I was able to work in the room starting Sunday night.This is what it looked like on Tuesday. (School started Wednesday)

Before, it was an art room. This is what it looked like Saturday...

All in all, I'd say we packed a lot of fun into a short summer. And now we're back in Shanghai. We have started school. Michaela is now a middle schooler with a locker and switching classes. She is also starting violin. Alex is a high school freshman, I can't believe it. I have gone back to teaching French part time at Concordia.

I'm not sure who makes a better dinosaur, what do you think?

Here is most people think of when they think Indiana. Farms with lots of corn and soybeans. I never thought I would miss it, but it was good to see it again.

The whole family with Ron's parents at our favorite German restaurant, the Rathskellar, downtown Indianapolis.

Our church and a bunch of my Mexican mission team friends.

Our favorite Mexican restaurant and friends that work there.

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All over Indiana!

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We have many questions from our Shanghai friends, what do your friends and family and Indiana look like so here are some snapshots.

More friends and family! The girls had a ton of sleepovers and we tried to get to the pool a lot.

Summer fun!

We were back home again in Indiana in July. We spent a lot of time with friends and family just hanging out.

I was really surprised that so many Japanes still wear kimonos. I took a lot of kimono sighting photos. Apparently everyone wears them, women, men and children! I had no idea!

Disney

At Disney Sea they have a whole "Little Mermaid" section that is all inside with a lot of cool rides and activities.

On our way back to the U.S. we stopped in Tokyo to visit Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea. Tokyo Disneyland is pretty much a combo of Florida Magic Kingdom and California Disneyland. Disney Sea is a whole new park with only a few familiar rides. We had a great time.

People have been asking what our "ayi" (maid) looks like. Her English name is Jo and here she is!

We're "back home again in Indiana". I will post some pictures as soon as I get used to my new compter (yeah) and new camera (double yeah).
We have been doing a lot of socializing and visiting with Aunt Vicki and all of our friends that aren't on vacation. We've also been able to hang out at the pool.
The thing that has occupied most of my time is shopping and going out to eat. Shopping, because our friends who are also relocating to Shanghai have offered space in their sea crate so we have been collecting all kind of things to put in it. Things like dog food (our dogs don't like the food there) and canned goods because the Chinese like everything as fresh as possible so therefore no canned goods!
I'll post soon.
Laurie

Marlee's 13th birthday was a blast. (And we get to have another party in the States!)
First we went for manicures and pedicures (they are quite cheap here, about $7.50 for a pedicure, $5 for a manicure) Then we came home and had pizza and cookie cake. Then we were off to the gift market where they had a contest. They were broken into three groups of two girls and given the same amount of money. They competed to see who could get the highest quality items, the most items, the most unique item, the most business cards and so on. Then they came home and modeled their purchases and were awarded certificates. Then it was movies and junk food with a sleepover. I think they actually got about four hours of sleep. What more could a teenager want?

Zach had a scavenger hunt around the house to find his presents. Then we went out to eat at Moon River Diner where they have his favorite macaroni and cheese. (Yes, they even have it in Shanghai).

Birthdays Galore!

Zach had a pirate birthday cake. Those lego style action figures come in handy!

More great field day moments!