Birthday Bash

The girls had been bummed about never getting to celebrate their birthdays with their friends here so we had an early party.  Kara found a craft studio where the girls could bring a couple friends to make some projects, eat food, and laugh.  It was a great day and we all had fun. 

The weather has been fantastic so we've been trying to enjoy it before it becomes too hot.  With the Twins playing well, the girls have been inspired to come up with "Badminton Baseball" and like to play it every weekend.  Nina recently had a violin concert and also was recognized for her skilled Chinese handwriting in her grade level.  Pip had an assembly yesterday where she had many lines in both English and Chinese and did a great job.  They've been inspired by the secondary students after seeing the two upper level musicals, Dracula Rock Show and Little Shop of Horrors. 

 

April wrap

Between the visit from Grandpa and Grandma and the trip to Moganshan, April is gone in a blink of an eye.  We did a bit more sitting around in between trips, but still got out and about for a few treats.  The girls loved "Hotcake" which is more dessert than breakfast.  They went to a Kung Fu class one day and had more laughs than the teachers might have expected.  A few friends from last year also were in town for a quick visit.  Nina is really enjoying playing badminton in her after-school CCA. 

 

Night jogs      ------      Chinglish signs are amazing

Moganshan

We had heard good things about Moganshan for a while and have had it on our list of weekend trips and we finally got to experience the "Hamptons of China" this Easter weekend.  We headed out on a bus with 8 of our best friends and rented a large cabin in the bamboo forest.  It was a wonderful time full of games, food, drinks, walks, and laughs. 

The girls like being with the crew and we're very grateful for our friends being so kind, patient, and welcoming of our whole family.  Deb even thought to put together little Easter treats to surprise the girls on Sunday. 

All in all the weekend went far too quickly and we would have liked at least one more day away from the hustle and bustle.  The only bright side is that we will be away from the loud, nonstop rooster and back to the comforting sounds of urban construction.