Ladies Visit to Hong Kong

It has been such a great year for us as far as having visitors here in Hong Kong. Our most recent visitors were our friends, Sarah and Amy. Unfortunately, our original plan was to meet in Bangkok, Thailand first, then back to Hong Kong, but turmoil and protesting was continuing to escalate in Bangkok and plans had to change for safety reasons. So, the ladies came straight to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I did not blog or keep notes during their visit, but we had a great time and I experienced things in Hong Kong that I hadn't yet experienced so it was a true bonus for me as well...I'm posting just a couple pictures of their time here.

I'm pretty certain that we stepped foot in every Starbucks that we came near or was within sight of (for my dear friend Sarah); we made it to the Big Buddha, which I hadn't yet been to due to my horrible fear of heights; stayed with the gals in an area of Hong Kong that I am hardly ever in; ... and so much more!

Trey's Civil War March

Here are a few photos of Trey's fifth grade Civil War March Reenactment. The fifth graders studied in great detail the life of the soldiers and their families and the "ins and outs" of the Civil War. As a culmination to their studies, the kids dressed in uniform and illustrated a possible march from during the time of war.

Stingrays Invitational

Trey and Kyra ended their swim "season" with a great swim meet hosted by their swim team, hosting 12 international teams. Both kids improved their times on nearly every one of their races. Trey's two relay teams came away with a gold and a silver medal also. Such great fun to watch.

Kyra's VERY LATE Birthday Party

So, I have no really good excuses except pure procrastination...but we finally had a birthday party for Kyra in April (her birthday is in December...OOPS). She (we) decided to have an Amazing Race birthday party since it is one of the two American shows that we get here in Hong Kong and watch as a family. Honestly, this is the most effort I have ever put into a birthday party and was looking forward to it myself. I had created a logo for her party, made t-shirts for all the party-goers, elaborate clues for them to "visit" five different countries, etc. Needless to say, party day came and it was pouring rain with a thunderstorm. There was a moment where we thought it was letting up and made a rash decision to go and complete The Race. I had it designed to do the whole thing down on the vast Repulse Bay Beach near our apartment.

Well, the kids had a blast, despite their clues melting away in the rain as they were trying to read them. Many tasks, detours, road blocks couldn't be completed due to the pouring rain, but Craig kept reminding me that the kids were having a great time. So, I guess that what makes a successful birthday party, right? Not the satisfaction of the mother who planned it? Hmmmm....Happy Birthday Kyra!

Now on to Trey's February birthday being celebrated in May!! :)

The Pool Has Opened!

There was not one minute wasted getting into the pool as it opened yesterday. The kids had a half day of school leading into Spring Break week here and the pool at our apartment building officially opened at 10am on April 1. It isn't exactly hot here yet, but that doesn't stop our "Minnesota kids" from getting in the pool. And so it begins. I'm fairly certain the only days they weren't in the pool last year were when they were not allowed due to lightning or typhoon warnings. This is one of the up-sides of apartment living.