Irmo Okra Strut parade 2011

Irmo Okra Strut is one of my favorite local festivals. It is held the last weekend in September on St. Andrews road. There are parade, bands, games for kids, food, and the okra man! We went to the parade last year, right after we moved to Irmo. Iris was baby.

This year Heidi's a kindergartener and we even met her teachers at the parade. Iris is a toddler and walking around. Heidi is still busy collecting treats and Iris is only interested in balloons and her snack cup.

Lunch with grandparents

Sept 13th is my dad's birthday. We celebrate his birthday according to the lunar calender, so it's different each year. But it's always the day follows Mid-Autumn festival. LB was out of town for the whole week, so it was only us. I took most of the day off so I can take my parents and Iris to Heidi's school to join her for 'lunch with grandparents'.

Heidi was worried that kids would laught at her because her grandparents cannot speak English and Iris is just a baby. I assured her everyting would be just fine. Laoye and laolao can speak simple English, and both she and I can translate. I told her I called school and babies are welcome to come.

We arrived 5 minutes before her lunch time 11:57am. We saw her class coming and we went to the cafe together. Our family took 1/4 of the long table:) I was surprised to see kids ate so fast. When they were ready to leave for their classroom, I was bearly half way done. Iris got to eat some corn dog, corn, and salad, pear slices, too.

We walked with Heidi to her classroom.

Time to say bye to her! It was a good lunch! I wish my office was closer to her school so I can join her lunch often.

College color day

OK, my bad. We never got Heidi any Gamecock outfit. Sept. 2 was college color day. My company 'required' us to wear college colors. Heidi's school encouraged students to do the same. I searched everywhere for my Gamecock T-shirt. I found it right in my closet, just I never knew it was there. Heidi didn't have any collegiate items she can bring to school. First I didn't think that's a big deal. Sept. 1, the day before, I started to think maybe it is a big deal for her. I don't want her to feel left out for any school event at her new school. I told my co-worker that day "I am not spending $20+ dollars for a shirt that she will wear just once!" Well, at the end of that day, I rushed into the university bookstore, spent $20 and got her a Gamecock shirt. Here we go! She was happy, and I was too.

Heidi's first day at kindergarten

Friday 8/19/2011, first day for K girls at her school. It was a beautiful day. None of us got up so early for so long! She had pancake and milk for breakfast. She likes her princess backpack and was excited for school. I packed bear crackers for her snack time. She chose this pink dress.

Standing in the hall way, she looked so beautiful and mature.

We were waiting to sign her up and get her name tag. She probably won't remember the details of that day, but I will. It was emotional but was a good beginning.

Chinese little gilrs

My parents brought some traditional Chinese outfits for the girls. I can't resist having new clothes but not wearing them. So here we go. The girls are so cute! I let Heidi wear my heels since she doesn't have any shoes to match her qipao. Iris looks just like a Chinese doll!