finally... we had to post this last picture - this is Dad and his new puppy, Opal. She's the one with the crazy eyes, referenced in an earlier post. She loves Malinda's dad... and we think he's pretty smitten with her, too. Notice the other dogs in the photo... the two chihuahuas, Celine (dad's other dog) and Dobby (my sister's dog; dad was puppy-sitting for the wedding). I think he was in puppy heaven for this picture. Cute.


Contact/Email Us

You are welcome to contact us anytime by emailing derekandmalinda@gmail.com or by calling toll-free at 1.877.300.4788. We also welcome questions about open adoption and the journey we have taken to start our family.