Sweet and Fun

We've had a good time lately, especially with the weather being nice and cool. This is just a few pics of Kate and AJ.

Being sweet at the park(I know, I know, I've got to find some more shoes for Kate, but don't let that distract you from how sweet it is).Riding a boat in the park. The "life jackets" were quite sketchy. Daddy reading them a book. Kate reaping the rewards of helping me make brownies.

Beijing and Xi'An Trip

My dad is visiting us right now, and last week for a few days, he and I went to Beijing and Xi'An(She-An). Mike so wisely decided it was best not to take the kids, so he graciously stayed with them. We were able to see some amazing sights, like Tianneman Square, The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. All of these things were incredibly telling of China's history, which is a long, varying one. I won't give you a history lesson, well, because I simply wouldn't get it all right, but I will show you some pictures.

Forbidden City: The Great Wall: Terra Cotta Warriors: Terra Cotta Warriors tourist trap: Hu Tong(close knit communities in Beijing): Summer Palace for Emperors: Xi'An Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Water Town near Shanghai called Zhujiajiao:

Halloween Pics

I guess it goes without saying by now, that Halloween was a little different here. In this case, different did not mean bad. Since there are not many kids in our complex, much less kids that would actually trick or treat, we decided to go to a different area. The teacher of Kate and AJ's preschool organized a bunch of families to have trick or treaters in their complex. All of the families that participated have one or more parent who teaches at a big American school here in Shanghai. So, we felt safe in going there. The main difference was that we went up and down elevators and stairs to trick or treat in the different buildings. Other than that, it was pretty much door to door like at home. Of course, there were some iffy Chinese candies given out by some, but we've found a few more things we like that we may not have tried otherwise. It didn't take them long to figure out if they just say the magic words, "Trick or Treat", smile and open their bag, then the candy falls in.

Kate was Cinderella and AJ was Spiderman, sans the mask. We barely got him into his costume that night, since he was not a big fan of the muscles. I am a big fan of the muscles, though. Made me laugh. Kate however, had been "practicing" being a princess for many days in advance. They fell asleep on the drive over, funny. I guess it was a good thing so that they wouldn't be as cranky once we got there. When we did arrive and AJ came out of his stupor, he would go around doing his signature growl, scowl, squatting and flexing pose. I guess he liked his muscles some.

Kate with some of her friends from preschool. Allison as Ariel and Zoe as the butterfly. Waiting for the elevator.

I'm sure they will be pros next year.