Saturday, January 24, 2009

Summer in Shanghai

Sounds like a romance novel, doesn’t it? Did I forget to tell you that I’ve taken up writing novels in my spare time? That’s why I’ve been such an absent blogger.

And right there you know I am not telling the truth. Any spare time I have is spent reading, blogging, and getting caught up on Facebook (much to the amusement and eye-rolling of my husband).

Friday night, Dave came home from work with some news. Turns out he’ll likely be spending the summer in China for business. Yep, all summer. He would get an apartment in Shanghai and travel from there as needed.

No problem. We will spend the summer at the pool, visiting my sister in Emerald Isle (stock the fridge, Karen!), and be generally lazy.

Then the wheels started turning. Hmm. We’re off school, Dave is in China for the summer. Why don’t we go too for part of the time? We can sightsee in Shanghai, perhaps fly to Beijing for a weekend to take in the sights, and be general tourists instead of newly adoptive parents!

Katie and Alex are psyched about the possibility. They love the idea of spending a few weeks in China---especially when it does not involve gaining another sibling. Anna Grace and Abby think it would be cool, but what do they know?

Now, this is all still a work in progress. It may not happen, but isn’t it fun to think about?

Except for the 16 hour plane ride. With my kids. By myself. Hmmm.

You know how well planes and I get along. Add the teens (who are good travelers), the little girls (who are very busy travelers), and Nervous Nelly (AKA me), and the trip should be very interesting.

Maybe I’ll rethink this……….

15 comments:

NeuroMama said...

That sounds wonderful! I am so very envious. I love being in China and would definitely jump at the chance. If you go, you have to promise to blog, every single day!!!!!

Carrie said...

I would be on plane next to you if I could. I think you will do fine on the plane. I hope you get to go.

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Do it, do it, do it! Then I can live vicariously through you! Amazing opportunities like that don't come up everyday...

day by day said...

Oh, I would do this in a second, if possible! If your teens are game...go for it! What a wonderful opportunity. I just love China!!

Your teens are MUCH more adventurous than mine! ha! I could not even get mine to come along for the 2 week adoption trips. Party poopers!!!

Jill said...

NO!! GO GO GO!
I am sooo jealous!
What a great oppurtunity to enjoy China in a whole different way!!
I am so excited for you all!

Denise Grover Swank said...

Of course you HAVE to do it!!! You would so regret it if you don't!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I am so envious! I would love to spend the summer in China... sans the pollution, of course. But what a gift it would be to learn more of the culture, the language, the memories you would have. It's a priceless connection to our children's heritage.

JShannon said...

Very cool, I say go for it. I would love to be able to do that!

Ashton said...

That sounds like it would be SO much fun!!!!

Jboo said...

Wow -- what an opportunity!! That sounds like a great plan -- well, except that long plane ride. Nice that the olders are good travelers and I'll bet your littles love movies on DVD players. Have fun planning!

Janet

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

I say go to China... what an experience... take the kids and have a how lot of great memories there... it is a once in a lifetime... as for the plane ride... believe it or not I too hate to fly but if you don't, you will never get anywhere... if you need someone to carry suitcases etc... let me know... I will also be your photographer of the trip - free... hehehe

Donna said...

That sounds wonderful!! And, an opportunity that you know won't come again...jump on it, girl!

Jboo said...

P.S. My neighbors spent a year in Shanghai for the husband's job. They have one daughter born in China and are waiting for another. Their daughter is 5 now. They had a great time there and really enjoyed it.

Janet

Kim said...

Found your blog via your comments on Gwen's blog. Your summer plans sound amazing. We leave for 2 years in Hong Kong in July 2009. Let us know if you come that way! Blessings,
Kim

The Johnson 5 said...

I think you should do it!!

It will be such an awesome exprience for you and your kids!!