Matching daughters and dolls

These are traditional, local clothes worn by our daughters and their Bitty Babies. Cute.

Vacation

We recently returned from a short vacation to another city. It was much needed as there was no slow-down for us during the holidays. Getting a change of scenery was wonderful medicine. For our hotel stay, there were two requirements for our lodging - a big western buffet and a swimming pool. We scored big on both counts. The girls loved going swimming, and we're so thankful it was nicely heated. We all were required to wear swimming caps, as the girls are modeling below. As I wore mine, I felt quite like Michael Phelps ... except for the fact that after swimming 25m I was ready to pass out. I suppose London 2012 will have to go on without me.
The breakfast buffet was delicious. I could have sat there all day ... especially since in the restaurant they had a big screen tv showing the ESPN X-Games - there's just something entertaining about watching snowmobiles flip through the air. The girls loved the waffle bar - with plenty of chocolate.

We ventured out a bit. Found this 'frozen' fountain - we laughed.
We also came across a bustling market that had kind of a county fair type feel - minus the rides, smell of farm animals, and elephant ears. But this market area did have smells - odd ones - and a variety of foods to sample.

Val & Meg on a bus

I just like this picture, and I thought the girls' grandparents would, too. Val, Meg and I were on a bus when I got this shot. I like the light and shadows across their faces. Oh, how I love my girls.

First local haircut

Lori and the girls had their first haircut here with much success. For this first outing, not much was cut, but I do like how their stylist is workin' a Beatles look. And I think that birthmark on his chin is fake.

Norm's is Transformed

Our local hardware store that we call Norm's has been transformed into Norm's Firework Depot! As preparations are made here to celebrate the lunar new year, many a little store sell these fun ... er, I mean ... dangerous items.

All Seen in 15 Minutes

Outside our apartment window, a Buddhist monk washes an SUV. Don't see that every day.
Outside the bus window 15 minutes later, thousands of Muslim men each wearing a white tupi [or kufie as they're sometimes called] exit local mosques and flood the sidewalks and streets. These pictures really don't do the scene justice. We live in quite the interesting place.

Lost Tooth & Cooked Duck

Outside our apartment complex, Lia and Seth were waiting for Seth's Dad to come pick him up after school. Seth is from England and is a couple years older than Lia. They were playing a game where Seth was throwing his scarf around Lia's head/neck ... or maybe I should say Seth was playing this game - it doesn't sound like Lia really had an active role in this here game. During this exchange, Seth's scarf got caught on Lia's tooth, and he gave it a yank. Out came Lia's previously implanted loose tooth. There was blood and some tears, but thankfully the tooth was not lost. After the shock subsided, Lia was quite pleased with her new treasure and new smile. And needless to say, but I have my eye on this character of a little Brit.
Later that day, we all went for a special dinner - duck! It's a custom here that when a child loses their first front tooth, to eat duck for dinner. Just kidding, we'd already been planning on the duck dinner. But maybe we could make this our own family tradition. Feel free to adopt this tradition for your own family too, but make sure you share the story of Lia and the mischievous Brit. The duck was pretty good but a bit greasy. The girls enjoyed watching the carving of the duck.
I don't think Lia would be smiling if she realized those things in front of her were duck heads. [Anyone reminded of the end of the movie A Christmas Story? "It's ... it's ... smiling at me."]