Summer times and parties

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This is only going to be a short blog as it is mainly to add some photos. I know the main reason for these blogs is for everyone to see the pics, so I will try and keep it brief!

The spring finally arrived in Shanghai with glorious sunshine and we almost thought it was summer, except that the overwhelming humidity has not arrived also. And then we are also having periods of rain and cloudiness, although the temperature is staying in the high teens which makes it very lovely indeed. The kids have been able to get out on their roller blades alot recently, William has got some new ones and is very excited about them. Ian has then been converted but since he bought them we haven't had a non-rainy space in our busy weekend for him to try them out! Don't worry, I promise to add pics when he does.

There are many birthday parties at the moment and today was another. This time, a girl from my class had invited all of us (although only Sophie and I went) to a horseriding party. Well, it was not just horseriding, it was just amazing. There were so many people and lots of things going on and everyone got a chance to ride. Apparently, the Chinese don't tend to celebrate every birthday, but every 10th birthday is celebrated largely, so 10th, 20th and 30th for example are pretty huge. Today, it was her 10th birthday and she was the queen! We had a great time and I really enjoyed getting back on a horse. I had to admit it has been about 16 years since I rode, but it seemed to come back quite quickly.

At the end of April, we had a 5 day day holiday for Labour Day which was totally relaxing. We joined our friends Karen and Zac as they had their wedding picnic in the Botanical Gardens, we had a bbq and we generally chilled out and met up with people. Sophie and I went on our first girlie shopping trip.....although Daddy didn't realise it would actually be a whole day and he was a touch surprised when we didn't come home until 4pm! She has grown so much she has nothing to wear (I hear all those men out there sighing!) and so we hit M&S, H&M and Uniqlo - the best options I am afraid, but we bought a few essentials to keep us going until we are able to hit the UK shops! Primark, here we come!!!

We have lots of exciting things going on at the moment and lots to look forward to. We only have 2 weeks until our friends', Victoria and Kevin's, baby is due and we are all ready to zip into action! Also, next Friday, Sophie and I are going on Girl Scouts camp overnight. There will be around 300 girl scouts from across Shanghai and we can't wait.

Ok, I am stopping for now and adding photos....enjoy!

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