Been having adventures

We had a scheduled "power outage" yesterday when the electricity was turned off, so no blog, and we left the area as options with out A/C and an open and closing refrigerator to grandparents are less than optimal.  So here are two days worth of of adventures.

Well a tea party is not technically an adventure, but the kids spent a significant part of one morning setting out an impressive table for us grandparents and served us a variety of "pumpkin-apple" dishes.  That dish has been a staple since Julianna was first setting a tea party table.

Then it was on to our daily instruction-in-life-skills sessions with the kids.  Here Lydia is working on one of the more complicated solitaire games that Patt plays (it has lots of decks, and many stacks and you play to set up suits in descending order).

 Learning this game freed up the iPad for Angry Birds (and significantly reduced fussing).  Isaac thankfully still likes his trucks and cars.

 An afternoon at the front yard pool, this is sampling of pumpkin apple pi  (spelling there is to get the south Alamance pronunciation the children have down perfectly).  I, by the way am a discerning and demanding consumer and require modification frequently.

We also had some serious diving - well almost diving.

Power outage  day —

 Then then yesterday off on a real adventure.  Riding the Big Yellow Bus (see last years blogs about my riding this bus into town for Chinese lessons - they did not do much good by the way).  However regarding the Yellow Bus, I am considered the local expert.

 This guy loved every minute.  Studied passing vehicles and had frequent comments.

 Of course there was seat changing and Lydia even slept some on the ride into town which was a little over an hour.

 in town these three were fairly inseparable.  Grandmama got to hold a lot of hands.  I got to do a little carrying.

 Posing in front of the fountains at Tienfu Square and over Julianna note the Mao statute.  About 6-8 other cameras noted this moment too.

Grabbed a coke at McDonalds -bathroom break too- then cab to lunch then on to a play land that will wear you out — note this child with grandparents.  All three about whipped .

 Not a chance would I have wadded into this sandpile.  After Isaac spent a few minutes on various play devices, rides, this is where he spent over an hour.

 Lydia and Julianna joined him.  I think you can find Lydia.  I do believe the kids are somewhat used to crowds.  Surprisingly here the kids were not photographed very much.

The ride home was quite an adventure too.  Patt, Isaac and Julianna sat in the very front seat and had great view of the driver and traffic.  -For some reason I can not post the photo but will get it later.  

Also to add to the day's adventure I left my bag the bus.  Horror — yes - iPad, keys, and hand-i-wipes-  well Julianna and I get on the next bus, Julianna explains the situation about the bag to the attendant and the driver.  they call the bus we were on—I still had my ticket and the bus with my bag was in front of us (they are 15 minutes apart) and low and  behold, the driver and attendant on our first bus found the bag, held it for us and we picked it up at the terminal.  Julianna and I got an extra bus ride too.   I really wish I had taken photos during that adventure as Julianna was a real champ for a six year old speaking to adults and such and yes I am bragging, but you will have to accept it. I am her grandfather and she surely did help out her granddaddy and I am very grateful.  

The entire day were were surely in the Lord's hands and protection.  It was just a great day. 

and then back at home still with no power so we had a candle light dinner and waited on Matt Laura, Luke and John Paul.

Well the power came back on, and a few minutes later Matt called from the airport, they were on the way.  LOTS MORE LATER