Twas the Night Before the China

                                        
Twas the Night Before China and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even my spouse.  He had everything buttoned up at 4pm. Suitcases were packed and our gifts wrapped with care....


Ok well then, I have been running around like crazy but thanks to my sensible husband we were packed  up nicely by the afternoon.  I even had a chance to secure some Polly Pockets for Aoli and some pack-rat food to take with me on the plane.  

I should say that my husband did nearly made me CRAZY this morning with last minute total panic and melt-down behavior.  I was wishing I were going to China sans husband like Tina (and he was too).  Fortunately I had an appointment with the school ELL person (which was sooo good and encouraging) that by the time I got home he had worked himself out of it by knocking some manly things off his to do list (like hanging blinds and assembling furniture) and I was in a great mood after settling things away at school.
 

Please do send us your best wishes and prayers tomorrow and for the next 2.5 weeks of travel.  I will try to update you as best I can.

temporary site for China photos and updates

my temporary site for China photos and updates is set up at http://www.dropshots.com/violetmeetslili.  Blogger is blocked in some China locations so please see this alternative sites for updates.  We are nearing our departure and almost ready to go!  I have all of my belongings organized and ready to just assemble into the actual suitcases.  Check out Aoli's new gear from her big cousin Joe...Pretty cute.

I am leaving everything spread out on my bed in the guest room so that I can continually edit down.  I would strongly prefer to not bring too much!  We are leaving on Friday, 9/3, and our wonderful neighbor has generously offered to give us a ride to the airport.  
It has been a great week, with a visit from my family over the week-end where I was showered with the most adorable gifts and clothes for Aoli and then a lovely little celebration at work.  Thanks to all of you.  It makes this last week special and now I am prepared with lots of great nine-year old gear.

Gerry and I finally finished the bedroom and even got to move on to setting up her playroom/hang-out room.  We will just have to wait and see what she feels like doing but we are getting plenty of space set up for her to pursue whatever she likes.

A pleasant surprise in our travel planning

boston→detroit→shanghai-guangzhou→hong kong→detroit→boston
After booking the 16 flights and embarking on myriad last minute home-projects, Gerry and I were feeling a little frazzled.  However, did I tell you how amazing Gerry is?

When Gerry was a youngerish professional, he worked his **** off traveling every single week (usually multi-city trips) for a number of years. He thus accrued a nice stash of frequent flyer and Amex points that we never, ever touched.  Ever.  Not even once, well once he did give some to his aunt who was not well.  Anyway, we wanted to use them but just never did.  Bottom line - we ended up having to buy a smallish number of points and our in-country flights but did manage to get our flights to and from China all first/business class for the cost of one coach ticket!!  I think Gerry was really happy to be able to do this and it will be really nice.  I guess you can lie down in these seats so I am gearing up for a nice 15 hour nap:)  Sounds kind of nice, in a way, don't you think?

the misfortunes of wallpaper

some of my worst childhood memories involved my parent's wall papering projects... 
I swore that I would never involve myself in such projects with my husband and yet here I am and it is just as bad as I remember!  

Gerry picked out some purple paint for Aoli's room (reportedly her favorite color) but all we have is this square swatch on the wall. The wallpaper border that a previous owner put up is very, very stubborn and does not want to come off (it's just out of view in this photo but goes around three walls). Warm soapy water does not work, Dif and perforated paper did not work so now onto vinegar/soapy water and perhaps steam.

At least her bed is in and is very, very comfortable.  I tried it out for her and it is great for napping!  

Consulate Date Confirmed

With our date confirmed, we are ready to start booking flights and hotels.  Originally I was planning to stay at the JadeLink in Shanghai but am now considering hotels in areas that are more family-friendly and central to the main tourist areas in the city.  I would love to try something in or around the French Concession or Zintiadi so if you travel in Shanghai and have a recommendation please let me know!  Also, a hotel with pool would be ideal.

I hope Aoli likes her veggies because our food co-op is giving us some amazing food these days... This week-end's pick-up should have me cooking up a storm!

travel invitation

less than one month to go...
We have our travel invitation!!  Today our agency called to let us know that we can schedule our appointment with the Consulate in China.  We are hoping to travel the first week of September.  This will mean that we will be in China exactly one-year after we first learned about Aoli and the Journey of Hope camp.  And we will be in China on her birthday.
I celebrated by going through all of the photos that were taken by our agency at the Journey of Hope camp last July and posting some of Aoli.  I was struck by how many of these kids I feel like I know and love but am yet to meet in person.  As of now, I know them through their new parents.  I can't wait to see our reunion photos of these kids all together in the US.

 

What, nothing yet?

Violet is wondering about this blog....No travel updates yet?  It's true.  Nothing yet.  Looks like September travel.