Finley (and kinda Nolan)

Playing outside Murray House (Stanley) before lunch with friends. 

Playing with her friend Charlie at the Eagle's Nest (don't worry, he's just pretending). 

 For some reason, the kids love climbing on the boxes whenever our groceries are delivered.

All set for school. 

Giving Nolan a kiss goodbye as she heads off to ballet. 

Sir Nolan the Reckless

Nolan is everything that Finley was not at this age.  He's a thrill seeker who never considers the consequences of his crazy actions.  Fortunately, he's also surprisingly agile and rarely gets hurt when on the move.  Unfortunately, the kid is always on the move and so it makes for some tiring days!

At Stanley Playroom, leaping into mid-air.

A self-confident young man. 

Enjoying himself on Stanley Beach the evening of the mid-Autumn Festival (yet another random Chinese holiday that I know nothing about, other than it resulted in Dave getting the day off work). 

On the move at the Eagle's Nest. 

Sharing a lolly with Fin.  Ew. 

This is a great skill.  Especially now that he jumps off of it without looking to see if anyone is around to catch him or break his fall. 

Today in Stanley

This morning was another beautiful day, so we met some friends at the American Club pool for a morning of swimming.  Here's Nolan and Will taking a snack break.

Fin and Dave on the walk home from the Club.  Such pretty scenery in the background!

This afternoon Dave and Nolan walked down to the Stanley waterfront while Fin and I were with her Mandarin tutor (yes, we're officially tiger parents).  She's learning a lot of things like songs, colors, body parts and animals, and is also beginning to respond to greetings and requests in Mandarin.  After her lesson, Fin and I walked to meet them and we let the kids run around on the boardwalk and watch the boats before heading back home.

Nolan loves to run.  Anywhere.  All day long.   

Dave gave them a boost so they could get a better view of the boats. 

 Finley with some of the pubs/restaurants in the background.  We love our cute little village.

The First Day of (the Second Year) School

Yippee!!!  After a long August with many of our friends still in their home countries, no activities and no school, September arrived in the nick of time!  September 1st marked Finley's first day of school back at Sunshine House.  Similar to last term, she goes five mornings a week from 9 to noon.  Here she is in her "reminiscent of Ikea" school uniform.

Here's Finley and her friend Leah the first morning back at school.  We met their family last spring and have really enjoyed getting to know them.  Leah and Finley are only two days apart in age, and Nolan and Leah's brother Will are less than a month apart in age.  Jackpot!