More Vacation Spots

We went to a pedestrian culture street filled with old architecture, streams, bridges, small shops, vendors, a silk-making shop ... and of course, a Starbucks and Dairy Queen. Mmm, white chocolate raspberry. These aren't found in our city so all enjoyed DQ.
On another day, while Lori was shopping at a fabric market, the girls were overjoyed to find a park with a few rides.
In a mall, we went to an indoor kids' playground. The girls had a blast running around. Their favorite was this spinning tree thing. They'd grab a vine, start running around to spin it, and then hop on the ball at the end for a ride. So fun. We want one.
While looking for shoes for the girls at a huge outdoor mall, we came across this wonderful sight.
We proceeded to have three sundaes and french fries for lunch. Ahh, vacation.
Near the end of our vacation, we stayed at a hotel with a really nice pool. Thankfully it was heated! During our time there, it was neat to see the girls progress in their swimming.
Lia's giving a little lesson on using a kickboard. With all the swimming, at the end of each day, they were thoroughly exhausted. Lori and I, too.

Panda-monium

Our semester had recently ended so we all headed out of town for a week's vacation during the break. It was great to get a change of scenery. One of the major stops was a panda breeding center; we were all excited to get there. The center was huge with over 80 pandas of various ages. They were so fun to watch as they were fairly active the morning we arrived.

Many pandas could be seen sitting on their platforms munching on bamboo. They'd simply sit back and start chowin'.
This one looks like he's smiling. Mmmm ... bamboo.
Too cute.
I swear this is a guy dressed up in a panda suit. And he's getting a good back scratch.
A couple adolescent pandas were playing "king of the tree stump." They went back and forth up and down the stump for over 30 minutes. Hilarious. Here's one round ...
Victory! At least for this round.
Here's Lia at the one-year old pen.

New Year's Ride

On Christmas morning, not only did my computer not turn on [major bummer] but Lia's new bike was not rideable, ie broken. So the next day, I took it back to the outdoor mega-market where I purchased it; after all, they said I could bring it back for free repairs.

After one of the repairman looked at it, he said that it would cost the equivalent of $3 to fix. That obviously is not much at all ... but ... a) Lia hadn't ridden it yet and b) they said I could bring it back for free repairs. I started to explain this and got no where fast. Then I started to explain all this again - yet this time I began to raise my voice. I was not angry, but I was simply explaining the situation with a bit of decibally-enhanced vigor.

This type of behavior is very common here, and I could actually sense that I felt more like a local. Kinda strange. But kinda good. As these thoughts struck my mind, a crowd began to form, and I could see it on their faces - hey, what's this foreigner with mediocre language skills getting all riled up about?! The shop owner then cut the fee in half. After some hesitancy and after being a bit uncomfortable with all the attention, I agreed. Then, as a feeble attempt to express my self-worth, I then added in English, "I'll give you that amount because I ... I am a good person." So there.

The two repairman and I then proceeded to have a very nice chat about life in this city and various other things. I learned they were all family from another city. And I told them about my family. We even joked and laughed together. In the end, the older repairman (the father) refused to take my money. Didn't expect that. Based on the quality of the bikes, I'm sure to see them again ... and I'll be glad to.

Christmas Day

It was a morning filled with bikes, dolls, and every imaginable doll accessory. We all had a very nice morning, and it was capped off with the girls chatting with all four of their grandparents.
A local friend had made and given the girls this house. Small toys and candy filled the inside. So incredibly kind.
The aftermath ...

Early Celebration

We had some friends come over to celebrate Christmas a little early. They brought a bunch of presents for the girls ... which served to confirm the thought that one of the best ways to love a parent is to love their child. We were so encouraged.
Megan's love language is clearly and most definitely gifts.
Sweet backpacks. And they can use those big, inflatable hands to smack each other without leaving bruises.

Show Time

Since October, the international school has been preparing for tonight's Christmas performance. This year, all three girls are involved, and they've been spending quite a bit of time getting ready. The girls were excited and ready to hit the stage.

Before we left, we took the opportunity to get some shots of the girls.
Lia waits to play the bells with her classmates. Under this placid look, she is totally excited. Really.
Then she spots me.
Meg and Val are appropriately dressed as angels.
Some of the audience seated in the balcony. There were many local school children in attendance. It was great to have them.