Kailei-ism

“My gum thing is squeezing my twizzer.”

Mommy-Daughter Date

Zeb was busy with Keara today so I took advantage of the time and Kaieli and I had a Mommy/Daughter date.  We kicked it off by having tea and hot chocolate at a local tea shop and then went and got our nails done.  Kailei was in heaven.  She was very good and very patient when she had to wait for me to get done. 

I offered to take her to lunch but she wanted to go to Grammy's instead so we ate there and she got to play with her cousin for a bit.  Kailei is Sydney's idol and Kailei eats it up. 

We ended the day by going to church and then having dinner at Red Lobster.  Kailei LOVES crab legs and we invited Grammy and Poppy so we could help them celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary.

We had a great day.  

Take Your Child to Work Day

Thursday was "Take Your Child to Work Day". Keara has been asking me for years to go but I've always had a meeting or something scheduled that just wouldn't work. This year was relatively free so I took advantage of it and brought her with me.

I work with a great staff and they kept her buys most of the day. She typed things up, made files, alphabetized and did other random things. She also spent time with Bailey (our babysitter) who took her around the school a little.

She experienced a tornado drill and thinks I don't do much since I'm always in my office on the computer but she had a great time. I'm glad she came. I also took the time to inform her about things like getting to work on time, hourly versus salaries, punching a time clock and the like (that would be the teacher mom in me).

She really didn't have interest in going to Daddy's work (since he works from home).  She thought he might put her to work dusting.  :)

My American Girls

While I was in China, my friend Sheryl took her daughter, Keara and Kailei to the opening of the American Girl store in Denver. Keara has long been a fan and Kailei is beginning to like the idea as well. I fear we will spend way too much time and money there but I suppose they could be into worse things. I really appreciated Sheryl taking the girls. It certainly made their day.

Last Day

Played it low key as we spent our last day in Hong Kong.  Went back to the Stanley Market and did a little more shopping.  Had dinner at Pizza Hut and took the ferry to the Avenue of the Stars this evening.  Really just wanted to be by the water and we got to see the light show again so a nice way to wrap up the trip.

I think everyone is ready to go home, including me.  Looking forward to coming back to China one day with the family.  No need to say goodbye...I'll be back.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Keara and Kailei!  I hope the Easter bunny came and took special care of you while I was away.  I wish I was there to go to church with you and help you eat your candy.  Enjoy the day.  Mommy will be home tomorrow and I can't wait to see you.  I love you and miss you and am thinking about you all the time. 

How Sweet

So I talked with Kailei last night.  She started asking me some questions.  "Have you seen them?"  Have you seen them?"  I was wondering who but then she clarified..  "Have you seen the people that took care of me?"  My heart skipped a beat.

Hong Kong Day 2

Today was a busy day. We started out with a drive to Victoria's Peak. Unfortunately the fog was pretty thick up to so it was hard to see anything. We were able to see more once we drove below some of the clouds. The view is amazing fog or not.

The Stanley market was next on our agenda and I think I did some damage there. I really like the shops but I also like the fact it is near a beach.

Aberdeen fishing boats were visited next. Fishing is a dying art around here so they unsure how many will be left in the future. I found it interesting that the sampans were basically run by women. Unsure why but interesting anyway.

Had a great dim sum lunch but I mostly ate the chow mein. I must say the noodles were tasty and I scrounged some from the other tables to fill my plate.

Lunch was fairly late in the afternoon and afterwards we headed to the Ladies Market. It is easy to do some damage there as well. I can't believe the number of people. It was sooooo crowded.

Had some yummy garlic bread and spaghetti at The Spaghetti House before watching the laser show in the harbor.

Experienced a number of different transportation systems today: bus, subway, boat and cab. Not a fan of the boat as it made me a little sick which has solidified my decision to not do the sunset cruise tomorrow night. The subway was great. It was so clean. Many of my students have never experienced a subway ride before but I told them this didn't count. It was way to nice to count for a subway ride.

Some of us have the entire day free tomorrow since we didn't purchase any extra excursions. Unsure what the plan is but more shopping will take place as it will our very last day in China before heading home.

Hong Kong Day 1

Not much to report since we traveled most of the day today. Came in to Hong Kong and headed to another Ramada hotel. I have a nice room so can't complain.

We ordered in pizza for the kids and played uno into the evening. Had a bit of girl drama going on but I think it is settled now. It wouldn't be a school trip without a little drama to go with it.

Our new guide is Calvin. I'm not sure he is quite as good at Helen but we are enjoying him nevertheless. We have quite a bit of free time here so we will see what the new few days bring.

It is nice to be back and actually know a few things about this area. It is humid so my hair is going crazy but at least it is warm. :)

Hello Girls

Dear Keara and Kailei,

I miss you both dearly. I can't wait until you are both a little older and we can come to China with Daddy as a family. I know you would love all that you can see and do in China. It is amazing to be able to travel around the world and experience new and different things and meet new and different people. Whether you are Chinese or Irish, your heritage will always be a part of you and should be celebrated. Let's be sure to save our pennies so we can get here sooner. :)


Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

Shanghai Day 2

Got to sleep in a little today but unfortunately my body clock wouldn't let me. Oh well. Headed out to visit a school this morning. It was a technical school. The students we met were in English class and were eager to speak with us. I got a chance to talk with Sally and she touched me as she said I reminded her of her mother and that she missed her mother very much. Most of these students live here in a dorm and don't get to visit home often. She was very sweet and wanted my phone number to she could call and practice her English. We really didn't get to stay there as long as I would have liked but there was a plan for the day so we had to stay on schedule.

We visited the Jade Buddha Temple where we say a Buddha carved from one of the largest pieces of jade. It took them five years to complete. Unfortunately no pictures could be taken.

Went to a silk factory and learned about the whole process. It was quite fascinating and I think I need some silk bedding now. If fact, I know I do. I could have spent a fortune. Not to worry, I didn't but will ask Santa instead.

At this point I was beyond hungry and we headed to Nanjing Lu to eat and shop. A group of us made a beeline to Mcdonald's which was a heavenly meal I must say. Spent some time shopping and then went to visit the Yu Yuan Garden which as absolutely gorgeous. Give me a book and few hours and I would have been in heaven. The gardens date back to 1537 and are just beyond beautiful.

We drove around the bund but unfortunately didn't get to walk around. I was kinda bummed but what can you do.

We are saying goodby to our guide tomorrow so we showered her with cards and books and a special goodbye. Michael sang a song and we all hugged and cried. I'm such a sap but I have to believe that she changed these students lives in some small way.

We are off to Hong Kong tomorrow so will travel and update as I can.