5 months in China: 1week to go

Originally supposed to go to a park Saturday, but Kyle, my travel companion, had plans. Ended up raining so I didn't feel bad about not getting to go. But now because of the rain, we couldn't really go anywhere. Luckily across the street there is a kids play area for 50 rmb each, un-limited time, in a contained area. Additionally rides are 15 rmb each, sand pit is 25 rmb and some diy craft projects 15+rmb.

After lunch we went and stayed for 4 plus hours. They had a ball! 10 people working and maybe a total of 3 other kids at one time while we were there. I don't know how they can make it. We took a break and did a craft project, liquid stain glass in kid designs that they bake on the spot. My boys didn't choose what I thought they would, they wanted tanks and airplanes. Aidan still wanted something cute, Snoopy. It came with a picture to follow the color scheme, course we do our own color combinations, they tried to get the kids to stop. I told them no and praised the kids for their good job.

My mother-in-law and I were going up to the store and when we got in the elevator, my friend(acquaintance), older lady who teaches english at a high school started to talk to me. My mother-in-law took over the conversation in Chinese. She was going to the market too and walked with us. She tried again to talk to me in English. But my mother-in-law physically walked in between us and continued to talk to her in Chinese. This is why I have no friends.

Stacked up on balloons for the boys to play with the next week since all their toys will be packed. Ah the joy of a balloon, it's more captivating then the wonder of the bubble. But both pop!

We had to go to Aunt's birthday party yesterday and a discussion arose about how we call our relatives in English. I was explaining that my father-in-laws siblings are aunts and uncles to my husband, great-aunt and great-uncles to my kids. Their kids are cousins to my husband and cousins to my kids too. I was told I'm wrong. Because being a cousin doesn't show enough status to the older, they should be elevated to uncle. Well there are 1st cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins. And they don't like that we don't have a work for older brother vs younger brother. Status, status, status.

I was asked if I think I'll have enough time to go to a park next weekend since the family wants to get together for lunch next weekend(the rest of the day they will rest), and the other day for packing and cleaning. No, I don't think you will have enough time, I'm told. I detect a sneer.

Ran to go get 2 more suitcases. In total I have bought 4 here. Full sized all with swivel wheels for $100 usd(total). What a deal. She bought her new mop and bucket. Had a yummy icecream treat. Vanilla icecream with oatmeal dipped in chocolate. Hmmm.