9 Flights 16 Days! Part 3

The first city we went to was in southeastern China. This city was fairly similar to the other cities in China that we have been to. Unfortunately, it was rainy or overcast a good portion of the time we were there but it had some beautiful plants, trees and flowers.

One of the things I really enjoy seeing when I go to China is the random people dancing and exercising in public. I love this! For some reason it reminds me to slow down and enjoy where I am at, it is a breath of fresh air.

This picture is taken in the middle of an apartment complex. This couple is out there every morning dancing with one another - absolutely beautiful! I would love for this to one day be Christian and I, however, we are not near as graceful as they were. We might spend more time laughing at/with one another, which would be fine too.
I really enjoyed watching this lady, her movements were so smooth and beautiful to watch as well.

Here are a couple community gardens that we pasted as we were walking around the city. Their gardens were gorgeous and you would not believe how resourceful they were with the land, amazing.


Here are a few other pictures from around town

9 Flights 16 Days! Part 2

THANKFUL

This is how we rolled....airport after airport. We had to pick up our bags at EVERY single airport, so it goes without saying that I am EXTREMELY thankful for those little push carts. Our little double wide set-up became quite handy.

When you go to China, one thing you learn very quickly is that most Chinese do not like lines. Our little set-up was perfect for blocking out others. I am thankful for these little carts and that they were FREE in every airport we went to.

I saw the Lord's hand all through out this trip. God brought many people along side us that were extremely helpful. They entertained Elijah, let us cut in line, helped me carry the stroller, help carried luggage, said encouraging words, spoke kindly to us and offered to help in whatever way possible. Thank you Lord for the ways in which You provided for us and for the people that walked/sat next us for this journey. I am so thankful for many other things that happened during this trip, but after the long journey home these are few that I wanted to highlight and share for now.

If you are ever traveling and you see people with kids, please don't run from them. Look for ways in which you can bless them and encourage them....it makes a big difference.

9 Flights 16 Days! Part 1

Elijah and I just returned from our trip to China! We had a fantastic time but it feels good to be back home with the rest of our family. I will post more about our trip in the next week or so, once I have pictures uploaded and when I can think clearly again - right now I have the jet lag fog swimming through my head.

As we were traveling, it struck me how strange Elijah and I might look as we traveled about. For example, not everywhere has diaper changing areas and some places did but I just didn't have the time/or feel like getting to them. With that said, here are some of the random floors/ground Elijah had his diaper changed:

Chicago airport
Shanghai airport
Fuzhou airport
Kunming airport
Lijiang airport
Chengdu airport
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Lamu Tibetan Restaurant
Mama Mias Restaurant
Oklahoma City airport parking garage

In the Chinese airports people were quite excited to watch me change his diaper and often several people would gather around. I'm sure there are also several photos of those experiences floating around China - I'm glad we could provide them with such exciting entertainment.

I will leave you with 1 picture because I know I can't talk about our trip and not include at least 1 photo....so here it is

Elijah was anxiously waiting in Shanghai for our last flight on the way there

This week in school.....

Hudson's theme was fire safety. The stories we read were about a family where the dad is a fireman. So for a special snack we made a "fire" snack. Red and orange jello and some blue colored cool whip for the water. Hudson and Parker were really excited to eat it. Hudson ate it VERY quickly and Parker loved the cool whip but wasn't too sure about the jello (not sure that I blame her).

Both kids are really enjoying school and I so am I. Some days are definitely easier than others, but overall I have really enjoyed getting to see how my kids learn and what things work best for them. Hudson and Parker are EXTREMELY different learners.

Snow Flake Craft

We had a blast with this snow flake activity!

Materials:
pipe cleaners
string
pencil
mason jar (ours was a large one)
hot water
2/3 cup borax (1/3 for a small mason jar)

Directions:
Take the pipe cleaner and mold in to desired shape. Tie string to pipe cleaner and to the pencil to suspend in the mason jar. Fill mason jar with hot water, add the borax, stir until well blended. Add your pipe cleaner and let it sit over night. In the morning the pipe cleaners will be covered in crystals!




We will definitely be doing this again!

Leading up to Christmas!

My favorite thing we did this year was our new Advent Book! The kids LOVED it and so did we. Each night we would open a new door and read part of the Christmas Story. With each new door we would read all the doors leading up to it, so by Christmas Hudson had a good portion memorized. We can't wait to do this again next year!

Here are a few pictures of some of the other things we did the Christmas season.

A Must Read for Parents

Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement!

Read this by Rescued Remnant