Jintian Wo Jia Chu Aidahe! (Today, My Family Went To Idaho)

Today my family left Shanghai for our home in Idaho. On August 15, 2008 I remember it vividly, my family running to greet me at the airport in Shanghai, and now 162 days later they are returning home. I am really sad to see them go, but also at the sametime excited that they get to start another chapter in our lives. Looking back, our stay was fully of laughs, adventures, learnings, sadness, tears and fun. For those of you who don't know, my company changed business strategies and decided the R&D center I was managing didn't fit into the new plan. So.... we are all going home early.

Over the last couple of days, we've been spending time as a family watching movies, finishing packing their clothes (6 suitcases), eating at some of our favorite places, and saying goodbye to friends. The emotion was running high in our house.

On Thursday night Eric had 7 friends from school to our apartment or a LAN party. Three of the boys stayed the night and I don't think they got any sleep, but Friday was a party and movie day at work so lack of sleep was not a problem. Here's a photo with the boys lounging all over with their laptops...

Earlier in the week we went go cart racing. Remember, safety is not a consideration in China (although we do happen to be wearing helmets) so these cars went FAST! Andew and I are in the lead, Odis is last, and also laughing so hard his stomach hurt. You can even see the smile.

I know it's a little strange but in China, people often get their hairwashed. There must be 6 haircutting places on each city block. Here's a photo of Eric getting his hair cut. I'm just sure he'll be thrilled that I've posted this photo.

We spent some time at Century Park near our apartment. We had so much fun on bicycles that we rented for $5 an hour.

The kids even played frisbee with a street vendor selling meat kabobs! I really like the hat. The frisbee in China has been a great conversation and activity boost for meeting the locals. Initially they are so shy and afraid, then eventually we'll throw them the frisbee and pretty soon 100 people are watching.

And finally, our last photo together before the three of them got on the airplane to SFO and on to Boise. I'll be home March 6 weeks and 6 days after I close up shop in Shanghai.