Time with the Cousin

Zhexiong's daughter, Xinxin, is an 8-year old in second grade, but almost as tall as me. She lives with her mother (Zhexiong's first wife), and has weekend visits with Zhexiong. Since her birth, I have never spent more than a few hours with her. So it is a real treat for me that she came over for visits pretty much every day of this week. The cousins seemed to have really hit it off and had a wonderful time together!

Outside a small market just outside the front gate, there are an array of kids' riding toys. They each takes a 1 yuan coin to operate, and will rock and sing for about two minutes. Ellie quickly fell in love with them, and wanted to ride every single one of them. Xinxin became the "payer" with pockets full of coins from the coin stash by the front door (for bus rides and such). The two bonded during the many rides they had together.

Ellie "driving" when Xinxin looks on

Here is Ellie falling asleep when Xinxin read her a fairy tale.

We went on short outings together almost everyday, just to enjoy the nice weather and get outdoors a bit.

Enjoying a snack together

Posing on the sidewalk

Getting balloons

One day, we went to watch the train together.

cousins waiting for the elevator to go down

Posing for a group picture downstairs

Waiting for the train

Coming home from the train watch shot #1

Coming home from the train watch shot #2

On Friday, we have to finally say goodbye to Xinxin. We have a weekend trip planned and Xinxin is going to visit the other side of her family in Zhuhai. The cousins were all eager to know when they will be able to get together again. We ended our visit by some group photos together.

My side of the family almost all together