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!