Some Pics to Share

Just thought I'd share a few photos from our time spent at "THE field"...even though it is turf, it reminds us of playing on grass...you take what you can get sometimes.

First International Swim Meet in Taiwan

I am very excited to say that Kyra will be swimming in her first international swim meet in November in Taipei, Taiwan. She is very excited about finally being on a "travel team" of some sort. Trey could do it also since he is also a member of the Hong Kong Island Stingrays swim team, but he has a conflict with baseball and that is where he would prefer to be. This will be her first experience in an official swim meet of any kind, but as I sit here I have to say it is pretty neat to think about this great opportunity for our 8-year-old daughter to be swimming in an international meet in Taiwan. I guess those years and years of swim lessons at Foss have truly paid off!! I have more than once said since being here that those lessons were well worth every cent, even if I was terribly grumbling about the cost when I was back home.

Major League Baseball
Trey made one of the two Major League teams here as a 10-year-old. At his age, he is on the bubble as to whether he would go to the majors or the minors. He was happy to be put on the Majors Red Sox team. We are looking forward to a fun season with several families that we have gotten to know here. If you think seasons are long in Eden Prairie, get this...the season has started and it ends in March. Unfortunately for the "American" teams, the Japanese teams they compete against are pretty intense and go all year round. Hopefully, they will have a fun season.

...And Basketball...
So, the seasons of several sports run at the same time here...which means that Trey is also playing basketball at the same time as the baseball season. Funny thing that we are ride sharing here just as we did back home to all the activities except that we don't have a car...sharing the taxis as best we can! Anyhow, Craig is coaching the basketball team here also along with Trey's best friend's mom. It is pretty fun to watch. The basketball season only goes to January, I think!!! :)

Tyson is doing swimming lessons and also is in the first grade baseball program. He's also doing an after school basketball program as they don't offer the same basketball program for Tyson's age that they have for Trey. Those activities seem to be more than enough for him as he is enjoying some new friendships that he has developed in our building.

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...