We're Home!

YES! We made it! That was one long and difficult trip. Toddlers sure can wear a person out! We stayed the night at a hotel across from LAX. Three of us were awake and could not go back to sleep, so I woke up Chris and we left at 4:30 AM. (He told me to. I'm not that cruel.) It was great to be home by 9:00 AM. With a big smile, Teddy followed everybody through the house as we showed him around. Soon after, there were toys scattered all over the living room. That boy really knows how to play! We love to just sit and watch him play with the toys and talk to himself (in Chinese, of course). It is so funny because we have Anna insisting on using Chinese words for water and potty, and Teddy copies Anna's phrases like "Mommy, I want some 'shwei' (water)."

We were amazed that Teddy didn't mind his car seat and sat contentenly the whole trip home! He didn't even sleep. In China, he always wanted to sit by the window so he could see the cars. We made sure his car seat was by the window, too. When he met the dogs and cats he peeked around us, but didn't get too close. At least he's not afraid. I think he really likes the house. He cried his little whimpering cry before nap. He also did that when we arrived at LAX and made it through customs. We all wanted to cry with joy, but Teddy looked so scared and sad.

When we were leaving China, we had our guide ask Teddy if he liked us. He said, "yes", and all on his own he said he was happy! I thought that was so sweet. He understands so much, even though he looks like a little baby! I just wish we could understand him!

Okay! The fighting has now started. Anna was so proud when she announced she was going to share her toys with her brother. That didn't last very long! I think once we're not so tired and she practices sharing more, she will do just fine. They really are great friends.

Look for another post in a few days. We need to get some sleep!

Kristina


Anna was tired of smiling pretty.






Here's the panda.




A red panda in training.




Two tired kids and one tired dad.




The kids looked forward to their daily apples from the front desk.




Teddy on the famous red couch. He didn't mind not having a group.




He had his Mei Mei!





Window washers at the White Swan.




This was a lot of fun for the whole family.