21 years and counting!

Cynthia and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary! (at an elementary school orientation meeting.) Ah well such is life.  We met Landon's teacher, Ms. Himalaya.  By her name you might imagine a towering blond figure with armfuls of books and lesson plans but in reality she is about 4' 6" (in heels) and very nice - she is blond and kind of reminds me of the woman on the TV show "The Office" - Dwight Schrute's uptight ex-girlfriend Angela Martin.  (sorry for the TV reference for those of you who aren't "Office" fans.)  Cynthia and I are planning a nice dinner overlooking the Bund to properly celebrate our anniversary.  We will probably go out on Saturday night.

Mason has been busy with school and during his off time enjoys driving his electric scooter around the area "exploring".  Well the other day he and Regan set off with a full battery and decided to "explore".  I was just leaving football practice with Landon and Mr. Dong and decided to call Cynthia to let her know we'd be some soon.  She then informed me that Mason and Regan were lost and had no idea how to get home.  I reached Mason on his cell phone and he was out of breath and sounded a bit on edge - then the phone cut out!  Okay - so that was a bit worrisome.  I redialed him and got in touch right away and learned what intersection they were near then gave Mr. Dong directions and we proceeded to locate the boys after about 10 minutes of driving around.  Regan was very relieved to see the van and immediately abandoned his brother for the comfort and safety of the Buick.  We then drove along stopping every 1/4 mile or so to let Mason catch up.  His battery was about dead and he was having to help it along by pushing with one foot like he was riding a skateboard.  In the end they really weren't too lost only about 2 miles from the house straight down the main road which passes by our complex.  It was a good lesson learned and I was very thankful for Mr. Dong and his knowledge of the area.

Cynthia has two new "best friends", Jill and Elizabeth.  From the sound of things I think these two were answers to prayer as they all three have hit it off wonderfully as evidenced by a 3 hour lunch and sore facial muscles from all the laughing they did.  Landon has a new Japanese friend by the name of Rui who lives only a few buildings from us.  So all in all everyone is starting to make friends and settle into this new life in China.  Take care and be well.