Shanghai Sonshine: 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...