Electric Bike

Many Tianjin-ers ride on these electric bikes. They run on an electric battery so you don't have to pedal and rides faster than a regular bike. You also have the option of pedaling manually, but then it's heavier. Here's Hayden riding on ayi's electric bike. He was a little daredevil! I'm glad Jason never reads my blog because he might not have felt so "safe" letting his son do this. Don't worry, grandparents, we've since bought a seat that sits in the back of the bike so Hayden will ride safely on the back of Ayi's electric bike from now on.

Bob the Builder

Can we fick it?!

I am a Giraffe

I bought one of these wrap around your neck pillows in the shape of a giraffe for Lizzy to use on the plane. Here they are playing with it before the plane takes off. Lizzy goofs around with it, and then puts it on Hayden, I thought for sure Hayden will get mad at her, but instead, he copies her! Hayden is such a copy catter!!

p.s. the kids crack up every time they watch this video. Silliness!

Super Target

Living in China there's a lot of things we miss from America. I don't know how many times throughout the year I think, "if only we had a Target." So you can imagine my utter joy when we found out that they opened up a Target, and not just an ordinary Target, a Super Target, right in our neighborhood. So, to wrap up my series of summer blog entries, here's a one dedicated to Super Target. (the kids' clothes actually matched, we were on our way to get group pictures taken with their cousins)

Tubing with Daddy

Lizzy going tubing with Daddy.

We wanted Hayden to try it, but he was terrified of it. We finally got him to just float with Daddy on the tube, but his face remained expressionless and serious the entire time.

Lizzy helping out with pulling the tube back in.

Cute pic of Hay!

First Day of School

The day has finally come. Lizzy starts school today, everyday full days. I have been dreading this moment for a while now, so I'm lamenting on my blog. I'm really going to miss her a lot, and so is Hayden. He's been acting grumpy all morning, and I"m sure it's because he misses his sister. Lizzy has been quite nervous about her first day. She made up a song to comfort herself, the words are "rock, rock, rock a bye, everything is new, I'm going to school "tomorrow", and Everyone too." sung to the tune of row row row your boat. I know she's going to have a great time at school, but I can relate to her little first day jitters. Fortunately, she is in the same class as some of her good friends. As soon as we went in the classroom, Rose calls out to her, and I know that made her feel a lot better. Here they are reading books in the corner. I also included some shots of their brand new classroom. The school has a recently opened the "Early Childhood Center" for kindergarten and under little ones. Hope Lizzy has a wonderful year. I'll miss you Lizzy!!

Tractor ride with Great Grandpa

Lizzy got to ride on great Grandpa Brandt's tractor. In fact, she drove it! She's a good driver!