Once again during Tobin's morning nap we took Poppy and CC on an outing while David worked.
Prepping to go. The peace sign in pics is a completely Asian thing.
The girls were so excited to be taking Poppy and CC to MengBaNaXi, or what we call 'the park' or 'the zoo'. It is really none of those things but has turned into a touristy type place that has a few animals, shows of minority dances, LOTS of beautiful trees and flowers, stones, jade, etc. and a little museum in the back, among other random things. It is about a ten minute walk from our house.
On the way we saw some ladies and a man getting ready for more of the festival and celebration going on across town. We planned to go back that afternoon as well. I stopped to ask this man exactly what time dancing would be going on in the afternoon.
This park has pretty good play area for kids. It is old and rickety but they have fun.
Always someone doing some form of exercise, Tai Chi, whatever, in every park across China.
The peacocks were out and about.
This tree was super cool, like a little house. Sophia had fun playing with a classmate that was also at the park.
Apparently the night before the park hosted a huge party for this festival. They were cleaning up after the revelry. I asked someone cleaning who was invited to this party and her answer was 'leaders from everywhere'.
Sophia and her classmate yelling at the monkeys.
I hung back with Sophia while Poppy, CC and Bella ventured on. When I found them CC told me the story of how surprised she was when Bella walked up to this lady and started speaking in Chinese.
Bella let the lady pick her up and then the lady did what Bella asked. She let her climb up the steps onto this tree table thing behind us in the picture. At least she asked, was my thought. The sign in Chinese said 'do not climb'. But Bella batted those eyelashes, and spoke her little bit of Mandarin and got whatever her heart desired.
For this whole shindig the night before the park even set up this entry way. The Chinese can put on an incredible show. For sure.
Poppy stands by an old airplane in the park.
In the afternoon David took Poppy and CC and Sophia out to the festival to try to actually see some dancing. It was the last day, and I was glad to stay home while the other kids napped. Check out the scenes below. And just remember all of these are from Poppy!
They were not disappointed with the scene. Amazing razzle dazzle brightness and fun.
We then met up at a new mall near the square and hung out for a bit.
They had not been away from each other but a few hours and still Sophia ran and greeted Bella with a big hug.
And then we were off to eat dumplings. This was our normal Tuesday night dumpling night out.
Sophia helps daddy make the sauce.
Back home to night time routines.
And how sad is this. I really think this is our first ever picture of Tobin in the bath. I promise it is not his first ever bath (though those do not come as often as they should), but really, at almost ten months old you would think I would have captured it by now. Nope. It takes the grandparents to visit. Well, it is on film now!!
He loves the bath and splashes the whole time! Thanks Poppy and CC for coming so that my parents would finally take a picture of me enjoying my bath time. (shameful, I know).
