Friends

I have some Chinese friends who own a few restaurants here in town.  They are extremely nice and always welcome Little T with big hugs and kisses whenever we see them.  They have a 17 month old boy who lives in China with his grandmother and Benjamin, a 5 year old boy who has been here in the states for a year. 

Benjamin started Kindergarten this past month and is doing as well as can be expected for someone who doesn't speak English.  I gave his mom and dad my number if they needed any help and the day after he started I got a call.  They wanted him to come over to my house each day so I can start teaching him English.  Wow - I'm so so honored!!  Benjamin has been coming over for about 3 weeks now and we all enjoy him very very much.  He is full of energy and tries very hard to understand what we are saying to him.  Little T tries her best to keep up with him but he is like a Tasmanian devil running around. 

We've been working on shapes and colors since school started.  We sit down for about 30 minutes because I feel that is enough time and I don't want to overwhelm the little guy.  After that he hangs out with us, watches Ni Hao, Ki-lan and runs around.  His dad comes to pick him up around 7 and takes him back to the restaurant.  Just being around us and hearing us is helping him.  At home all he hears is Mandarin and his dad's providence dialect.  For TV they have satellite and only tune into Chinese stations.  He's a very smart young man as he can speak and understand both Chinese dialects.  I'm sure given time he'll pick up English!

Here is a scrapbook page I did of Little T and Benjamin:

 

This next picture is Little T being happy with a cookie and her sippy cup. 

 

And here she is BEFORE I gave her a cookie!!  Yes, one little pout with a sad face and she can get anything she wants - we are in so much trouble!!