Leaving On A Jet Plane!

Ni Hao!

Were getting ready to come home!  Can't wait!  We had our swearing in ceremony at the U.S. Consulate today.  Sounds like a bigger deal than it really is.  We spent more time on the bus getting there, than the actual ceremony.  Well, when the airplane touches down in Chicago, Maya will be a U.S. Citizen.  We spent most of the morning just getting ready for the flight home.  We packed and organized our stuff so we will be ready by 5:30 AM to be picked up to head off to the airport.  Finally!  We got a lot of shopping in before the consulate appointment, and again this evening after dinner.

For dinner, we took a taxi to McDonalds.  Enough of the Chinese food already.  I love it, but...  Too much of anything gets old quick.  We went with our Minnesota friends, Dan and Vickie.  There two little ones are so fun to be around.  Brooke is 4, from a 2005 adoption in China, and Tony is 11 months.  He's huge!  Check out his picture.  He's over 25 lbs.  We said our goodbyes to them since we won't see them tomorrow.  They don't leave until Friday.  We plan to stay in touch, and have an annual reunion with much of our group.  They live in Cottage Grove, MN.  Pretty close to our good friends in Hudson, WI  (Hi Tara and Ilan!)  

We didn't get many pictures today, we mainly focused on spending money.  Oh Yeah!  It is fun to bargain with the shop owners.  We found one in particular, Michael, who was so gracious and helpful.  He got most of our business.  He had nice stuff for a fair price.  (Stuff is pretty cheap here.) 

Well, better go pack, it's a early start to a really long day.  We arrive at 3:20 p.m. in Chicago, and our friend Scott, (Thanks Scott!) is picking us up to drive us home to Glendale.  The total duration of our travel is just over 20 hours. including a 4 hour layover in Tokyo.  Not looking forward to the flights. 

Just an FYI, we hope Maya's transition goes smooth to her new home in Wisconsin.  We expect it will take some time to adjust to a schedule since the jet lag is usually much worse coming home.  We plan to see everyone in due time, but please understand that we need to make this new life as positive and as easy as possible.  We love all of you dearly, and thank you for all of your support over the last 3 years.  Having such a loving family and group of friends is a blessing.  We cherish all of you.

Good Night from China.  (For the last time), Maya, Sheila, & Tim. 

Good night from China.