We've got a few things going on....

We've got a happy little guy.

Despite my lack  of science expertise,  I judged the middle school science fair.  We went in teams of three teachers.  The other teachers asked intelligent science questions using vocabulary like "control" and "hypotheses."   I told them their displays looked nice and looked for English mistakes. See  above  picture.

I rode my bike to the market this morning to get supplies for  potato leek soup and salad.  For under $5.00 , I got 2 pears, two oranges, grape tomatoes,  leeks, potatoes, green onion and lettuce. 

Last night was Elisabeth's  last  Christmas choir concert at the International School.

I took a picture of her in what we call her Morticia dress. I was feeling  a little sad and sentimental and said "This is the beginning of the last things....."   She said "What are you talking about,Mom? We still have the Spring Concert."  Sensible girl.

I was also able to spend time with two  special families this week.  I didn't take any pictures as I'd like to keep their privacy.

The first family was a Chinese family.  They actually have three children- very unusual in this land of the one child policy.   Their third child has Down Syndrome.   They did not know before they had him that he had Down's. There is very little pre-natal testing here. But they have strong faith and they chose to keep their son.  She told me that before she had him, she had never even seen a child with DS.  I hope this is the beginning of a good relationship.  It's not an easy road for her with no special services  or special education.

The second family was an American family.  I know this family from an online China adoption board. They came to our city to get their new little  daughter.  We  were able to have dinner and talk a little.  Seeing a new family form is a wonderful thing.  We  were thrilled to be even a small part of it.