She's Back!

I'm so on top of things. Katelynn has been home since Sunday and I'm just now getting around to posting. Anyway, WELCOME HOME, KATELYNN!! We missed you!

The plane came in on time and she found us waiting at the exit from the concourse trains. A slow go getting luggage but then off for an All-American dinner at the Black Eyed Pea. We heard of some adventures over dinner and more on the way home. Then she showed us all the cool things she found in her travels. She brought us piles of great stuff from clothing and art work to violins and nesting dolls. She obviously honed her bargaining skills while in Shanghai. I'm going to take some lessons before we head back to China. It sounds like she had a wonderful summer of learning and sight seeing but we are very glad she is home safe and sound, especially with last week's scares in London.

Mara greets Katy at the airport.

New dress and head dress like "all the little girls in China."

Katelynn took pity on Dad and brought home the Chairman Mao hat he'd been coveting when we visited Beijing. Jeff didn't quite make it through the evening's festivities.

Good Bye Too Soon

On Sunday we went over to Tom's house for an "off to college" get together to say good bye to Bobby and Nikki. Didn't they JUST graduate? How could it be time for them to leave already?
Bobby had to be in Tucson early for his orientation at the University of Arizona. Nikki has another few weeks left before she moves to Boulder, but this was the last chance to all get together. I thought I was feeling pretty ready for these two to move on to adulthood but as I write this I realize I'm not as prepared as I thought. It is incomprehensible that our "babies" have reached this point in life. I just can't believe this chapter of family life is ready to close. Come home often you two. We'll miss you!

What great looking kids! Er, adults.