This weekend was party central. It started with what turned out to be a huge affair on Saturday in the Ya Yuan garden where we used to live (I of course forgot to put the memory card in the camera!). It was the birthday of three kids and it was a great time - we saw so many old friends and hanging out there eating off the grill and drinking like old times :) The boys had a great time playing with the "big kids" after they got over being fawned over for some time. Seeing all the mixed marriages and kids also reminded me of one thing I liked about living there. Hang out in that crowd and you never feel like you stand out (except for having twins I guess!). For example, there was the Chinese news anchor from CCTV and her Turkish German husband with their kids speaking German, Turkish, Chinese and English equally well. Another plus is Jack is more inspired than ever to speak Chinese to the boys and is trying harder.

We also reconnected with a couple who now have a 1 1/2 year old boy. She invited us to hang out at their house with the boys and even leave them there since she already hires an ayi (nanny/maid) and her mom is there too. So this morning I took them there and left to go shopping when they were distracted with a big remote-controlled helicopter. I came back expecting tears but they were fine and I was told they didn't cry at all. Too bad we didn't start hanging out there earlier! A couple cleaning ladies were there also the whole time so the boys were well taken care of, and I realized this mama had a very nice life. Two people taking care of one boy, cleaning ladies and everything - maybe we should move back!

So then yesterday was the big day! It started with us all tired due to the big shindig the night before (boys got to sleep maybe at 11 or later and up at the same early hour!). We hung out at a mall nearby and then ate lunch at McDonalds, where they ate chicken nuggets like they'd just found an oasis in the dessert that might not appear again!

In the afternoon, I snuck over to prepare the party while they were napping. Which kind of ended up delaying the party because they woke up crying for mama and I finally texted Jack to give them ice cream and that got them chipper enough to walk over. They were thrilled with all the presents. Attendance was very small due to the other party, but that was fine by us. An old Chinese colleague of mine showed up which was nice. And Laurie, who helped me get the job at CCTV, made them each a fish cake. All in all a good time!