The Yue Hu Sculpture Park

Ah! Finally, a relaxing Sunday night! What a week!

So, Thursday night ended up being another night of "bombing", Shanghai style. Not as bad as Sunday night but still- bad, bad sleep! So glad the celebrations are over. Back to school and work tomorrow, back to routine. I'm glad because, as much fun as galavanting around the city is, the kids and I need to get back into routine!

Friday we had a great day of relaxing- swimming, naps, chicken parm for dinner (costs twice as much to make it here but still tastes great!).

Saturday was breakfast, playing with friends at the clubhouse (while the grownups discussed which white sandy beach to stay at over Spring Break), naps and then the Liz gang, Laura gang and us went to the Hungqiao Pearl Market (a 3-story building full of little shops where fake goods are sold). Momma got herself a new pair of black uggs and Soph got herself a Rupunzel Barbie. Daddy wanted to buy another helicopter (yes, he's busted his first already trying to fly it outside) but decided against it for now. After shopping we headed to this great restaurant called the Blue Frog. Ah, what a great little place! There was a fabulous kid's room and Happy Hour was until 10p. We had burgers and sweet potatoe fries and it was all so delicious! This was my first beef experience since moving here- I was nervous, I won't lie. But it was wonderful! Another great night out with great friends. We need to do this more often!

Our church still had no nursery for today so we had another day to explore the city. Regular nursery and services start up again next week and we are really looking forward to getting back into the swing of worship and study again.

Today it was sunny and a bit warmer so we decided to head south and check out the Yue Hu Sculpture Park (also known as Sheshan Mountain). Our friends, the Lawler's decided to come with us to explore. It was a bit of struggle to get there (our taxi driver was a bit lost) but it was so worth it! I imagine this place is really packed and amazing in the summer when it's hot. Today is was completely empty and most of the restaurants and such were closed, but we still had so much fun! Here are some pics of our day:

What a day! It got really cold and windy at the end but overall, a really fun day. We'll definitely be going back when it's hot out to enjoy the pools and other things. Fun fun!

Ok, time for bed.

Prayer Requests:
-Coop needs some prayers for sleeping. He's been going to bed ok every night but then wakes up screaming and scared every night for over and hour and then is so out of sorts during the day. This has been happening for several nights in a row now and I'm getting really tired of it so I'm sure he is! ;)
-Prayers are coveted for this coming week. Getting back into routine is great but can also be rough for a while. Pray the kids and Ben all adjust into their routines again and that I may help all of them as best as I can!
-We're still waiting to hear whether this family from Missouri wants to buy our house. Last we knew they still hadn't been able to pick so pray God's will be done and that we have peace with whatever happens (bc we know He has a plan for us!!)

We love you all and wish God's blessings on you in this new week.
One of my best buds, Christy Oosting, has a birthday on Friday, so be sure to wish her a happy one. :)

Talk to you all again soon!