Feb Randoms

In Kenney's word "Wook at dat"

He's a birdwatcher, knight, and sheriff all in one

Riding the ferry

Nanshan Mountai

Tonsillectomy

Cole has struggled with throat infections 9 times in the last year so we decided he need to get his tonsils out. We had the procedure done in Hong Kong since we trust the medical care there more.

The surgery went well. The doctor said his tonsils definitely needed to come out. He woke briefly in the recovery room after a pretty short time so I'm glad for that. He's had some pain soon after waking, but slept again thanks to some soothing LDS primary songs playing and the calming smell of some essential oils.

As far as his recovery he was a rockstar. The first night was a bit challenging, some pain, but mostly he wanted to be in the Marriott with Kenney and Stan and not in the hospital room. He was able to have a bit of ice-cream, water, ice and a few sips of broth before bed. The next morning about 10am he told me he wanted strawberries - I wasn't too sure, but went with it. He had about 8 and was very happy. I was glad because he was uninterested in the milkshake from the hospital or mash potatoes I had tried to get him to eat. About 11 he decided he wanted some goldfish crackers. Sure enough he had 3 handfuls and was okay. We discharged about 12:30 and headed to Dan Ryan's for lunch before catching the ferry back to Shenzhen. Dan Ryan's is similar to an upscale TGI Fridays Restaurant. My vision was for him to have some soup. To our surprise he ate like there was no tomorrow - a hotdog, spaghetti, mac and cheese, french bread, muffin, apple slice, orange slice - the kid was insatiable. After we returned home he had three popsicles, a cookie, turkey and rice for dinner and then finished off the night with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! This kid is tough (and hungry!). He had some pain, but it wasn't bad as long as we had him on Tylenol every 4 hours. There were a few tough nights, but thankfully he was blessed with a pretty smooth recovery!  

 

Pre-Op

 Later tonsils! This was after they had given him some sedation in the operating theater.  The last thing he said to me was that he didn't want them to cut a baby out of his stomach.  I realized that he's seen his birth video of my c-section and as it was his only time seeing an operating room like this - that must be what was about to happen. I assured him they wouldn't. Love him.

Meanwhile little brother was chillin with dad
at the Marriott eating cookies 
and hot fudge sundaes... moral support

Kids Arts

A sampling of their work

Visit the Crazies

Try not to feed them - visiting hours posted.
Ben, Cole, Sofia and Kenney

Extreme Cuisine

Licorice flavored watermelon seeds

Because it's much more natural when your hot dog is on the bone it originated from?

Coke had an add campaign with names in the USA - turns out they did the same in China

Cole Airtime Burton

Anniversary

Stan's Facebook post on our anniversary:
17 years today since our budget ceremony in Portland. 23 years + 1 week since our first date... Oregon, Thailand, Indonesia, China (x2), California and soon HK- what a great adventure and still going strong! Loving the journey Mrs Cherie Young Burton- happy anniversary!

CNY - Year of the Sheep

Chinese New Year is always a blast in China.  This year there weren't quite as many fireworks - which means only 4 hours instead of 7 : ). Our balconies once again provided great views!

Red envelopes to pay bonuses and new year gift money

From the boy's school:

A reminder as we enter the Chinese New Year holiday from the boys' school:

1.Please lead kids to the bed as usual during the holidays.

2.Not too much snack,dessert or sweet food.

3.No TV as you can.

4.Please make your children noted that the next day’s plan,they can prepare themselves.eg,help them prepare the cloth or the food need take out on the place.

5.Make themselves dressed up,chage shoes.

6.Please let the children assist you as they can.

7.On the travelling, you could buy some sepcial things of culture,learn more about it in case they want to share the informations with classmates.

8.Avoid to go to the crowed place.

9.Make sure wear the mask when you take public transportation.

10.Please come back in shenzhen as least before 24th(the day before the school day),in case the children feel tired.

Fast Food

Here's the beef

 Pizza Hut's fine dining options

And sadly dog meat on the street...