Fall Fun and First....

There are a lot of rewarding moments we have had as parents...   and this year has been no exception.   When asking the children if they were up for an adventure - moving to China, surprisingly, not one of them balked at the idea.   While I am sure they didn’t have a clue as to what we were really suggesting, let alone where we were going, they jumped in with both feet.  Looking back, I think if they did know, they probably would have hesitated to pack up their safe world in South Florida and move half way around the world to a country that is so vastly different than what they are used to...    Watching them adjust, learn, and embrace has been by far one of the most rewarding experiences we have had as parents.   Seeing them, spread their wings, gain confidence, and jump outside of their box has been only one of many of the benefits to us moving.   There have been a lot of firsts -- from learning how to squat in public bathrooms, not gag every time we see someone hawk a deep lung spit not only in public but often indoors, to watching small children defecate (again in public) and often in doors (and I am not saying in a bathroom)  the list could go on.....    

But when you see your child challenge themselves to do something so completely outside their box, these are those times that you realize as a parent, that life is a journey and watching our children grow is its best reward.   

When we arrived in Shanghai, I was surprised when Jordan signed up to be in a dance show.  She has never taken a lesson and her only experience with dancing is when we blast the music from time to time to just let loose.   I was so proud that she signed up to do something completely different and non-sport related.   So it didn’t come as too much of a surprise when Jordan came to us asking if she could play tackle football.  

We set off one afternoon to “get more information” at a local school near our apartment and within a few short hours, she came out with pads, a jersey and a number.  

While I did not think she would get a lot of playing time, I was wrong and I spent a great deal of the sidelines holding my breath...  

The whole family got into the sport and Chris spent several games refereeing...  

This left a lot of sideline time for Garrett & Ayden to find trouble on there own....  not a difficult task it seems for them.... 

It was hard to have the “white knuckle” season end, but I am incredibly proud of our girl...  and if there was any doubt that life’s challenges would ever bring her down, I certainly wouldn’t want to mess with her on a field. 

We have another first this year....  and boy was I one proud mom.  Garrett started taking piano lessons this year and he is definitely a natural on the keyboard.   He was SO nervous and looked so little up there on the bench with his feet not yet able to even touch the pedals.    He ROCKED it!!!

As for the fun fun fun... Well, we aren’t going to let the cold Shanghai weather stop us from bringing out our Chang Jiang.  Team Carey heading off to the wet market for some produce with a list in hand.   

Grocery shopping here is definitely an adventure!