The Weekend in Review

Time has been rushing past me at breakneck speed, and between all the social invitations attached to Li-ling's return and the other things we've been wanting to share with the kids, I feel like I can barely make it from one thing to the next, much less write about it. There are a long list of entries I'd like to write--including recording a surprise "birds and bees" talk in Sassy's first grade class on Tuesday (yikes!).  In the meantime, here is a brief collage of our last couple of days. Warning:  do not view if you have a queasy stomach. 

Trying out Chinese calligraphy at a local museum.

Outside the museum. It was a remnant of the Japanese occupation here during the early 20th century.

Bitty's attempt at Spiderman.

The kids love watching the koi.

A temple dedicated to Confucius. I also found out what the round doorways represent at the Chinese temples . . . The principle of no beginning and no end, and particularly with regard to families across the generations. Interesting, yes?

Lovely artwork at the Confucian temple everywhere. 

Coco with a real goose egg. The vendor was sad when we opted not to buy.

We passed countless pineapple plantations.

Pineapple cakes are a classic Taiwanese treat (that I love!)  Here we got to visit a famous pineapple cake factory.

Enjoying the pineapple slush.

Buggas meets his dinner.

Getting to wrap potstickers with one of my favorite friends from my mission. Lin Yuan Bo came all the way down from Taipei to say hi. It was so awesome to see him again. He's such a light!

On a hike yesterday, with unique Chinese calligraphy art. This shows a meshing collage with a message akin to "Bless our Family."

On our hike yesterday. The photos don't do it justice, but it was lovely!

We saw this after we walked out of our amazing lunch. They were getting this bad boy ready for a large business dinner that night. 

The kids' first introduction to an Asian night market. Notice the delectable duck heads here in behind the Big-O.

Squid skewers anyone? 

I had to squat down behind these chicken feet because Buggas kept reaching for them.

Do you notice what the boys' ice cream is sitting in? Hint: consider the answer while squatting.

Candied strawberries. These are awesome! 

Games at the night market. 

Mr. Bitts shows off his new friend that he won from the ring toss. He is now obsessed with this guy!

And in case you were wondering, we really are in the land of Hello Kitty.