What happens when your driver has a blow-out?

Justin's Soccer

Justin played soccer this Fall for the local expat team. Soccer is called football over here which can be a bit confusing when talking with others. In your mind you have to process who you are talking to & determine if the football they are talking about is what we call football or what the Europeans call football - especially since an American football program was started here 2 years ago. Keeps you on your 'mental' toes!! Justin's team consisted of 8-10 year olds. He was on the younger side but definitely held his own. Leagues here are very lax - practices run for 1 1/2 hours, which is optional & the games are held on Saturday's. Ron was the coach for the Saturday games but with a lax system, he never knew who was going to show up & usually had only 5 players at any given game - which meant he had to 'steal' other players from the opponents team. Even with the craziness, Justin's team (Racing) came in 2nd place!!!

Tanner's Soccer

Tanner decided to play soccer for his Middle School team. They practiced 1 day a week & had games on Thursday's. Tanner sadly seems to have the knack of being on the loosing team. His team lost every game..........except for the last 2 games which were played on the same day!!!! What a good way to end the season!!


Tanner is #53 - almost as tall as his coach (the one with the hood on)!!!




His team, which consisted of 5th & 6th graders

Walk Along the Canal

On another warm day we decided to take a walk along the canal. The kids love going on these paths as you can run wild. The path is always free of crowds which gives the kids plenty of room to run. During the walks you can always see some beautiful flowers, locals doing some sort of tai chi, locals fishing or even playing a musical instrument. People here seem to feel at ease doing whatever they want, with or without a crowd!


We are free!!!!!!!!!






Local entertainment - and it's free


A house boat

Turtles

Before we moved (I'll tell you more about that in a minute...), we took a walk along the river behind our place. The kids like going on this walk because you never know what the locals have caught. This time, it was turtles - lots of turtles in different sizes! The locals spend hours trying to catch stuff from the river, which in turn they sell.


The nets they use - all handmade!!!

The locals catch for the day

Don't you want a pet turtle???

Don't they look so cuddly?????

So tiny - surprised they didn't fall through the net

About the move......We had discovered, through a lot of PI work on my behalf, that our subdivision had a lot of break-ins. When this was brought to GM's attention, they advised us that we should move out. After much looking around & a bunch of frustrating moments, we found a new place. We moved into a penthouse apartment. The apartment complex is in a great location - walking distance to the kids school, sports, restaurants, friends. The apartment is older & has a few quirks but we love the size (3 floors with more space than I know what to do with) & the location trumps all the quirks. If I have you intrigued, come visit!!! :)

Justin's Fall School Carnival

On the same day as Amanda's Carnival, Justin had his too. His grade went in the afternoon. Justin decided to go as a 'Greaser'. Trying to get his hair to stay gelled back was quite the challenge! He had a blast playing the games & jumping on the bounce castle.

Cool dude........

Justin's 3rd grade class

A few of Justin's classmates

Justin's teacher, Mr. Gerlach

Amanda's Fall School Carnival

Amanda had a Fall Carnival at school. She wanted to be a ballerina! She cracks me up with her decision making skills at times. Everyday she dresses as a princess and walks around saying, "Look mommy, I'm a beautiful princess". So, I thought she would dress in one of her beautiful gowns for the Carnival but nope, she wanted to be a ballerina - a simple ballerina! She didn't want to do her hair, add a hairpiece, wear one of her 'dressier' ballerina outfits - just plain & simple was how she wanted it. How her mind can not be persuaded once she has it made up!!!!

Grace & Amanda

Amanda's Kindergarten Class

Amanda, Crystal, Grace & Sarah Jane

Grace, Crystal & Amanda

Candle Making

A group of us went to buy some candles at a factory & had the privilege of being able to see the area in which they make the candles. One of the ladies that came with us spoke Chinese & translated what the owner told her. It is amazing to see the detailed work they do with very little equipment. The factory is large but filled with tables & people - making it a crowded environment to work in. The workers were very excited to see a bunch of expats watching them.


Candle molds

Some pretty poor working

conditions

Big tanks of hot wax

These ladies inspected each candle for defects

I had such a great time seeing how the candles were made in this part of the world. It amazes me that with such little equipment & poor working conditions, that they can produce the most beautiful candles for a fraction of the cost.

Amanda's Birthday Party at School

Amanda had a little birthday celebration at school. She was allowed to bring in a treat to share with the class, of which she picked rice krispie treats - good girl....haven't figured out the oven here & trying to find ingredients to make 'normal' treats is a bit difficult!

She also had to fill a cork board of pictures of things she likes to share with the class. She did such a great job explaining the pictures to her class.

I can't believe my 'baby' is 6.....how time flies!!!!!!!!!

Hockey in China?

Yes, there is hockey in China. Here in Shanghai we have the China Sharks, part of the 7 team Asia League. A mix of Canadians and Chinese skaters, they are beginning the effort to grow the sport here with a brand of hockey that was suprisingly good. Certainly not the Red Wings or the UM hockey, but not bad for the middle of China. We went sporting our local colors and had a good time. Of course there were cheerleaders and very loud (too loud) music as there seems to be at most sporting events. After the game, the boys got a chance to meet some of the team and get autographs.