The last five months really flew by. But they were intense. I was tapped to lead the planning of the Consulate's July 4th event with ~500 guests, so from about March on, I was really busy. I was also working in adoptions, which was a longtime dream of mine and very rewarding. But it would have been better if those two didn't occur at the same time, as adoptions is also quite intense. For the last two months or so, I had to stop my Chinese lessons and stay late most days. It was hard on the family, as I often was not home in time to tuck in the kids, but at least I knew it would stop in July.
We were delighted to welcome D's father and his friend in April and his sister and her family in June. We had a lot of fun showing them our Guangzhou and were really touched that they made the trip all the way here to see us.
D's sister and family came all the way from Alaska and the Guangzhou humidity hit them hard! The teenager is smiling in these pictures but let's just say some of the time he was not feeling so smiley...
 |
| Shamian Island |
 |
| Shamian Island |
 |
| Siblings- aren't they cute? |
 |
| Delicious dinner at Bingsheng with my SIL and BIL |
Beautiful Oregon: Every year I fall a little more in love with you.
In mid-July, D and the kids went to Oregon for about three weeks. I enjoyed some time alone and then met them for the last week. Due to our heavy visa demand in the summertime, each consular officer was only allowed to take 10 working days of vacation, which I do think is reasonable. However, since my parents were coming right after we returned to China, I had to save a few vacation days for them too...which meant I was in OR for only 9 days, plus travel days. I confess, I was worried it would not be worth it given the jet lag- SO RIDICULOUS. Oh, it was worth it. Every year we reunite with D's family in Sunriver, Oregon. We rent a gigantic house and spend our days bike riding, walking the trails, and swimming. It is truly idyllic and we all love this place.
 |
| Riding Cover Girl... |
 |
| The kids loved fishing with Papa W... |
On my second day in the USA, we visited the Beaverton Farmers Market, which is pretty awesome to Oregonians too, but to a person just arrived from China, it is seriously HEAVEN. Look at all these Oregon berries! My sister in law and I ate a breakfast Mexican omelet and bought fresh produce and fruit to die for. I wish I were there right now.
 |
| My little riding buddy. This is one of my favorite places in the world- Sunriver, OR. |
We held our second B family 5K, with t-shirts and course designed by our awesome niece and nephews. My kids really feel proud and excited about this event. Last time two years ago, my little L couldn't finish the course on her bike with training wheels. This year, she finished the 5K with no training wheels!
Looking at our photos and thinking back over the last few months makes me feel all warm and fuzzy about our R&R again. We are so lucky to have a home to return to (thanks Maga and Papa W!), family that loves us, and a beautiful state to visit every year! We love and miss you all!
In mid-July, D and the kids went to Oregon for about three weeks. I enjoyed some time alone and then met them for the last week. Due to our heavy visa demand in the summertime, each consular officer was only allowed to take 10 working days of vacation, which I do think is reasonable. However, since my parents were coming right after we returned to China, I had to save a few vacation days for them too...which meant I was in OR for only 9 days, plus travel days. I confess, I was worried it would not be worth it given the jet lag- SO RIDICULOUS. Oh, it was worth it. Every year we reunite with D's family in Sunriver, Oregon. We rent a gigantic house and spend our days bike riding, walking the trails, and swimming. It is truly idyllic and we all love this place.
On my second day in the USA, we visited the Beaverton Farmers Market, which is pretty awesome to Oregonians too, but to a person just arrived from China, it is seriously HEAVEN. Look at all these Oregon berries! My sister in law and I ate a breakfast Mexican omelet and bought fresh produce and fruit to die for. I wish I were there right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment