Keely's "Boo" Party

Keely had her Halloween party at school today.

Tyson's 8th Birthday

As per the Sandness tradition, Tyson got to pick the restaurant for his birthday dinner. Although he had a few restaurants in mind, he ultimately went with California Pizza Kitchen. We all thoroughly enjoyed the rarity of the "free refills" on the sodas.

Check It Out

If you haven't yet, check out my other blog...just photos for the most part...most with no purpose...

Trey Home from Beijing

Beginning in 6th grade at Hong Kong International School, the kids are required to go away on a PEAK trip (it is some learning related acronym, but I don't know it at the moment). The Middle School is divided into what they call "houses". All the house names are related to areas in Hong Kong. So, Trey is in the Central House, but there are also Lantau, Peak, Shek-O, etc. The 6th grade PEAK trip is the same for everyone. They all go to Beijing, but in stages. So, the first House leaves on Friday, next on Saturday, etc.

Trey left for Beijing last Sunday morning and returned late last night. The 7th and 8th graders have a small variety of trips that they can choose four from, and one is chosen for them. Unfortunately, due to the Typhoon looming, many Middle School trips were either cut short or canceled. Trey really lucked out for timing as his House was able to complete their entire trip with no change in itinerary. What an experience for our 6th grader!! I haven't seen his photos yet, but it sounds like he had a great time...despite some very grumpy adults on the trip. So happy to have him home safe!

4th Grade Camp for Kyra

Well...I have survived another camp! Yes, it is somehow all about me. Well, not really but with a bad back, it truly is about survival with the "hard as rock" beds to sleep on. Starting in 3rd grade here, the kids are required to go away to camp for three days & 2 nights. It is a great way for the kids to get to know each other better and a great way for some of these kids to have their first true experience with independence and personal responsibility (i.e. getting themselves showered and dressed without help). This year I was blessed with a respectful, although energy-filled, group of girls. And although I came away with many stories full of laughs, "shake-your-head" moments, and a severe back ache, I had a great time building memories with my daughter.

Yesterday, Kyra came home with a handful of thank you cards for me that the girls in our bungalow had written and drawn. Many were filled with very thoughtful comments and heartfelt thankfulness, but Kyra's truly brought tears to my eyes and just have to share...

"Dear mom,
Thank you for taking out of your precious time to come to camp with me. I don't know if anyone had as fun of a time as I did. Thank you for watching over us at night and day. I had a blast and I'm sure everyone else did too. I'm so thankful that God made you such a great person. Thank you for helping me get the food from across the table and serving me every meal. Thank you for keeping all your promises. Hope to see you at 5th grade camp! I love you Thanks mom for everything."

That card alone will make me go to 5th grade camp...aiyaiyai! which means I'll have to do what I did last year...go to 5th grade camp straight to 3rd grade camp for Tyson.