Okay, Okay, so I've been a slug when it comes to posting. Okay - I'm probably not even as fast-paced as a slug!! Whatever ;} Point is, I'm here now!

So, the kids & I arrived in Shanghai mid-June. Jaymie's mom arrived shortly after that and spent the entire month of July with us. I was sooo incredibly thankful she came over and helped to get us settled in. Getting settled in China is not quite as easy as it was in Europe -go figure. But we are officially settled at this point. The kids are busy, busy with school. Emma is involved with the Overseas Girl Scouts (thankfully no cookie requirements once you cross the big pond) and she's become quite the performer in her swim team. She'll start competitive swimming next year. We haven't been able to keep up the equestrian lessons as the nearest stables are over an hour away, but she's pouring heart & soul into the swimming, so no big loss. Ross - well, he's Ross. I've determined our lives will never be dull thanks to this kid. He endured his first round of baseball try-outs for Fall Ball. He's officially in the Minor Leagues now. Of course two weeks into the season (and while I was back in Texas for the Hurricane) the little devil fell and broke his arm. Yep, another broken bone!! The right arm this time - which is just great when you're trying to write beginning essays in 2nd grade. Give me strength! So Jaymie had to handle the whole ER episode by himself (yeah, I kinda enjoyed that part). At least we can now handle ER situations on 3 different continents. How many families can say that?? Gotta find the positive in it, right!

Jaymie's doing great with work. He's still pulling some pretty long hours, but at least we get him on the weekends. The commute to the two work locations was starting to wear him (and us) down, so while I was in Texas he bought himself a motorbike. They are a massive means of transport around here. There's just as many scooters as there are cars. You can actually get caught in scooter traffic if you can believe that!! Anyway, it's given us a lot more freedom with the car. And, not to be outdone, I went and purchased my own. You know I'm way too competitive not to have one!! So we now look like a group of natives....a family of four crammed onto to 2 scooters, flying down the medians wearing bicycle helmets. Hey, at least we have helmets!! Yes, mom, it's safe. Well....it's not exactly D.O.T. or OSHA approved, but it's safe for THIS country's standards!! It's safer than the water.

That brings me to me. Let's just say I'm a poster child for Culture Shock Syndrome. I miss Germany terribly. The weather, the friends, the cleanliness, the food. It's getting better as I become more involved around here, but it's still not as "homey" as Dusseldorf was. But, I'm a trooper - I'll tough it out!! We haven't done the travelling like we did in Europe, I think that has a lot to do with it. But, when it takes 8 hours and 5 grocery stores just to do the weekly shopping you get a little burned-out on the road trip idea!! Our first adventure will come in January during Chinese New Year. Ideas are still being tossed around - I'm thinking Hainan Island, beaches, cabana boys, alcohol - Jaymie's thinking Japan for snowskiing. Go ahead & place your bets now to see who wins!!!

That's all for now. I'll post pics soon. Hugs to all back home - we'll be there soon for Christmas!!