Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Carey Adventure Continues..... We are Moving to SHANGHAI!!!!

WE ARE MOVING FROM ONE COAST TO ANOTHER....
Never a dull moment in the Carey house, but this one surely takes the cake.   Throughout this blog, I have made it a point to document all of our kids "firsts."  Never did I think that I would be documenting us making a move abroad.   Chris and I spent some time in China in April and we are really excited to embark on this new adventure with the kids.   They are at great ages and very excited and supportive.  Although I attest, I am not really convinced they realize the magnitude of this adventure.  We are lucky though that they all are very independent and confident kids and will embrace this like they do every other challenge.  

   We have managed to get them into a great international school  (Shanghai American School)  and Chris is in China at the moment solidifying some last minute housing issues.  We are definitely busy selling, organizing and well... walking around in circles trying to figure things out. 
We have found a neat area to live and will be spending the first month or two in temporary housing while we wait for our "stuff" and get acclimated.  (There is a 12 hour time difference) 
The kids know where they are going and are excited for a new adventure, but like most stressful situations, the questions come out and get funnier as we grow closer to the move.
Jordan came out with the first comment when we mentioned the possibility of us moving to China.  Her response was.... "China!  But I already have a Vachina!"  
When we put the house on the market, Garrett actually thought that the actual house gets airlifted to China.   Even showing them on the map, I am not sure they realize just how far away this place is. 
Ayden is struggling with the goodwill drop offs and the craigslist visitors.  She has become a bit of a hoarder, yet is the first one to give up her favorite doll to a child at the gym because they love it so much.  I have had to get rather creative making the exchanges her idea.  Of course milk shakes help with this process immensely. 
We are celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary at a beach house in North Carolina and plan to be in Shanghai the beginning of August to start the school year off. 
Once we get settled, I will forward our permanent contact information and our email will remain the same. 
We leave Parkland in the next month with a heavy heart.  I have made the best friends possible here and will carry each of them on our journey.  Our families have been wonderful!!!  Sad to see us leave, but supportive of our wings....  I now realize where I get my strength from.  
Yánshàng  translates ROCK ON!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Summah is HERE!!!!!

 Can't say for the past several years we have started our summer out much different then this!  Although I have to admit, much of the year we do the same thing.  Summer to us means something totally different!
 To Garrett it means... every day is a "home day."  A home day to Garrett just means that wherever he is, he is on his home time and with his family. 
 To Ayden it means having Garrett and Jordan home to play with her.  It is a lot more fun having tea parties with "real" people...
 To Jordan it means... sleeping in... playing hard and taking some time to relax! Then playing hard again!
To me it means.... having my crew home... not being on a schedule... SLEEPING IN & and an excuse to
hit some parks, ride the waves and play games without looking at my watch. 
Of course Rule number one of Summer:  If ANYONE wakes ANYONE up, they will be voted off the island.   NO WARNINGS!!!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

The Big Recital!!


 The recital was a huge hit. She said that dancing on stage was a lot of fun, but she liked going
to Yogo Fresh the best! Go figure.


It was my first time as a parent being involved in something that was not sports related. Once the bun came out and we all got our suits on... I was definitely back into my element. I must admit, I am pretty amazed by my youngest daughters courage and independence.... and like a lot of other parents there today.... I was very very proud of my girl!