Sunday Snapshot: Fun Times at Tai Tong Ecopark and American Club

On Sunday we went strawberry picking with one of Lola's oldest friends and their family (her first friend at KCS).  We also met one of their other friends whose kids go to the same school as Lola.  It was really fun and great, and I realize that each time we go to Tai Tong, it is one of our best times. It's such a fun place.

It is located in Yuen Long, i.e. practically a border crossing to China, so we got on the road by 8:30 am.  When we arrived at 9:15, the place was barely open.  We went for a walk and immediately were entranced by the tomatoes, zucchini, papaya, chili peppers and wild amaranth growing everywhere, as well as... peacocks!!

We went to the fishpond and fed so many fish. We saw geese.

We had bubbles, toys, trinkets, backpacks, caps, and lots of excited chatter.  Among us, we had 8 kids all of a similar age.  I can't overstate how much I loved it.

We spotted starfruit, which was also very exciting to shake down.  Lyn practically turned into a monkey... turns out ahe is very talented at climbing trees!

Lola is independent enough and knows the drill well enough now to run off and cut her own strawberries.  Since our trip last year, Al and Teo have significantly improved in their general awareness and scissor skills. 

Our foraged chili peppers, amaranth and starfruit probably made me happiest.  

Lola did some fantastic DIY with the older girls (soap making and a really cool water bead flashlight lightbulb) while the boys ran around enjoying the indoor play area, slide and bouncy castle.

We finally went home after lunch (it took a lot of cajoling) and then, about 2 hours later, we piled back into the car and headed to the American Club to meet up with some friends.  Lola and Michael swam while I took the boys to eagles nest.  We convened for dinner and the kids ran around on the lawn.