We're Home!

Sorry for the delayed post. We've been working on getting ourselves over the jetlag and it' s been a rough adjustment for all of us. We've managed to get about 75% back to the right side of the clock, falling asleep at like 6pm and waking up at 4 or 5am.

Here's the recap of our voyage home:

We started with a 2.5 hour flight from Guongzhou to Beijing at around 11am that went really smoothly. Somehow, we were booked into business class for that flight, and we really enjoyed the extra space. Aubrey did pretty well with the seatbelts until landing time, but otherwise it was the smoothest flight of the return voyage.

Next, a 4 hour layover in Beijing. We killed time at the Starbucks and just walking around until boarding time

So long china

Finally it was time to board and we got settled in for the long flight. Luckily, we were on a flight that was 75% empty, so everyone got to stretch out. We used the entire center aisle for Becci and the kids and the two side seats for me, so we had bunches of room. The flight was 13 hours long and the kids were able to sleep for more than half of it. We also flew back through 13 time zones, so we actually landed in D.C. at the same time we took of from Beijing. In D.C. we cleared customs and Aubrey became a U.S. Citizen, then on for one more 1.5 hour flight to Binghamton.

Hello U.S.A.

Becci's parents met us at the airport and Aubrey made it clear immediatley that she was going to be Grandpa's girl. She immediately let him hold her and spent the next few days on his lap. We headed back to Becci's parents house and started loading in the needed luggage. Without thinking, I put Aubrey down on the floor where she was quickly greeted by a big kiss from Star, Becci's parent's Golden Retriever. She wasn't expecting anything like that to say the least and she freaked out. We had never seen her so scared and were concerned that she may have a serious aversion to all dogs forever. Luckily, after a good nights sleep and some cautious interactions, she seems to have no fear of the dogs now.

Before bed, Aubrey enjoyed a bath and let Grandma read her a story. We spent the whole day Thursday at Becci's Parents place. We love spending time there (we actually like to call the place our favorite Bed and Breakfast), and Aubrey seems to love it there as well.

Grandpa doing Bolioliolio Tickles

Aaron caught up on his couch potato-ing

Aubrey definitely has a great sense of humor and loves anything bodily function related. Her favorite toy at Grandma and Grandpa's was the yodeling/burping beer mug brought back as souvenier by Becci's Aunt and Uncle (Hi Sharon and Dale!)

Friday morning after breakfast, we pried Aubrey off of Granpadpa and headed home. We couldn't wait to put our travels behind us and get settled in. Upon our arrival home we were greeted by some very thoughtful gifts and well wishes from our amazing friends at the studio.

Our awesome welcome home banner by Wendy

Aubrey had a good exploration of the house and got to see her room for the first time. She immediately fell in love with one of the Chinese outfits given to her by some friends at Becci's work, and had to have them on. Then the tea parties started...

Drink this

other tea party guests

Then it was time for a serious going over of the toy area. Some favorites included dress up, the piano and of course, the whoopee cushion.

So far, so good. We're trying to get on some kind of a schedule and are starting to try for naps. She took one today after an epic battle, but she needed it badly. We are sooooo happy to be home and look forward to getting around to see everyone. Thanks to all of you who followed along and sent messages. We'll continue to post stuff here as time allows, but mostly we'll be busy raising two wild children.

We'll see you soon!