Happy Thanksgiving

November is absolutely flying by and we have been trying some new things on top of the usual school stuff.  The girls have had some assemblies and award ceremonies, Ben's basketball team is playing well, and everyone's classes are moving quickly.  Kara and the girls went to the glass museum where they saw a lot, learned heaps, and even got to participate in glass winding.  The temperature gets over 1800º Fahrenheit! 

Finished glass products    -----    Semi-finished slime

We enjoyed seeing Frozen II (in 4D) and, despite her initial reluctance, Nina was happy to say it wasn't too childish for her.  The girls have been singing the songs and found quotes to use as both humor and inspiration.  Nina's other phrase as of late is to include a dramatic, "or is it?!" line at the end of whatever someone else says.

 

For Thanksgiving this year, we celebrated a bit early with some friends as Ben has a game on Thursday.  We were also thankful to get to visit with cousin Shane who comes a few weeks before cousin Erin.  The girls are very excited to see Barb and her daughter who come later this week.  

Everyone has been a bit under the weather with colds this week, so we're hoping to be back at full strength for a busy December.  We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving back home -- "OR DO WE?!" 😉

Suzhou

We've lived nearby Suzhou for over two years, but had never spent any time there.  We've had 3 trips there cancelled, so we found a random weekend to just spend some time in "The Venice of the East."  While it is similar to a few other water towns we've seen in China, it was still a nice getaway and chance to explore.

Walking around Old Town

Amazing Suzhou Gardens

Tiger Hill 

Yunyan Pagoda aka "The Leaning Tower of China"
(it's older than Pisa)

Legend says this rock was split in half by a magical sword

Riding the canals of Tongli Village

Garden Waterfalls

Halloween 2019

Ladybug Girl and Hermione had fun trick-or-treating, going to parties, and dressing up for favorite literary character day at school.  We've all been busy with school and the girls have been enjoying their extra curriculars of drama, ukulele, and electronics.  Kara also has gotten a chance to exercise her artistic side through a weekly parent art class.  Kara's continuing to volunteer with the orphanage and also with the parent uniform committee that upcycles uniforms to donate to a sister school.