Chopsticks

While the girls are getting quite good at using chopsticks, they also love playing the game chopsticks.  Whenever we are trying to fill time at a restaurant or on the subway you'll see them strategizing or playing. 

We're already a quarter through the school year and we're crossing our fingers that we can all continue our positive attitudes and hard work.  Vivian got a pleasant first report from her teachers and she currently seems dedicated to doing her homework on a nightly basis.  Nina had a good report and is always excited for a new book; she continues to be our family translator.  

The girls have been surprising each other and us lately with handmade love notes.  Misspellings and all, they're very cute.  

Ben had a wonderful week-long field trip with a group of 7th graders and was surprised by the ease of the endeavor.  Ben and the crew got to learn about Taoism, Buddhism, and a lot about Confucianism as they went to Confucius' hometown and cemetery.  They got to volunteer at a village Kindergarten, made dumplings with locals, climbed the famous Mount Thai, and saw some awesome performances.

Field trip food is different here than in White Bear

In bloom

The gorgeous weather here has continued and time continues to fly.  We've gotten to be outside a lot to eat ice cream, enjoy some fall colors, and admire the flowers that are still blooming.  One of our favorite places recently was the Yuz museum where they featured a Rain Room.  The ceiling and floor had sensors that connected one another so the rain came down around a person, but not on them.  The museum also had a fun Charlie Chaplin exhibit.

The girls have been active in school activities and extra-curriculars.  Nina is in a book club and has been elected to student council.  Vivian is in a ballet class and had 3 lines in her last school assembly.  They continue to learn new Chinese songs and develop. 

Dinner and treats for Kara's birthday

Golden Week II

After a great start to the school year, it's nice to get a break.  Our Golden Week is off to a good start as we've gotten to spend a lot of time together and just do a short outing each day.  We've relaxed, enjoyed some good food and sights, and the girls have had the opportunity to just play.  They've been coloring, designing their own board games, and made pretend claw machines (their arm was the claw).  The weather has been wonderful and it's so nice not sweating as soon as we leave the apartment.  We've been watching some classic movies as well and the girls really loved The Sandlot.  Movie quotes have been hilarious as of late, although Nina saying "For-ev-er, for-ev-er" might be getting a tad old.  

Turtle Time       -----      Fish Frenzy

Spy Kids    -----    Another Sofar Concert