Mattias - The Kung Fu Master

Congratulations to Mattias who unlocked his yellow belt in Kung Fu yesterday. He did so well and we were all so excited to share in his joy. I have never, ever, seen him this excited. He was so happy that he was shaking all over. He could hardly speak. He has worn his boxing gloves, that you get when you receive a yellow belt, since he got them. We were able to get them off him while in church for 3 hours. :)

Mattias got his hair cut as well, and man did he get spoiled. First he got some magazines to read, some candy to eat and something to drink. He got shampooed before and after his haircut. After 1 hour - he had gotten an awesome fro hawk - all without even using any scissors :).

Heidi has been sick. During a fireside for Elder Nelson on Friday, her fever skyrocketed out of the blue. So I took her home and we got to visit the hospital here in Hong Kong. I was relieved by the experience. It reminded me a lot of the treatment we received back in Sweden. We were in and out in about 25 minutes. Her fever continues to fluctuate, however, I think she is on the rebound. We suspect influenza.

We have had a great weekend as a family and we are ready for a new week. I thought I would give you the pleasure of viewing some more photos I took of "The Market" while getting some mangoes.... :) I have also included some pictures of the building we live in and the view from our Living Room.

Happy Birthday to Dag Andreas who is now 18......and ready for adult life. We are happy for you and hope that your celebration this Friday is a blast. Wish we could be there with you.

Have a great week everyone.

Want some chicken feet?

When you go to "The Market" you better be ready for new experiences :). The Market has become Mattias and Heidi's favorite place to go.....no wonder....it is almost like a zoo. The fish is thrown alive on big platters and cut. Talk about fresh fish. The other day we saw a cow leg, with the hair in tact, hanging from a butcher's shop. Hmmmm.....and some people question why in the world I would spend $15 USD for one slice of beef :) in a store where you can't see the cow's hair?! Well, now you all know why.

Anyhow, the fruit is wonderful. We have a new obsession: Mangoes. We eat them constantly. We are continuously amazed by Hong Kong and all it has to offer..... in every sense of the word. :)

Hope you are all well.

Sun hien fai lok & Gung hay fat choy

Happy New Year & May You Become Prosperous. We have celebrated Chinese New Year in January. We saw beautiful decorations of firecrackers and blossoms, a live OX walking around, Dragon dancers, fireworks and the Chinese in their traditional clothing.

Heidi has started school. She is now in an all-day school, which is a little long for her. However, she is enjoying it, likes to go, meeting new friends, playing and learning. They are pretty advanced so she is focusing. It is nice to finally meet some children after being with mom and her big brother for 1 1/2 months every day - all day.

Mattias started school yesterday. He was SO excited. He was dressed and ready to go at 02:00 am, 04:00 am and 5:55 am. He was also excited about celebrating Henrik's birthday. His first day of school went great. He started out with Chinese which is enjoyed. He came of the school bus smiling and told me he had so many recesses, that he had learned so much and he started teaching me about division. He is actually in a 3 grade curriculum because they go by calendar year. So from being the oldest in his class, he is the youngest. I was worried at first as I saw his class mates, most of them were pretty tall. He said he made two new friends and was excited about returning this morning.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRIK! We got to celebrate Henrik's birthday on Thursday. He came home from China Wednesday night so that we could celebrate him on the morning of the 5th. After visiting Heidi and Mattias at school he went back to China and will be home Friday. He is working very hard. It is a very different working environment and culture in China. He is definitely learning patience through this experience working with them. He is doing well and is looking forward to the end of the project :)

Oh......we finally did get of on the right train station last weekend. We got on the Mickey Mouse train and went to Disneyland. We had a magical day. We also saw the movie BOLT in 3D. Heidi and Mattias laughed so hard. I do not think I have ever heard them laugh like that during a show. The movie is highly recommended.

Hope you are all well.