It took two months for our sea shipment to make its way from Cleveland, Ohio to Norfolk, Virginia… all the way to the port of Shanghai, China. After managing to get almost everything cleared through customs to our front door, I was wondering whether we (I) really wanted to unpack all 189 boxes. We had become accustomed to living without this “stuff” and I knew we didn’t “need” everything. Other than the much-anticipated arrival of our couch (this rental furniture is just not the same), I was tempted to turn away each box that was being marched into our house by the army of deliverymen. I literally questioned the approval of EVERY box.

But this was definitely a day that Jack, Kate, and Luke had been anticipating. Kate said it was “like your birthday, and everything is just so special!” So yes, somehow all 189 boxes made their way back into our home on this side of the world. Out of everything, Jack was most excited to get his baseball glove; Kate, her books and scooter; and Luke has been tearing up the streets of Shanghai with his Red Flyer scooter.

Our home is now filled once again with toys, clothes, and other items: but with that came quiet playing, comfortable lounging, kids’ laughter, loud music, photos of loved ones, and a lot of pure joy.