40 weeks: MEA break - California

MEA break, always a tradition for us to take vacation! This year, MEA had a few extra days and we took full advantage. First, we went to Disneyland for a few days, then we went to Legoland and met up with the Ware's.

But before all this fun, Baba and I had conferences with your teachers. Li laoshi had lots of compliments for you - you are always picking up chairs, water bottles, you're a really good kid. The work examples in your packet has been good. He's not worried about your academics: for Chinese, you are reading at 44 words per minute which is close to winter target. You have good language sense and word choices. Li laoshi sees you trying hard and will ask him for more words. He notices that you like to take your time, maybe too much time and can pick up the pace a little. But you are great and always follow the group plan. your writing is good quality and you are a good group helper. You have a great attitude and engage in a quiet way. Overall, an excellent conference Ben! This is exactly how we see you as well. In addition, you are patient and play nicely with your brother at home.

Now, onto vacation!! We arrived at the Disneyland hotel on Friday, late afternoon. You and your brother played in the pool and we lounged around in anticipation for Saturday... Disney the Baba way. On Saturday, we walked about 18k steps and went on a ton of rides: Indiana Jones, Haunted House, Pirates of the Caribbean, Millennium Smugglers run, Mad Hatter, Matterhorn Bobsled, Ride of the Resistance, Carousel, Small World, Toy Story Blaster, and Star Tours. Talk about a long day.

On Sunday, we moved over to California Park and also packed the day with rides - Radiator Rider (twice), Guardians of the Galaxy, Web Slinger, Incredible Coaster, Toy Story, Mater's Barnyard, Luigi's, Rise of the Resistance, and then the monorail back to the hotel. After a much needed rest, we went back for the Halloween Party, the trick o treating was abundant... probably 15 pounds of candy! We also took advantage of the evening and went on Guardians as well as Radiator Racers again.

By Monday, we were showing our exhaustion but this is Baba Disney. We got up early and headed over to Disneyland park - rode the Astro Blasters twice, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Dumbo, Mad Hatter, Mr Toads, Matterhorn Bobsled, Smugglers Run and then took a break back at the hotel. In the evening, we went back via the monorail and went on Rise as well as the Jungle Cruise. Much slower day but still lots of walking. The funny part is that we ended up eating Panda Express almost every night.

Tuesday was our drive day down to Lego. Of course, we had to make a pitstop at DinTaiFung :) Wednesday and Thursday was spent at Legoland with the Wares - rides and plenty of pool and lounge time. We had a ton of fun and the weather was awesome.