August, 2011 brief update

Sorry for the looong time gap between updates here! Once we got back from our trip to the US, Canada, and Yangshuo, we pretty much just focused on getting settled in to our fall routine back at home again. 

Joe started back to school quite early in August, and I started back at work again, too.

We left the relaxation of summer behind, and dove into routine. Joe and I sat down and discussed goals we had for the new year, then divided up our week into bitesized pieces to accomplish those goals! The result? We now each have gym memberships again,  a Chinese tutor coming to the house 2x/wk so we can keep up with our studies, we figured out how Joe could keep up with his pursuit of his Masters, and of course maintain our ever-growing cell group. We're still praying about other ministries to become involved in, probably starting in October. My favorite night of the week though? Date night. We have the ayi come to look after Wes, and it's a night on the town for me and my hun. Thanks for making us a priority, too, Joey!!

So, this post will not be too long, mostly just random photos and video clips.

First off, though...we wanted to give a shout-out to our amazing families! Even though we are far away again, we still feel close because of the great memories made, and frequent Skype calls and secret FB groups. :D We sure do love you guys!!!

We're printing photos so Wes can learn everyone's names!! :D

Here is Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Wes

 

Here is Grandma and Grandpa Eby, with lots of Aunties & Uncles, and growing number of cousins! Congratulations, Jon & Nets!!!! Can't wait till March! Wes will no longer be the littlest cousin!! :D

 

Here is Grandma and Grandpa Martin with ever-expanding lists of Aunties & Uncles! Congratulations Almost-Uncle Lauren & Auntie Miriam!  Our next family photo will have you in it, too, Lauren!! Can't wait till January to see you at the wedding!! :D

Also, Congratulations Almost-Uncle David and Auntie Kristin! Sure wish we could attend your wedding in the Dominican this spring...so sad to miss that.

(no news yet on any new cousins joining the fam, so as of this post, Wes is still officially the youngest. haha)

We also wanted to recognize a few weddings that we missed attending this summer while we were enjoying our time with our families. Thank you, Dee for sharing the photos!! James & Lezil are finally together!! Hurray! They've gradually been narrowing the distance from the UK and South Africa, to Shanghai and Inner Mongolia, but now the day has FINALLY arrived and they are now married and living in Shanghai. We rejoice with you guys!!! (pictured below with our dear friends, Dee & Geo who were just married in June!)

 

And...tada!!! RJ & Janelle's beautiful day has also arrived!!! They have been SUCH close friends with us as Joe and I have met with them weekly for over a year, getting to know them, praying together, cooking together, and just having so much fun! We were sad to miss their special Day, but happy that they were able to enjoy it! Pictured below are RJ & Janelle with a few members of our cell group. So many were traveling over their wedding in July, but SO MANY were praying for them and wishing they were there!

So, for those of you who don't get a "kick" out of baby talk, baby facial expressions, or general baby "stuff" you don't need to view these videos. I'm posting them generally for the sake of posterity as well as the few people (namely grandmothers!!) who want to see Wes in each stage of his life. 

Here is Wes and I relaxing together after our loooong hike together up Moon Hill in Yangshuo! Since its been so long between posts, you'll probably notice a difference in how he's growing! :)

These are just a couple of photos after church one Sunday. He was just looking so cute. He's now known as "the baby with the flip flops" thanks to Lindsay Elliott! haha

My sweet Chinese sister, Ivy, has moved away from Shanghai. :( Here are some photos of her last visit with Wes. We plan to visit her someday (hopefully soon!) in Lijiang.

Ivy helped us figure out Taobao (a Chinese-much-larger-version of e-bay) to buy the rocking chair that I now use ALL the time.

Also, the beginning of August, Daddy went on a retreat for all of the new students at his school. Wes tried to hide in his bag so he could go along!

Here are the students in their matching t-shirts doing morning exercises. taken on Joe's phone

 

So, that's our August in a nutshell! I was behind in my blogging, and then got an eye infection from my contacts, which put me even further behind in my blogging!! So, here is the official attempt to "catch up" for all of you who have been complaining. ;)

I'll leave you with this beautiful photo taken of Wes this summer. He's 2.5 months here. I think I'll have it printed and hung on my wall to always remember his special baby-days. ( PS... I'm loving every day of being his mommy!)

hugs from us!