The kids

Soccer has started back up for the spring. We asked Ezra if he wanted to play and he said, "I don't want to play, just practice." Very well, son, it's just practice. (evil laughter). How much fun it was to watch him actually chase after the ball with the other born-in-2003's! Elias never uses more energy than is needed (I've seen the ball go right by him and he just watched it). He doesn't like soccer. Soccer has been a chore for us the past couple of years and we weren't even going to make him go this semester unless Ezra was also going to play (poorly or not). Ezra, on the other hand, WANTS THAT BALL! Of course, Ezra can change his mind in a heart beat...we aren't going to push him this semester to play if he doesn't want to.

However, Elias has pulled out blank music sheets this evening and is writing his own song tonight. In the past couple of weeks, his piano playing has taken on a new level. It is *almost* on par with mine. I can play more complicated songs by practicing, practicing and memorizing, memorizing. But our music reading is now about on the same level. He told me that he could tell he had improved. I've decided I'm going to continue practicing (and hopefully improving) with Elias.

Zuri's forte, in case you didn't know, is TALKING. Not only does the kid never shut up and repeat everything you say, but he also can carry on conversations. He especially likes to talk about food. If we are walking outside, he points out everything he knows...and if he gets bored, he starts telling me what all the animals say or pointing and talking about all of his body parts. (Sometimes in Chinese, but usually in English.)

Zuri woke up seemingly from a nightmare last night, could tell me that he thought the standing lamp by our bed was a man (in the dark) and then told me he was hungry, wanted rice to eat and chocolate milk to drink. He's a mess but I'm proud of him.

They are now watching "Bob the Builder" in Chinese. I don't know how much any of them understand, but it's good for them to practice listening! :)

I can't believe that a couple of special people will be arriving in China tomorrow. I think this might even be their first time out of the southeast US and I imagine they'll be taking off any minute from Atlanta and I can't WAIT until they arrive!!!

I need to get this out of my system: I hate headwinds. I despise them more than anything I've ever hated in my whole life! I don't usually hold grudges but I promise you that when it took me 10 minutes to go about 2-2.5km this afternoon on my bike, I knew I will never forgive them if they show their ugly head on race day!