German Christmas Market

We ventured out with Todd, Rebecca, and Josh to a German Christmas Market. 

When will I learn to leave high hopes behind for any type of event that is seemingly normal in China....

There was only one booth selling anything remotely Christmas-like with the merchandise being nutcrackers.  Most vendors were selling food and others were just random products.  It had also recently rained so the grounds were a muddy mess.  At least there was German beer and Gluhwein!

 From THE America....

This gingerbread man was just as disappointed as we were!

Thank goodness for good friends to share disappointments with!
Me, Rebecca, and the back of Todd ;)

Peas and Anchovies

This snack was handed out during Thanksgiving lunch at work.  Yep.  Peas and anchovies.

Oh, China...

Metro Selfie

Hello from the Ditie (Metro)!

Thanksgiving 2014

We had another wonderful Thanksgiving this year in Josh's apartment with our work family and friends.  Josh bought the turkey and everyone brought their favorite trimmings.  B even ventured out this year and made a homemade pumpkin pie!

The Randalls are ready for the holidays! 

:)

Chillin' like Vanillin

...as seen at our local Starbucks....and more than one location!

Home Visit

I made a quick home visit to ATL to spend time with Mom and Grams leaving B in Shanghai.  We had gorgeous fall weather (a great change from Shanghai smog!), did some shopping - we were DESPERATE for new, quality luggage! - ate some Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell of course, and helped Grams organize and even clean out her fridge!  No place like home :)

Big Yellow Duck

B bought a new toy at the fake market this week - a fast, remote control boat!  He headed to Century Park to play around with it in the lake.  I was so excited when he sent me the photo below of the BIG YELLOW DUCK!

Big Yellow Duck is an art sculpture by Dutch artist Florentijin Hofman.  The duck tours the world to "spread joy to the world" by evoking childhood memories.  It has been to several ports in Europe, Hong Kong, and finally to a 'lake' in Shanghai!