Space Station

With the weather being so stormy, and so many mosquitoes outside, we have been spending a lot of time indoors. As a result, we are in the midst of building a space station (chicken wire is formed, but we're having a hard time getting it to stand up). As there was a black rainstorm warning issued (this means stay inside), we took the opportunity to make rocket ships.

Another Day

It is still hot here. And will be for several more months.
So hot you sweat just looking outside.
I've been keeping our AC at 30c because our last electricity bill was astronomical.

So what have we been up to?

1) Barbies. Lots of barbies. I must admit, my least favorite thing to play. I look forward to when Chase and Mads can play together.

2) We started going on nature walks in the morning.
Yesterday Chase collected large, tropical leaves and then took them home and drew them.
Today I was going to have her use clay to model in the shape of leaves.

3) We also studied how orange juice gets onto the breakfast table.

4) And Chase is currently working to earn a large, inflatable bouncy ball that has a handle (the child sits on the ball and bounces).

Chase and Mads also designed their own place-mats. They set and clear their table every day. They serve themselves - and each other - food and beverage. It is so darn cute. I just love to watch them having little conversations with each other over breakfast.

Chase continues to get mosquito bites. Mads continues to NOT get bitten.

Chase is learning the difference between being a good role model and a bad role model. Despite her best efforts, she usually ends up teaching and encouraging Mads to misbehave. Mostly because Madoc will do anything Chase wants her to. Chase is still having a hard time using her words with Madoc, and usually does a weird scream thing if Mads takes something from her. Which happens more times in a day than I can count.

Chase is an amazing learner. She absorbs everything. All of her lessons. From anyone who will take two minutes with her. Whatever her friends do. Whatever happens around her. She just soaks it up. And she's old enough that she can act on it, whatever it is. It's amazing to watch.

Mads is doing the same thing, but I would dub her a silent observer. Watching, learning, taking notes. In just the last few months we have seen her develop very strong opinions about what she likes and doesn't like. And while she isn't talking much (her big sister and pacifier are culprits I'm sure), she understands so much. Hubs and I agree that the day she starts talking, she probably won't ever stop.

Two lovely girls. How did I get so lucky?

Soccer

I was planning on posting a picture of Mads at her soccer class today, but she is so shy at practice, that she buried herself in my arm/lap and hardly participated (except when I lifted her up, or physically moved her leg to kick the ball). And then of course she cried. The thing is, we practiced all of the moves ALL week long, so I know she knows how to do them. And she isn't shy anywhere else. And the other two tots (the same age) are running circles around her, poor dear!

C'mon Madsy, you can do it! I know you can!

Jumping!

Madoc jumped right off the ground today. Both feet off the ground! How exciting!! She's been trying to get her feet off the ground ever since she saw Chase skipping around the dining room, and by goodness, she's done it.

Mads, however, did not enjoy her first day of soccer class. She came home with two skinned knees. And was just not interested in doing any of the soccer drills.

Chase is loving piano. She is looking forward to soccer and tennis again (starts August) and an art camp I recently enrolled her in...

And it is hot. Blistering hot here. The minute I step outside I just start sweating. And it isn't even mid-July yet. So many of our friends are "Summering" elsewhere, and I really understand why.

Dance Chase, Dance!!

Chase loves to dance. She will bust a move anywhere...

Mads

I love this shot of Mads...




















And this shot...














And this shows her incredible sense of humor, at only 1 1/2 years old.














Proud Mama,
L

Temple Visit

We decided to visit a local temple while Nana Cris was in town...



















Mads made a friend...















Then Chase and Nana visited the local deity (Chase asked for a Prince and candy)...














Then Chase and Nana shook the fortune sticks...



















And then Chase and Nana went to the fortune teller...

Photos From Mom's Trip To Hong Kong

Thanks so much for coming to see us, Nana Cris!

Updates

Chase skipped for the first time in dance class last week. She also swam, without a float, for the first time yesterday. Really amazing!!! She has taught herself how to swim (mostly because she fights Brian and I when we try to teach her anything), because she has so many friends who already know how - and now that we have access to a pool, there is really no reason she should not be out there every day. Well, one reason is the bugs, but we went this morning and it seemed virtually bug free.

I gave Madoc her first hair cut yesterday. She had grown a nice little mullet. Business in the front, party in the back.

We recently went to Shenzen, China, in an effort to buy some inexpensive furniture for our house. The trip was a bust. Shenzen, while much improved from a decade ago (the sky was actually a brilliant blue), is still the Tijuana of China. Filled with loads of Gucci this and Gucci that. The thing that made the trip fabulous, was our stay at the Intercontinental. It had a massive pool, complete with a white sand beach and giant ship for the kids to explore. Really over the top. A fabulous Brazilian dinner. Brazilian music, to which the girls danced until 9 pm, before falling fast asleep.

Other then that, I have finally figured out schools (well, sort of). Chase is back to morning programs next week, which should be better for us, before she switches back to afternoons in September. Things just seem to be falling into place (finally). I have also had a realization that I need to get over my obsessive nature with my children (not easy to do) and let Madoc attend some classes with Jojo, otherwise she will never get to do anything. With me driving here, there and everywhere for Chase, Mads has become the "come along" child, and while she gets to play and watch her sister do activities, she is quickly becoming old enough to do classes. For example, I have scheduled piano and Mandarin lessons for Chase, beginning next week. Mads starts soccer the following week (the only time she can do it conflicts with Chase's school, so I will drop Mads and Jojo at soccer, zip over to drop off Chase and then zip back to catch the end of soccer). She is too young for Mandarin lessons here. Still trying to find golf and tennis for Chase. Mandarin pottery, which sounded great, really wasn't.

And finally, I have decided to switch on my exercise program - actually exercise - for the first time in four years. Did yoga on day one. Went for a run on day two. Day three and four, I counted carrying Madoc and her bag through China non-stop as part of the program. Should run today.

Also worth mentioning that Chase is all about princesses and barbies right now. Madoc is all about climbing up things and drawing on things she shouldn't. Good times!