Home Sweet Home!

We have finally made it to Hawaii...ahhhhhhh! It feels so wonderful to be here. I was very surprised to learn that going back to the United States for the second time in five months felt just as incredible as the first time. Since I feel so much more "settled" about living in Shanghai...it took me by complete surprise to experience such relief about actually arriving on US soil again. It really proves (to myself) just how much stress I continue to experience in China.

I'm not the only one, apparently. The kids have been excited to go see Granny and other relatives in Hawaii for a long time now. However, when we arrived and walked to the Customs area of the airport, Brandon saw an American flag and shouted, "Yah, we're in America!" No joke. Everyone turned their heads and laughed. The customs agent standing nearby laughingly said, "Welcome home, Son." We all had a good laugh and I'm not sure if it was because we felt what Brandon said was actually funny...or that we were ALL relieved to be home, and everything suddenly felt very, very good. Brandon just openly announced what we were all feeling.

And every day here feels sooooo wonderful...even with a bad case of jet lag. The air is so incredibly clean, the water is super fresh and clean and I don't have to worry about eating a whole bunch of veggies and fruits. Also, I have organic options here and so many wonderful things are once again at my fingertips.

I'm looking forward to picnicking with the boys at a botanical park with views that would stun you. I look forward to playing in the sand with the boys at every beach the island has to offer. I look forward to taking the boys to the Sea Life Park. I look forward to camping on the beach with the boys and roasting marshmallows. I look forward to playing in the crystal blue waters. I look forward to going and seeing a movie! I look forward to so many things that the boys and I have the option to do this summer. So many wonderful options...and such a wonderful place to spend the summer. :-)