holidays

It's been a while since we last posted because our little nifty plan to go around the Internet block didn't work so well. We're trying it again and we'll see how that goes.

Halloween was really fun. After a little costume contest at the clubhouse, everyone set out for some trick-or-treating. The funnest part was having the Chinese people in the neighborhood actually invite the children inside the house to give them candy. They would have them come inside to their kitchen area and show off the costumes to their guests. I think they got a real kick out of this weird holiday. The other funny thing was having people give handfuls of candy to the kids. We had to empty their candy carriers in the bottom of the stroller several times in only one hour. Emily was a cowgirl, Gabe was Harry Potter, Anna a princess, and Sara a fairy. We should have made Anna a track star for Halloween because she was bookin it from house to house. Sara enjoyed her self thoroughly as well. Whenever we approached a house she would squeal with delight and yell out "more candy!" All the kids really enjoyed themselves.

Now we're getting ready for thanksgiving. Chris doesn't get any time off of work and the kids only get Friday off so we're having our big Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday with a few families from our church. Holidays in a foreign country are always memorable because you have to adapt to what's available. We'll be making several things using rice cookers and crock pots to supplement my tiny oven. Luckily the local Carrefour store where I buy imported food has frozen turkeys so we feel blessed to get that at least. The other foods and spices are hard to find and very expensive so I think all of us will savor this Thanksgiving dinner very much.

On our way home from church today Gabe came up with another wacky comment. He said, "mom, Dad, I know why Chinese people are so stubborn; it's because they try to throw up without drinking any water!" I think he's seen one too many people hauk their spit on the ground. People tend to spit just about anywhere, indoors or outdoors and I guess it's made an impression on Gabe.

Take care everyone.