Hobbies

If I ever knew what this word meant, 5 years of being a parent has caused me to forget.  But over the past year with both Sophia and Eric in school, I have been able to explore a few interests that I had forgotten I had.  

Photography was something that has been easy for me to pick up here.  There is just so much around us every day that is interesting and different for my foreign eye.  It is also a fun way to document our time here. 

Here are a few of what I think are my best photos from my last class.  Maybe one day I can make this something more than a hobby.  Who knows...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Visit from the Wisch Grandparents

Grandma Les and Grandpa Don showed up on our doorstep in April and asked if they could stay for 6 weeks.  Lucky for them, they came bearing lots of scooby snacks & chocolate kisses, so we decided we would let them in.

Mom on The Bund in Shanghai

On the Great Wall (click to see more pics)

We did a fair amount of traveling within China while they were here, but also were able to spend alot of time in Shanghai, relaxing, playing with the kids, and enjoying our afternoon lunches.  It truly was fantastic having them here and we were sad to see them go.  The kids still ask them on skype when they are coming back to our house again. 

Hope you had fun Grandma and Grandpa.  We know we sure did!

Mom and Dad in Xi'an with the Terracotta Warriors

The high speed train

The Great Wall

Welcome to Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda!

Buying Pandas

Holding a REAL Panda (click to see more pics from Chengdu)

Playing a little one-on-one.  Grandma was impressive!

Reading to Sophia's Class and teaching them what sound a turkey makes

We will miss you!!

Baby Shu Shu

Sophia has officially named this baby until he/she makes their appearance in late September...baby Shu Shu. No idea where it came from, but it has stuck.  She talks to it (or yells rather through my belly) at least once every day, singing them Chinese songs and telling them she is their big sister Sophia.  The baby also gets its daily dose of kisses through my belly. Hopefully this is preparing the baby for all the chaos around us so he/she will just sleep through it all.

Here are a few pictures of the baby at 20 weeks (sorry, about a month late).  We didn't find out the sex again, so we will all have to wait for the surprise!  According to all of the local elderly Chinese women I have come in contact with over the last month, it is a boy.  We will see!

YCIS Summer Concert

Eric had his end of the year Summer Concert at school this week.  He was VERY excited to be on stage with his class and we were very proud parents.  Amazing what they are capable of at such a young age!!

Enjoy!

Eric biting his nails like his mom, a little nervous for the show to begin!

But he's really excited...