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!!