It's an election year here in the U.S. so there is a political buzz in the air.  Even before we left China our expatriate friends would often ask us what we thought of Obama, Clinton, and other U.S. politicians now on the world stage.  Whenever I get questions like this there are typically a few…

Our return to Union, Washington for our anniversary was perfect.  I'm not exaggerating.  We got sunshine (again), amazing views, great food, luxurious lodging, lots of laughter and romantic (kid-free) quality time together.  I think Christa would agree that it was the perfect celebration of the perfect wedding.  Call me biased if you will. The venue…

Celebrating eight wonderful years with this beautiful wife of mine.  No posts for a few days because Christa and I are returning to Union, Wa where we got married.  

Here's a picture of our new home.  It's actually a long house so it is bigger (inside) than this picture indicates.  It's actually a 3 BR house with a large unfinished basement.  (Our new wheels parked there in the drive.) Today was Anna's first day at the kindergarten across the street.  She will start 1st…

We scored a good used car today–a 2001 Ford Focus. (This is a picture of a 2000 and it looks basically the same as ours.)  A big thanks to those of you who were looking, asking, and praying on our behalf.  With a house and car in our possession we feel we have re-Americanized pretty…

Well, we've been back in the homeland for 4 days now.  We're starting to feel a bit more human.  Here are some of my re-entry impressions thusfar. Our fridge is huge!  It's merely gigantimous.  It's funny to think about how, in Jianzha a month ago, I packed our borrowed fridge on my back and single-handedly…

We're here.  We're zombies; but we're home.  It feels good, strange, comfortable and surreal.  More re-entry impressions once I've slept…can't wait to hit the hay tonight!