A New Normal

So the most 'awesomest' summer ended in Arkansas with undoubtedly one of our saddest goodbyes yet.  I have to admit this was the day I had been 'dreading' since late December in Hawaii when Andy, Kelly & I sat down and agreed that the best thing (and we ALL knew it) was for Kelly to start at the UofA this fall and not come back to China for a gap year.  Let's just say there were a lot of tears shed by a lot of us.  A common question from Joseph now is "Mom, are you crying again?"  Time...it's gonna take time to get used to being here without our girl...miss her doesn't begin to describe it.

The biggest thing about summer in Shanghai is the combination of heat (near 100 every day) and humidity.  It pretty much causes you to only be able to do things indoors because it is almost unbearable outdoors.  It will be good for school to start this week - something new to do indoors!  Although Megan & Lindsey did kick off the Concordia ultimate frisbee season on Sunday with about 10 other teachers/students - with water breaks every 2 points and a large delivery of slushies at the end!

Our big 'fun' purchase since returning has been - don't be jealous now - an electric mosquito swatter.  We have had a bit of issue with mosquitoes in the house (given the humidity and small 'lake' behind us) so now we have the fun of zapping them more effectively with the new swatter than trying to catch them with our hands!  We will be glad when they are all gone!
Funnest or funniest comments since returning...

• Joseph riding in the taxi back from Carrefour, looks out the window and says "Where is heaven?"  Deep boy...very deep.
• As we were walking through the Pines International Supermarket, I commented that it was really strange that they hardly had any soda (mainly no Dr Pepper anymore) to which Abigail replied "At least they have beer."  Umm...okay...

Abigail with her 2nd grade teacher Ms. Friederick

Zoe and Mrs. Burns

First day of school!

And so, we're back, adjusting to our new normal and making plans for our third and planned to be final year here in China!  

AWESOMEST!

This is the one word that describes our summer vacation back in the US...it was one of those summers (especially for the kids) that was just the best in all ways!  Time with family in New York, time with friends (every day and late into the nights for the teenagers!), living at the house with the Schwartzmans, eating at our favorite restaurants (Chick Fil'A many times!), driving our cars, doing some shopping and just hanging around!  Living life on life with friends again...something that is noticeably missing in Shanghai life.  The sound of all the teenagers (about 13 of them) hanging out, having fun, laughing every day and making plans for frisbee/volleyball, followed by a Sonic/Braums/Chick Fil'A run, sometimes swimming and then a movie at the house every night...music to our ears!
Some of the highlights:

• Kelly attended Orientation at the UofA, got her schedule/books/parking pass and figured out where all her classes are...so hopefully well prepared for when school starts tomorrow!
• Megan went to an amazing refreshing and renewing week at Ravencrest in Estes Park, had a wonderful surprise 16th birthday party from her friends, spent many a wonderful moments with her best friend Maggie and had a fabulous Blessing Ceremony.
• Lindsey went to the UofA soccer camp, 'graduated' up to the group of teenagers hanging out every night so had an amazing time with an amazing group of friends
• Zoe celebrated her 9th birthday with Solomon and got baptized on the same day!
• Abigail just had fun - everywhere and doing everything!  She loved all the activity, swimming so much and having so many people around to play games!
• Joseph LOVED living at the house with so many other boys!  He also loved the pool, especially with Valeria and Samuel Morrison to play with, and started each day going outside to 'drive' the cars!  Importantly he also officially became a US Citizen, got his US passport and also a China visa to come back into the country!
• As for Andy & I - we celebrated a round of birthdays, our 24th anniversary, had WONDERFUL time with all of our friends, and thoroughly enjoyed just watching each of the kids have so much fun!

Two years in Shanghai and we have come to call this home...however when we truly go HOME, there is simply no comparison!