Keely is Growing Up

As Craig was highly encouraging me to check out preschools here for Keely, I realized that my last little baby is growing up. And, yes, it is time to potty train, get rid of the pacifier, etc...all those baby things that I've just let be. Today she asked me to dance with her. This girl has some serious moves. Craig and I were wondering the other day where she picked up these moves of hers! Thought I'd share a photo of our little one.

Taking Advantage of School Closure

Well...the flu hit our school system with a vengeance and was closed by the Hong Kong government for 7 days. The kids finally resumed school yesterday and I was so happy about it. With technology today, of course, they were using "virtual school" but trying to keep three different "virtual school" schedules straight was not particularly successful in our home. We did the best we could. With no school in session that also meant that no sporting or other extracurricular activities were being held...so...the Sandness clan headed to the beach on one of free days. Thought I'd post a few fun photos.

Shek-O Beach is where the kids can actually experience some waves. We have several beaches closer to us, but they do not come with the excitement and entertainment of Shek-O. The pictures are the kids using their "boogie boards" in the waves...even Keely had her version of "riding the waves." It was a fun day...one we really needed!

Lenny is added to the Sandness Family

I blame Brooke Lewis for this one...in our many "conversations" while she was with us for a couple days up at our cabin this summer, she mentioned that she had been doing her research in the hopes of her dad approving the purchase of a guinea pig. Brooke, Kyra and I, discussed in detail all of the research she had conducted and what her findings were. The pros and cons, the work involved, the very important fact that Brooke told us was that they were NOT nocturnal, unlike hamsters.

And there it began...Kyra's newfound determination to get a guinea pig of her own here in Hong Kong. And so the search began...as she spent her time doing her own study of the work involved, she determined that she was willing to take it on...or so she says. I hope so, because neither of the boys are willing to step in and help out!

Well...finding a guinea pig in Hong Kong is not such an easy task. After a trip to Billy's Bakery (the basement of which is our usual fish stop) I was feeling a little disappointed and yet relieved. They did not sell any and it did not sound hopeful that we would find one anywhere. But, Kyra was determined and she did not just let it go at that. From there, Craig (via cell phone) sent us to a "pet shop street" which was another interesting experience...many, many stores up and down the street but mostly kitties and some puppies.

Ever the persistent...the next day Kyra is asking where else we can look...well, I heard from a couple people that the Goldfish Market in Mongkok might have some. So Trey, Kyra and I went off on a search...we wondered amongst ourselves...who knew fish were so popular in Hong Kong? We finally came across a store with guinea pigs and hamsters and I could tell from the look on Kyra's face that we were not leaving there without one. Unfortunately, I had very little cash, no cash machine in sight and the store no credit cards or checks. Dad had to bail us out by getting cash and meeting us at the store.

So...we were many metro stops away so we decided to go back into the Metro and get a snack. We got our cookies and got in trouble for loitering...not that everybody wasn't already staring at the blond haired people there...Finally, dad came and the purchases were made.

And that is the story of how Lenny became part of our family...

School Begins...

And so the new school year begins...hard to believe that we are starting another school year here. I am optimistic about each of the kids' classes so we will have to see how the year goes! Trey and Kyra are in the Upper Primary here in Hong Kong (5th and 3rd grades, respectively) and Tyson is in the Lower Primary in 1st grade. Tyson will now be on the bus with the big kids both ways as his day is as long as theirs this year. The sun is shining and the view is spectacular. It is a good day to start the year off!

The Return to Hong Kong

Well, we made it back to Hong Kong safe and sound. Our good friends, Mike & Seaneen Gengler, had to caravan us to the airport...Mike's suburban with the abundance of luggage and Seaneen's car with the Sandness troop. I am so pleased to report that our journey home was very uneventful and I think the the only "stressful" point was at the beginning when Craig, who has flown nearly 2 million miles with Northwest was trying to negotiate himself out of having to pay nearly $200 to get his bike checked as baggage. He was NOT happy.

Then the perk of his miles got him upgraded into business class on our first leg to Los Angeles. With a full plane and no way for the airline to switch seats for us, Craig made a woman's day by asking her if she would mind sitting in a business class seat instead in nearly the back of the plane surrounded by my kids...hmmm...let me think about that. I think she didn't believe him at first and he explained that he already spoke with a flight attendant and she just needed to take Craig's ticket and her luggage and go.

The kids did fabulous, which was a stress reliever for me. The only painful part for me was my aching back which is still hurting from going tubing with Kyra for the first time ever while we were at the cabin...probably not the smartest choice on my part. I think I'll be sticking with kneeboard from now on.

It was so great to see so many friends while we home for the summer. Our time home, of course, flew by but I know the kids were happy to be there. But, we are also excited to start a new school year here...school starts Monday!!!