Back in Shanghai!

After a fantastic several weeks state side, we are back in Shanghai and hitting some local shopping markets to find furniture for our apartment.  We decided to “let go” of our rental furniture and buy some memorable pieces of our adventure here.  This particular shop/warehouse —  is named “The Rat Warehouse” by the expats that shop here.  It is like an extreme version of the T.V. show Pickers.   The store is dark and piled high with various furniture pieces and knick knacks.  The owner walks around in a leisure suit to bargain.  It is a true experience...

Once we recovered from the jet lag, it was time to go back to school!!!  

Ayden loves school and is starting her second year at SAS.  She is in Kindergarten with a fantastic teacher from Pakistan.  This year she is most excited to be able to sit at the “big” table at lunch and carry her own tray and select her own food.  She has a lot of the same kids in her class from her pre K year, but her best friend, Charley was put in another class.  (Not at ALL surprised with THAT one)  They seem to hook up though at lunch and playground and find trouble when they are together.  

Garrett is starting 2nd grade this year and is also the family translator.  (Along with Chris but Garrett’s Chinese is easier to understand as it lacks the “Boston” accent.)    He was excited to see so many of his friends in his classroom and was more excited then I expected going back to school.  He was most excited that being in 2nd grade meant that you get to play on the “big kid” playground.  Apparently, this is a huge status changer.  Garrett LOVES his new teacher.  We are hopeful the feeling is mutual...

Jordan is starting her 4th grade year at SAS.  No surprise that we walk down the hallway her first day of school to several of her pals “high fiveing” her.  

Much like Garrett, Jordan’s status also rose this year as she too went to a different “big kid” playground.  This new status change also means that they are able to decide if they want to be outside to play or they can go to the library to “chill out.”   It is nice to see them get some independence.   

The first day of school we were early to the bus stop in the morning… (for those that know me this is a RARE occurrence).  I was lost all day not having the activity they bring and I won’t lie, I actually felt a mid life crisis brewing.  I was 20 minutes EARLY to the bus stop in the afternoon… excited for them to come home.  The extra 20 minutes waiting gave me some time to think and worry about my mental status.   Day two:  we were in full sprint to the bus stop in the morning and I was back to my old self cutting it close at drop off.   Not sure what happened in between… I am still working on that…