Bummer!

Sorry for the late post.  On Friday night, when I usually post, we had an eventful evening.  We always go to the mall and walk around and have dinner on Friday nights (after the kids ballet/guitar lessons).  As we were eating at one of our regular places, a couple came in and sat at the table behind me.  They guy bumped into my chair and I found it a little odd.  At the time, it actually reminded me of a video I saw of people stealing purses in a restaurant.  Anyway, a little while later, I turned around and the people were gone.  I asked Michael where they went, but he didn't know.  A little bit later, we got up to leave and . . . my purse was gone.  Yep, stolen!  Credit cards, about $100 in cash, passport, other random papers that allow us to live in the country.  Lucky for me, I have an amazing husband who has already canceled the credit cards and reported my passport as stolen.  We talked to the servers at the restaurant and the mall security.  From here, we have to find the closest police station to the mall (yes, it has to be the closest one) to file a police report.  Then our family will have to take a "vacation" to the nearest embassy, which is either a plane flight or overnight train ride away, to get the new passport.  I'll also probably have to go to the immigration office a few times to get my new visa.  Oh the hassle!

Other updates, Michael and I continue to get better, but still get worn out a bit easier than usual.  I get more headaches than I'm used to, too.  But, we can definitely tell we're close to healthy.  The kids are good, still enjoying school.  Not much new to report there.  As I said in the previous paragraph, Truett is now taking guitar lessons.  He's not real fond of it and says it's "so boring."  It looks like either Michael or I will have to sit in on his lessons to make sure he focuses.  Once he gets the hang of it and can play a simple song, I think he'll be happier.  Paisley still likes her ballet class.  One of her friends from school last year has joined the class and she is so excited about it!  They always walk in holding hands.  And I get to hold her new baby sister.  Win-win!!

Michael is starting up language lessons a few days a week.  He will have to get much more fluent in order to start doing research this summer.  I will start back up in July once both kids are in school for 3 hours each day.  I'm excited about that!  I've also told my colleagues that I won't be teaching at the school next year.  With 2 or 3 days or language lessons plus homework, I just won't have the time for lesson planning and grading.

I think those are all of the updates for now.  Know that we miss each and every one of you!

We Love You!

Enjoy some Valentine's Day pictures.  I know some are very similar, but I couldn't decide which ones I liked best.  So, you get them all!

Paisley's First Performance

Last Sunday, Paisley had her first ballet performance.  She was super cute!!  Look for the video at the end.

This is one of Paisley's good friend from school.  

She is in a dance class on a different day, but they danced together.

Gong Xi Fa Chai!  Happy Chinese New Year!

Daddy is upstairs videoing.

The emcees

 "Hi, Daddy!!"

And the dancing begins . . .

This is another one of Paisley's friends from school.

 The paparazzi love to take pictures of their kids with our kids.

 Paisley's dance was about animals.  "Do the monkey.  Do the elephant.  Do the tiger."  Here are some pictures of her doing the elephant and tiger.  When you see the dance, it will make more sense knowing they're acting out animals.

Here's the video you've been waiting for!!  You will probably want to skip to the 2:15 mark.  The beginning is just the emcee talking forever (he probably talked for 15 minutes).