Lots of Birthdays!

Today, I took my mom out to celebrate her birthday. We decided just to spend the day together, shopping, eating, getting massages, etc. Since ayi cooks lunch and dinner, my mom really hasn't experienced many of the [American] restaurants around town. So, I took her to two different veggie based restaurants that have very tasty menus. We also went to the fabric market and the handbag market. We ended our day at a very nice, but reasonably priced, massage place in one of the expat areas.

Overall, it was a lovely day! There are lots of birthdays in December in our family. This year is a "biggie" for my mom and I was happy to have her celebrate it with us here in China. :)

I would like to comment more about her visit here, but decided it would be best if she wrote a little something herself...

"Ni Hao! I'm afraid that's about all I know in Chinese, except how to say thank you. Pretty basic. I'm delighted at how much Chinese Kim, Allen and the boys are learning though. This trip has been interesting for me. I've been able to travel around this vast country just a bit and have gained a new appreciation for Kim and Allen's courage and fortitude. The differences in culture and language create many challenges for the traveller and many more for the ex-pat. I'm really proud of my kids for accepting and perservering over these challenges. I believe they all have much to gain from this experience.

This year is my first Christmas with my grandchildren and it's been wonderful! Christmas morning brought back memories of many Christmases past, when my own two girls were growing up, and memories, even more distant, of when I was growing up. Christmas really isn't the same without the awe and wonderment we get to witness in small children. I'm so glad I could share the holiday season with them this year."

I'll be sad to see her go in a few days. The time just never feels long enough when we visit. It was SO nice having family here for Christmas and birthdays, as well as for the upcoming [calendar] New Year.