Pete's Climbs the Great Wall and Meets Avery

Climbing up the Great Wall. The steps are big and steep, but Pete says it's no problem for a tough guy like him.

Taking a breather. Getting a little tired, but must press onward. Can't be outdone by a 7-year-old.

Making progress ... and praying that the wind doesn't kick up suddenly. Pete drams of being the ruler of all that he surveys. Too bad the air is so hazy, he can't survey much today.

Can't ... go ... any ... futher ... gasps Pete, while panting and sweating profusely. We try to comfort him and reassure him that we still think he's tough.

Yeah, going back down is easier than going up! Pete regains his composure and self confidence.

Pete has been consipcuously asbsent for a few days. Perhaps he was embarassed to admit that after the Great Wall, his legs were so sore that he could hardly walk. Or maybe that was Doug. Anyway, when Pete reemerges, he finds this strange new creature in our hotel room. It's small and cute, so he offers his services as a body guard. Here he's standing his post and keeping a watchful eye. He doesn't know it, but Avery is dreaming about chewing on his head.


Pete at the Chongqing zoo. He felt a natural kinship with this critter. Can't you see their resemblance? Pete want's to get his new buddy a blaster rifle and a cape and then he'll really be ready to rumble.

Catching a cat nap while keeping watch. Unlike humans, Pete can do both at the same time. He wishes that his little Lego arms had elbow joints so that he could try the finger sucking thing. It looks strangely comforting.