We're Home!

What a journey!

I am currently writing to you from the floor of Max's playroom, with Max happily engaged in the Rollercoaster game and checking out his new digs on his tummy. It's been amazing to see him more comfortable scooting around on the floor. Soon he will be crawling full on, and he's also not far from walking. Oy!

As you know, we started out on Thursday morning in Beijing. After saying a bittersweet goodbye to our friends Dawn, Kevin and Quinn, we took the shuttle to the airport. Did I mention how amazing Beijing's airport is? Huge, clean, unbelieveable! Our flight to San Francisco was so smooth. It helps when you meet the flight attendants on the train over to the terminal. They take care of you even better then! And of course, Max's cuteness factor helped as well. The flight wasn't too crowded. Max had his own seat, so that helped him (and us) get some space to sleep, eat, etc. He slept for a few hours and was easily entertained the rest of the time. He did great.

Once we landed in San Francisco, we only had 60 minutes to get to our next flight, and we still needed to go through immigration and customs. That was a bit stressful, but again, we made it just fine. It's been interesting to compare the American and Chinese security checks. In China, they basically went through all of our carry-ons, took stuff out, scanned it, re-processed it. When they found a questionable item, they tagged it and identified it on the computer screen, then linked it to our ticket. They found things I thought I had lost, like my nail clippers! All is done in a very efficient, courteous, almost militaristic manner. In America, it truly seems more like they're herding cattle. What are you supposed to hide in your shoes anyway? Moo! :)

When we landed in Seattle, we had a welcoming committee with a banner and everything!! It was such an amazing feeling - we are SO glad to be home. Laurie, Heidi, Griffin, Jemae and Kristin - thank you for making our re-entry so special.

And so one part ends, and another begins. It is now 2:20 AM on Friday, and Max is back to sleep. Carolyn is staying until Saturday morning. That will be a difficult good-bye, as Max will miss his Lala, and I will miss my backbone. We will enjoy today, though, and make the most of it.