Right back into the swing of things..

Our families came to the airport to send us off. I was a tad nervous flying solo with the 2 kids for this long of flight, but they did so amazing!! We left Wednesday at 11:30am and flew 2 hours to Detroit, had a  2 hour layover (just enough to charge all of our electronics!!), then 14 hours to Shanghai and landed at 6:15pm Thursday. We were totally lucky and even landed an hour early :) The hardest part was hauling our 6 suitcases and 3 carry-ons out to meet Chad and Mr. Hou. Rilynn was a rockstar and even pushed one of the carts herself. HA. The kids ran into Chad's arms and off we went.

Came home to a spotless home. Thank you Susan!! She must have been pretty bored as every cupboard was perfectly organized :) Took a deep breath and smelled these gorgeous lillies Chad got for me!!

Off to bed and the kids managed to sleep until 5:30am. However, that only lasted one day. The rest of this week has been pretty rough with them getting up at 2,3, and 4 in the morning. Thankfully, after a week and them starting school it's gotten a little better.

Since Rilynn loves to color and cook, this activity was right up her alley. So even though she had been up since 4am she had a blast with daddy at California Pizza Kitchen. They toured the kitchen, colored their own pizza boxes, and then made their own pizzas to eat.

Both kids are attending the same school as Rilynn went to last year, YCIS- Yew Chung International School. They will both be going full time everyday. Since Brady is younger they have this mandatory settling in week, where he went a half day for the 1st day, then full day every other day for 2, then finally will start his normal schedule on the 30th. Brady's class had orientation the day before school where we were able to meet his teachers, Ms. Sam (from Australia) and Ms. Laurel (his Chinese teacher) and see his classroom. I spent most of the time going over his peanut allergy and epipens, but feel very confident with them. Thankfully, their school is peanut free, but you never know!! Rilynn wasn't able to find out her class or teachers until her 1st day. Crazy, huh?!?

So this past Wednesday was both of their first day. This year they are going to take the bus since they are able to ride together. I was even able to ride with them (yes I'm that annoying mother!). LOL

Bus leaves at 7:15am and makes one other stop and is at school by 7:50 for the start time at 8:00. We all went to Brady's first since I knew he'd be my easy one. We were the first one's there. He changed into his indoor shoes and off he went to play. I had to ask for a hug :) No worries!!

Rilynn's turn-  We had  to go figure out where she was to go first. Found her classroom- Y1E and her teachers, Mrs. Foster and Ms. Shada Adi. Unfortunately, there were not any of her old girlfriends from K4B, just 2 boys (one being Jiwoo!). She was a little disappointed about that, but did great. A couple of hugs, but no tears :)

Brady only went to 11:30 the first day, so I went to pick him up. His teachers said he did great!! He loved it :)

3:50pm, Rilynn came off the bus with a smile. She also had a great day!!

 Their schoolbus, equipped with lapbelts and all :)

Every bus has an ayi to keep an eye on them

 Yes, that's Saran Wrap covering the seats! No idea why :)

They also started swimming this week. Rilynn is taking a semi private lesson with one other girl on Mondays and Brady is still taking his with Coach Alex on Tuesdays. They will also be starting Gymnastics (Rilynn) and Soccer (Brady) on Wednesdays afterschool. Looking forward to a great year!!

With them in school, you may be wondering what on earth I'll be doing with my time :) Well, I brought back a bunch of baking supplies to hopefully start a small baking business. I will also continue my photography classes starting in October. And I also hope to hit the gym more frequently, as now I really have NO excuse :) Especially if I start more baking!!! LOL

Plus, after last night we found a new monthly venue for BINGO!! Who would've thought I'd be playing that in a bar here :) We had a group go together last night and had a great time. One of our friends even won! Will definitely be doing that more often.. It's only 50rmb (~$7) for 10 rounds plus a drink. They also came around twice with vodka shots and some food. Good times!!

Good-Bye America :(

So, now that Chad was gone it was my turn to have some fun. I drove the kids down to Mankato to stay with Gma and Gpa Reed and then drove back up to stay at my dear friend Lisa's house. It was a great weekend and was able to spend it with some of my great high school friends. It really felt like I hadn't even left :)

Tuesday night I drove down to Mankato to wake up early on Wednesday to watch the MN Vikings Training Camp with Gpa and Gma Reed. This was our first time going and we all had fun, just wished Chad could've been with us. Rilynn got bored, but then found the craft table so was happy. Brady was having a good time, except he didn't understand why he didn't get to play with them :) HA

Donovan McNabb

Ponder

My old dorm for 2 years in the background- Gage Towers- Soon to be taken down. Tear :(

Future QB

Autographs we got- Michael Jenkins #84 and Ryan Lincoln #13

Gpa Reed took off Rilynn's training wheels to give it a try. Still needs some practice :)

Gma Reed took us to look at Minneopa Falls in Mankato.

After a week of the kids down in Mankato we said our good-byes and drove up to Gma and Gpa Nathe's to stay until we left.

Of course being back we had to visit Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater. We met one of my old co-workers and her 2 daughters for an afternoon. Hot, but fun :) Best part was eating at Nacho Mama's and then stopping at the candy store!! LOL

Here is a video of Brady going down the slide by himself. Not sure why it's sideways, so I apologize for your stiff neck :) Ha

My dad had taken a week off so we decided to spend a few days at my gma and gpa's cabin in Silver Bay (an hour north of Duluth). I spent a lot of summer's there growing up, but hadn't been there since '94 so my visit was well overdue. 17 years later and it was just like I remembered, even the fabulous banana pancakes :)

We ventured out to Gooseberry Falls for the day to see the falls and do some hiking. Had a fun time especially watching Gpa slip on the rocks and fall in the water :) LOL

Upper Falls

An unexpected 15 minute downpour!! Thankfully ir swimsuits in my bag.

Middle Falls

Lower Falls

After the falls  stopped by Superior  and the Baptism River for a swim. However, Gpa was the only crazy one to actually swim in Superior!! BRRRRRR

Bunkhouse

Driving back to Duluth I had to pull over and take a picture of the fog. So pretty!

Thomas was in Duluth for the weekend  so we spent the day going on a ride and enjoying the other activities. The kids had a blast!!!

Lift Bridge in Canal Park

The Depot

Had to take a pic of the small Fitger's as this was where Chad proposed in 2003

Sir Topham Hat

My sister Rachel won a photo session, so we got the kids together for some updated pics

Gpa took the kids to the tennis courts to play with his new toys, a ball grabber and thrower. Kept the kids busy for awhile :)

After spending 7 weeks in the US it was time to head back to our home in China. We really missed Chad and I had enough of living out of suitcases so we were ready. Since our house is being rented, we stayed with our family and friends. It was very strange hanging out in our neighbor's yard watching a strange man grill on our deck!!

We would like to thank our family for the great hospitality you provided us while we were back. We really appreciate it :) And also to Tina for letting us borrow the carseats!! A lifesaver :)

We love you all and will see you in December!