Welcome To China, Nanny!

5 am.  That's what time Nicholas was awake this morning.  He was too excited to go back to sleep so I got up with him.  Not only was he unable to sleep, he couldn't eat either.  For the last hour or so before we were to leave for the airport he stood in the kitchen yelling out the time from the microwave.  He really didn't want us to be late or miss Nanny.

Since we were leaving early we had asked Tian Ye to pick up some flowers for Nanny.  When we got to the van we saw a beautiful bouquet of roses, lilies, mums, daisies, glads and a few others I'm not sure about.  Great job, Tien Ye!  Off we went to the airport.  It was a painful wait for the plane to land and for Mom to get through customs.  There were a lot of people around waiting for their relatives and everyone was starring at us wondering, I think, who it was we were waiting for.  Nick was just bouncing waiting for her to walk through the door.  When she finally did, there were big hugs all around!

The boys had to stop Nanny to show her the excavator and dump truck.  They are doing a lot of renovations at the airport.

Ryan even backtracked her to show her more construction.

Aren't they cute?

The drive home was loud and poor Nanny was being pulled in two directions.  She was loving it though.

The guest of honor arrives at Eastern Venice.

The first twenty minutes she was here was consisted of a whirlwind tour by the boys and trying to listen to them both since they were talking at the same time while dragging her from room to room.

Welcome to China, Nanny!

The boys finally get to play with their Cars 2 mats and vehicles.

We didn't stay home long as Tien Ye wanted to take us for lunch so Mom could have some authentic Chinese food.

Nick wanted Nanny to carry him for most of the afternoon.  She did well, he's almost 60lbs.

Ryan's lunch.  He especially enjoyed the beer.

Awe, he is so happy to have his Nanny here.

As we returned from lunch we went for a walk around Eastern Venice.  Mom was really surprised at how large and green it was.  She said it was beautiful and agreed that the pictures just don't do it justice.

As they were trying out the exercise equipment Nick asked Nanny, for about the fourth time today, "Now are you starting to like China?"  I don't think he understood that she liked it right away.  With the wonderful reception she received, who wouldn't?

Nick was so excited he wanted us to hug!

We chilled for a bit after being outside then Nanny had a nap on the chaise.  When she woke up we all went outside again for a lovely walk around.

Tonight we had supper and now Nanny and the boys are in bed.  She managed to stay awake until a little after seven which I think is really good.  Now if she can just sleep in a bit she shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the time change.

The boys opened most of the gifts they received from home via Nanny, even though most of them were meant as birthday presents.  Oh well, we were all caught up in the moment!  They will be calling you all in the next few days to say "Xie xie".

Now my only issue is to decide if Nicholas has to go to school tomorrow.  I had told him he would still have to go but he's still so excited about seeing his Nanny that I hate to do it.  On the other hand, I don't want him to get used to not going.  I guess we will decide in the morning if Mom actually feels like doing something fun.  If so, perhaps he won't be going.

I must go.  Thanks to all the well wishers.  I'm sure we will have a great time over the next month.  If I fail to update everyday, I'm sorry.  I will take lots of pictures though!