Travelogue - Day 5

It seems to be our lot in life to have return trips from China that are filled with drama.  Out of seven times I've traveled there, at least five of them have included an extra night in either China or an airport city in North America.  Although we were spared an extra night on this trip, the volcano explosion in Alaska did end up cancelling our scheduled flight and has us arriving in Salt Lake eleven hours later than planned.  Such is life:(  So as I type this just after departure from Beijing to Detroit, Conner is sound asleep in the seat next to me, and I am utterly exhausted.

This is my favorite treat in China.  It is Minute Maid Grape Juice with pulp, and it is AWESOME!  Don't know why they don't sell it in the US.

Our meal on the flight from Wuhan to Beijing.  Enclosed in this box of "Warmth, Refreshing, Harmonious, Nourishing" was.........one roll.

This trip has been a great bonding experience for Conner and me.  We have shared lots of jokes, stories, frustrations with long flights and jet lag, funny moments and hugs.  He is such a good boy.  Here's an anecdote I enjoyed:  One night before bed we were talking about plans for the next morning.  We had been fed a lot of food that day, so I asked, "Do you want to eat breakfast tomorrow before we go to the school?"  He responded, "What?  Are you crazy?  Of course I eat breakfast.  I don't want die!"  I asked, "Why not?"  He replied, "because there are so many cute girls waiting!"  You're right, Conner.  It would be a shame to leave the world early and let them down!!!

Another great thing about the trip has been the number of times Conner has been so sweet and complimentary about Christianne and all she does for him and our family.  He has repeatedly told his friends and loved ones what a great mom she is.  How well she takes care of all of her kids.  How she works so hard and cooks and cleans.  How much she has helped him as he has struggled to adjust to life in America.  He is unquestionably correct.  Sweet Christianne is an angel on earth.  I am so lucky to have her as my wife and our children are tremendously blessed to have her as a mother.  Thank you, sweetheart, for everything!

-Jer