Auntie Brenda and Uncle Allen

We don't see Eric's side of the family much since his Mom passed.  He has an Auntie coming here in Oct to celebrate her 90th.  Which got Brenda and I talking.  We stretched the visit out and went to Bright Angel and the White Spot for dinner.  We all had a good visit.  New plan to get together once a month. 

Luk got this far on his own.

He had help.

Still won't climb.  He thinks he's done something special here and insists that we praise him and take pictures.  Haha.

Got the braids out finally but she wanted to enjoy those tight curls for a while.

He did it.  After many many many visits to this playground he finally picked up sand and moved it.  Then he promptly forgot.  We need a few more visits. 

Magnetic cutlery.  Crazy.

Auntie B can't get hers to work.

Sleepover Success

Miss Jia finally made it through a sleepover!  She stayed with Gramma.  They sent me some pictures.  Looks like she had fun :)  She admitted to having a hard time getting to sleep and feeling pretty sad in the wee hours.  She hasn't mentioned doing another overnight yet.  It was very quiet at our place.  In the morning Eric and I took off early with the boys and ran some errands.  Something that is difficult with Jia along.  She keeps the boys too hyped up.  Which means we're continually controlling chaos versus enjoying our errands/shopping/exploring. 

Midnight.  Still on the phone.  Missy didn't tell Gramma the phone goes to sleep at 9:30.  Not sure how Gramma stayed up so late.  

Our neighbor passed away.  His kids had a garage sale so we wondered over.  This is a view of our place from their back yard.  Eric bought a motor as a possible conversion for our motorhome.  I think he's crazy, he's pleased with his future project.  It's good to stay busy ;)

Running out of time.

Spring break is ending.  Boo.  We attempted a family dinner out and play in a park.  Thought we'd try to find decent Chinese food in Nanaimo.  Our go to place changed ownership and the new menu isn't great.  Also thought Lili could use more driving time.  However Eric showed up to meet me without the teens.  Their piano was cancelled but their student wasn't so they couldn't come.  Boo.  We tried the Hong Kong House and we were pleased.  Good food.  Pricier then normal.  We'd go again.  Then we went to the park along the water. Always a favorite spot.  Lots of activity there.  It was a tad chiļly so we didn't stay overly long.  Funny part was the kids were all about posing for pictures.  Even Kai! 

The boys are in jail.

Kai's bionic run.

Statue is called "Breaching Orka" yet there was still a big debate over dolphin or whale.  

Not fair.

Stuck at work and Eric sends me this picture of Kai.  And for a moment it's not fun missing out.

Sporting his new fire fighting accoutrements to go with his hat.  Too cute.

Taxes

Keeping the fun going during spring break.  Making the girls file their own taxes this year.  The paper way so they can learn more.  Because I'm a good Mom like that.  Haha.  I don't think Fei minded.  Lili thought it was hella boring. 

Not a ton going on at our place.  Usual appointments.  Eric working on/going over Fei's car.  Trying to get more driving time in with Lili.  Her test is mid May.  The girls still have homework.  Jia and I made it to the pool for a two hour swim.  Which now has me trying to figure out lessons for the boys.  So many issues.  Would be nice if they could at least stay afloat and not panic if they fall in water.  It's hard getting to work when they're all home playing.  The weather is so nice.  Jia and Luk are outside playing a lot.  Kai declines but then he misses them so he goes to the windows to see what they're doing and runs out the door and calls to them.  We keep telling him to join them but he'd really rather they just came in. 

Kai had no chance at pick up sticks but he was thrilled they came in to play with him for a bit. 

Adventure day.

We dropped Fei at work and then played.  What a gorgeous day.  So nice to not be cold!

We over did the day.  Eric had to carry Luk back to the car.  

They have a new dragon game that they can chat in.  Too cute.  His phone broke.  They haven't figured out how to chat between his tablet and her android phone.

Lili's story telling.

Lili just sent me this....soooo totally her.

Dole whip.

There is a place in Sydney with Dole whip.  Just like in Disneyland.  We've been trying to get there for months. Hard to get all of us together.  The girls had no piano tonight so we had a night free and rushed after work to Fish on 5th.  The place was a dive.  I questioned the cleanliness.  We all agreed the food wasn't great.  Service was friendly and for dessert we all had Dole whip in a cup.  It is the same as Disneyland.  Yay.  Luk still doesn't care for it.  He's not keen on any fruit flavor.  The rest of us loved it but agree it's way better in the Tikki room with the birds singing :)

Knot tying at the tables.

And trivia.

Spring break week one.

Lili went to see her friends play.  She doesn't have her N so needed me to drive with her. I stayed for the play.  Good show.  

Oliver is 10 months now.  Much adored baby around here.

Driving lessons have started for Miss Lili. 

Hugs.

Every night.

The snow is finally melted in the front yard.