Lily practicing her Chinese song before we land in China...
Lily and Caedmon getting their energy out before the long plane ride (we wish!)
Last moments of memories from the blessed time living in the parsonage
Even though blurry, I have to share Cade's first moments of eating (and enjoying!!!) the same thing Lily got on her plate for dinner. I can't remember what that was. Looks gross, but tasted great!
One last La Crosse visit with the Gremores! We had a really fun weekend including a hilarious time at the salon as my hair got volumized ;)
Justin and Laura surprised us (all the way from Marshfield!) during our last weekend in La Crosse. We had a great time catching up at Fiesta Mexicana (highly recommended).
After we moved out of our house, Maggie and Evan (and Lucy (and Fritz and Pat)) were gracious enough to let us 'move in' with them for a few days! This is my attempt at loving cats.
So far, thankfully, Lily doesn't share her mom's fear. I try to be strong around her :o)
After a great few days, Josh managed to fit almost everything we own (that's not stored in a basement) in the family van we borrowed from my 17 yr. old bro. (Thanks Phil for getting rides to and from school for almost a month). The water pump went out on our car days after we swapped!! 
We had a great visit with my folks in Appleton before the big departure day. We said good byes to many relatives at the VFW (friday night fish fry... family tradition). The kids got a nice bath too. They loved spending time with GG & Gampy and cousin Gretta.
This is my dad at the airport giving us a hand with our luggage. He only flew once and that was to CA for my cousin's wedding. Of all the flights I've been on, that was the absolute worst. Dad said even being in an airport makes him nervous. He also said he'd rather take the slow boat to come and visit. My guess is that he'll be here in a year or two. What's 13 hours or so???
"Or so" seems more accurate. This is where our little family spent over 15 hours. It was pretty hard to take a picture since everyone kept moving. Overall, the flight went pretty well. 
Bree, Lils, Abby, Isaiah, and Caedmon at the Super Bowl party our first day here.
You guessed it, this came off of the tv.
Our double stroller along with our hats and scarfs got left behind in Chicago. So this is my first purchase. A teal single stroller, hats and scarfs. 
Tammy and I went shopping for some necessities and then decided to check out a store that sells microwaves and ovens. We had so many bags we decided to put them all on the broom handle and truck a couple blocks. In the first picture I was laughing so hard I cut the top half off :o)
This is the view (zoomed in a bit) from Caedmon and Lily's bedrooms. There are six buildings and we are on the seventh floor of one of them. That guy in the middle of those circles is Josh! He's holding Cade, and Lily is running around somewhere. There are gates up all over.
This is why it is a custom to have a basket of slippers by the door or your home...
Even though I'm not sure how they were made, they still tasted yummy!
A sign on a building by our house...
I wonder what it's like installing cable here...
This is the year of the pig. There are pigs everywhere; on signs, in pet stores, on slippers...
Best friends
Abby & Lily having fun in Caedmon's igloo tent
and hanging out on the couch (after running through the humidifier like it was a sprinkler! so cute)
Biggest highlight: reuniting with old friends... this is Ellen, 3 years later
This is Michael's first time feeding a baby ever! He did great!
Josh is SO EXCITED to see Michael. Lily on the other hand... :o)
The kids and my first walk around campus! It's so empty since most students are going home for the holiday (New Years). Classes will start up again beginning of March.
Random store clerk holding Cades.... The kids are always getting picked up and talked to. So far they just love it. 
Zai jian!!! We miss and love all our family and friends!!!Soon to come: pictures of Caedmon's Birthday!!!
