Ryan's Last Few Days of Peacocks ... June 27, 2012

Ryan had a fabulous first year of school in the Peacocks class at Dulwich.  He wasn't exactly thrilled about going initially, but he warmed up after a couple of weeks.  The class was full day, but I picked him up at 12:30 every day.  After a while he started going for a full day on Fridays.  He's not a super social kid, but Miss Megan thought he was progressing well and she said he was always so well behaved and good mannered.

At an end of the year class party.

Singing his little heart out!

Receiving his certificate of completion.

At a play day with a bubble theme... the children got to run all over rolls and rolls of bubble wrap!

With a very sad Miss Megan, who was about to return home to start a new job in Australia.  She was such a good fit for Ryan this year.  

Ashley's Awards Ceremony and Last Day of School ... June 27, 2012

Ashley received her certificate of completion of Year 2.  And her choir, Mulan Choir, performed a couple of beautiful numbers. 

Ashley and Mr. Hughes on the last day of school.

Katie's Awards Ceremony and Last Day of School ... June 27, 2012

The Junior School sang a gorgeous and actually tear jerking song at their awards ceremony.  Katie had SUCH a phenomenal year FULL of amazing experiences.  She slid right into this school and has fabulous friends.  I am so happy for her.

Katie and Mr. Smale

Hangzhou ... June 22, 2012

We normally don't travel over holiday weekends within China because it is just way too crowded.  We had a 3 day weekend for Dragonboat Festival, so we decided to take a gamble and go to Hangzhou.  We lost the gamble.  The crowds didn't bother us as much as the rain, though.  It was non-stop.  We could get a glimpse of how beautiful Hangzhou must be, but certainly did not get the whole picture.  According to the famous explorer Marco Polo, Hangzhou was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.  I think we will need to go back and find that out for ourselves.  It is less than a 3 hour drive from Shanghai, so we could put it back on our list.  We can't complain too much though, since our track record with non-rainy trips is nearly flawless.   

  There are 3 pagodas lined up in the West Lake just like this one.  There is a picture of it on the 1 yuan bill.

BYU Hawaii visits Shanghai ... June 18, 2012

It was such a treat for Dulwich College to be able to host a performance from BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center.  It was a double treat for us, because some of the performers from the PCC where the same that we saw earlier that year when we were in Hawaii, and that were friends with our friends there.  We LOVED the fire dance and were shocked that the school allowed it... but we were glad... it was super cool!

Fathers Day ... June 17, 2012

Aaron is really hard to buy things for, but one thing is for sure... he loves almonds and chocolate.  So the kids got some treats for their "slightly nutty but sweet Dad".  Then we tried not to eat all of them!

Katie's Band Concert ... June 15, 2012

I am only posting this (not very clear) picture of Katie's band concert, because it is probably her first and last.  Katie learned to play the clarinet this year (I say very loosely).  She didn't practice much, but had a pretty good understanding of how to play.  I can't say I miss it now that it is gone, though.

Ashley's Performances ... June 14, 2012

Ashley has a beautiful voice and was in the Mulan Choir which did a few special performances throughout the year.  They performed in the Spring Concert, and Ashley was also able to play the recorder in the show.  Ashley also has been taking ballet from Adriana and the parents were able to come the last day to watch.  Ashley is such a beautiful dancer.  She has a very natural grace that I love to watch.

We're a Team!! ... June 13, 2012

I don't know what got into them, but all four of these kiddos were in a really good mood when they came down for breakfast.  They put their arms around each other and said, "We're a team!"  I quickly grabbed my phone to snap a picture, because it was so cute and DOES NOT happen often!  I love that Sophie is wearing the Hanna Anderson pajamas that Ryan had outgrown, but I could not part with them.  She's not too aware of blue being a "boy color" yet, so I am safe for a little while!

Founders Day Dulwich College ... June 9, 2012

Dulwich had a huge even to celebrate their founding (Dulwich started as a school in London and has since expanded around the globe).  The event lasted all day and there were so many games and events for the children to participate in.  There were fabulous food booths and music and bands playing all day.  We didn't stay for the fireworks, but I heard it was fabulous.  I only have pictures of Ryan and Sophie because the girls were off playing with their friends all day.  A great time was had by all!