Random...

Two of the cutest things I've seen since being here:

First:
I was on my way home from work one day looking out the windows, watching the traffic (I'll have to explain how crazy it is in a later post) and marveling at the fact that I'm in China. I turned to my right to watch the scooter-ists drive along beside us. There, framed in my passenger window, was a guy and a girl riding on a scooter. They were younger, probably in their twenty's, and both fairly fashionable (by China's standards). The guy was driving, sunglasses on. The girl was sitting on the back of the scooter side-saddle, facing me. She was leaning against him, right arm wrapped around his waist, and her head resting on his back, eyes closed. I wish I had my camera to try and capture the world they seemed lost in; just the two of them, far away and unaware of the noise of the traffic and the myriad of people surrounding them. Call it my inner romantic, but I couldn't tear my eyes away.

Second:
I've had the chance to see many cute moments between Denise and her daughters, but this one topped them all. We all decided to go for a walk, just to be outside for awhile. The three oldest were on their bikes while I walked and Denise pushed Haley and Maddie in the stroller. On the way, home Aubrey got tired and decided to ride on the back of McKenna's bike. I insisted Denise ride Aubrey's bike, as she had just been telling me how it rode so smooth and she loved to ride. I took over pushing the stroller and we were once again on our way. Mckenna took off with Aubrey, leaving me pushing the stroller after Denise and Brianna. At one point, Brianna reached out to grab her Mom's hand as they were riding. It took just a minute to master the balance, but they rode like that the rest of the way home. It was one of the most precious scenes I've ever been privileged to witness. The sun was setting on a beautiful day as I watched Mom and daughter ride up the street, hand in hand, laughing and giggling. At that moment, there was nothing else more important to either one of them. It was just another day. As time goes on I'm sure the memory will fade as I'm not sure they even took note, but for me it was etched permanently into my mind.

Lastly:

You can't get much better than making a baby laugh! I help out with 4-month old Maddie whenever I get the chance, and I'll tell you, there is nothing like having a baby smile at you. You know it's not superficial, it's not out of courtesy, they aren't pretending. It's honest and it's true. And it's one of the best feelings in the world.