And the answer is...

Wondering what we are doing with that booster seat from the previous post?

Our neighbours JP & Heather came to us over a month ago and asked if we were interested in having a visiting professor from China and her daughter stay with us for a year. We had been thinking about opening our home again for a while (Stanley stayed for 1.5 yr), so we quickly said yes - knowing we would have an empty nest after both boys left for college/university in September.

Less that 10 days after the kids left, off we were to the airport to pick up Ying and her 5 year old daughter Fanfan! In the last 5 days we have come to know two very wonderful people who had never been out of China and were ready for a new adventure. It has been so much fun learning about them and teaching them the odd ways Canadians do things. Lots of shopping for clothes and other essentials (we bought mitts even though it was 31C!), and lots of downtime as they adjust to their new home. We are even putting Google Translate through its paces, since Fanfan knew no English! One thing is for sure, Fanfan loves pink!

Fanfan loves Maddy. The feeling appears to be emphatically mutual. 

After a quick shopping trip to an international food store (store slogan: "where east meets west"). 

Booster seat was a hit! 

Ying, tired after a busy few days. 

Not sure what the future will bring (kindergarten starts next week), but it sure is going to be fun!

I guess it is also good practice for our grandparenting skills!