Visiting Friends

Our friends Julia from Dallas and Ann and her son, Declan, from Colorado arrived in Shanghai last Thursday night. We were so happy to see them, and not just because they brought us great things from the US. Ann, Julia and I went to law school together and before Ann and I became Moms, we would take girls only ski trips every year --- with me on the Bunny Hill and them on the black runs.

We've been having a great time catching up and Sydney has been enjoying the attention of 3 more people. Sydney adores Delcan, whom she calls "Friend" or "Klen," and Declan has been a great big brother to Sydney. He plays with her, reads her books and keeps an eye on her while I'm busy. Besides being fun to be around, Declan has also been a great help.

This is their first visit to Shanghai so they've spent the last 2 days taking in the sights and enjoying the great food Shanghai has to offer. I was a bit worried about whether Declan would enjoy Shanghai because there are not many things for kids to do and I was worried that an 8 year boy would get bored. But he is a great sport and has been up for everything.

(Ann, Declan and Julia at Moon River Diner for breakfast)

(Visiting Old Town for some shopping)

(Declan enjoying Shanghai dumplings at Crystal Jade Restaurant)