Monday on our way to see Eli's finding place he asked our guide what day was it. After she told him it was Monday, he said he goes to school on Mondays. We all kinda chuckled and said yes and when we get back home to America we will have school on Mondays too.
So we started off Tuesday with a little school after breakfast. We tried to kinda unofficially evaluate what Kai & Eli know math wise, while Levi worked on practicing his multiplication. Zoe did a great job working with Kai. He can add and substract simple numbers and knows some of his multiplication facts. Eli knows addition and subtraction of simple 0-10 numbers. And both can write the numbers very well. After a little math, Eli & I moved onto practicing his english. He has practiced writing his ABCs a few times over the last couple months before we came. So he does a good job with his handwriting already. And Kai's handwriting is awesome! I still have my work cut out for me, any way you look at it... and will be praying for God to grant me wisdom concerning their schooling.
After a bit of schooling, we left the hotel on foot to find the supermarket that our guide had mapped out for us. We wanted to take a Taxi, but were told by the hotel front desk that it was too close to take a Taxi. So off we went...
When we came to the south entrance of the Xian City Wall we figured we were never finding the supermarket. lol But we did see some beautiful buildings. However we walked farther than we planned trying to find this supermarket, and the boys were less than thrilled. So we gave up finding the supermarket and Steve found the Walmart instead on the way back to the hotel. We did some shopping for food in our hotel room: Noodles, chips, cookies, drinks.
Then we ate at McDs for lunch... AGAIN... sigh!
And on the way home a different route, we stumbled upon a Baskin Robbins. Zoe & Levi really wanted to try it and introduce their brothers to 31 flavors. So we did...
Eli tried two flavors "Blue Raspberry Sherbet" and "Cotton Candy"... he ordered Cotton Candy. I don't think Kai tried any flavors, just ordered Vanilla and was happy. Zoe found Pistachio and liked it. Levi tried several and finally decided on Jamocha Almond Fudge, which was the same thing I ordered to share with Steve. And suprisingly, they flavors tasted like they do in America. Plus, the employees were very sweet and even gave us some waffle cones for free. I think that is the first free thing we have received in China. lol
The shopping area where the Baskin Robbins was in reminded us of the Louisiana Boardwalk in Shreveport, LA. There was a BIG empty space between all the shops where folks were letting their dogs play... it was really neat to watch all these dogs run and play, and many of the dogs were wearing clothes! Yes, clothes! We stopped to pet a few of them. Eli & Kai both smiled big, as they both like dogs. Can't wait to get them home to our herd of 10 dogs. lol
As we continued our way back to the hotel, we found a nice Starbucks with western toilet too. Yay! We stopped to use the bathroom, and Zoe & I got Lattes.
After we got back to the hotel we spent the rest of the day relaxing in our room. Steve napped because he is sick :( The kids played computer together and other video game devices throughout the afternoon. In the eve Steve and I watched Kungfu Panda with Eli. He laughed and laughed. We enjoyed watching him more than the movie I think. We ate noodles in the room for dinner.
Then before bed family time consisted of more games of Uno. The kids all really enjoy that. Eli won two hands last night. He doesn't totally understand the game yet, but he is learning none the less.
Oh, and I almost forgot, in the subway tunnels on the way home we found a yellow-orange stuffed dolphin that Kai loves! So now we have three stuffed toys, one for each boy. So last night was interesting playing Uno with the stuffed animals. Hehe!
Today is our last full day here. We do not plan to leave the hotel until tonight when we have dinner with Kobe and his girlfriend. But I will try to post again before we leave Xian tomorrow. :)
A thankful & blessed mom,
Sherry
I would have never thought that any where in China would look similar to LA lol we live only 1.5 hours from Shreveport so we go to the board walk several times each year. Were you and your husband ever stationed at Barksdale? Jeremy was and we still go stay on base when we have to stay over night. Small world. So glad your trip is almost over but be so thankful for even the hard days some of us its still just a dream. Sending love your way and prayers for a safe travel home. Love seeing your boys together with y'all.
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