South of the Equator

The Lohses headed to the southern hemisphere to escape Chinese New Year this year.  We had a fabulous time in Australia...so much so that we thought about changing our names and not coming back.  The fabulous food, scenery, pristine air, and anonymity were just what we needed before we embarked upon our third year in China.

And in case you were wondering, Eric took care of communicating with the Aussies for us.  He officially speaks 4 languages now, American, Chinese, British, and Australian.  ;O)

Click to see more pictures from our trip

Blessings

 

Carter was welcomed into the Catholic church and the Christian faith this past January.  We have been lucky, especially in China, to find a church family that welcomes us and we enjoy being a part of.  We were lucky to have Dena and Matty in town for Carter's baptism, but so missed having the other important people in Carter's Christian family here.

  

A Visit from the Wisch Grandparents

Grandma Les and Grandpa Don showed up on our doorstep in April and asked if they could stay for 6 weeks.  Lucky for them, they came bearing lots of scooby snacks & chocolate kisses, so we decided we would let them in.

Mom on The Bund in Shanghai

On the Great Wall (click to see more pics)

We did a fair amount of traveling within China while they were here, but also were able to spend alot of time in Shanghai, relaxing, playing with the kids, and enjoying our afternoon lunches.  It truly was fantastic having them here and we were sad to see them go.  The kids still ask them on skype when they are coming back to our house again. 

Hope you had fun Grandma and Grandpa.  We know we sure did!

Mom and Dad in Xi'an with the Terracotta Warriors

The high speed train

The Great Wall

Welcome to Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda!

Buying Pandas

Holding a REAL Panda (click to see more pics from Chengdu)

Playing a little one-on-one.  Grandma was impressive!

Reading to Sophia's Class and teaching them what sound a turkey makes

We will miss you!!

Unexpected Goodbyes

When you decide to get a dog, you consider a number of things.  What temperament best fits your family, how big they will grow, how easily they can be trained, how good they are with children, and face it, how cute you think they are.  And when you bring home that perfect little puppy, you can’t help but be consumed by the little bundle of fur, the pouting eyes, the puppy breath, the softness of their ears, and their pure love for life as they slip and slide down the hallway, still not completely in control of their limbs.  They become your everything and you never, ever look back.  

But what you forget to consider, what you knew but quickly dismissed, is that their lives, their life with you, is short.  Too short.  Incredibly short. 

We only got 7 short years with our girly-girl.  But what she gave us in those 7 years is astounding.  She loved us unconditionally.  She loved our children unconditionally (even though with each of their births she got a little lower on the totem pole).   She made us laugh every time she tucked her butt and ran through the snow.  She made us furious every time she snuck a piece of who knows what off the ground and ate it.  She snuggled into bed with us as we slept in our freezer of a bedroom in Charlestown.  She loved her new family after we moved to China.  And she smiled that Pokey smile until the very end.

She wasn’t just our dog, she was our family.  

 And she will always be our one and only girly-girl.

Bella Bear

We had an awesome trip to Maine this weekend to meet our Baby Bella. Both cousin Eric and Pia (along with Auntie Val and Uncle Doug) are totally in love with her. We can't wait to see the Bachmans again. Thanks for having us!

Bella has Arrived!!

Bella Marie Bachman, our gorgeous niece, arrived on Sunday, January 24th @ 4:51PM. She was 6 lbs, 14oz and 21 inches long and PERFECT! Dena is a rock star and Matty might be the most supportive husband around (next to Doug of course!) We are headed to Maine in 2 weeks and can't wait to cuddle with that little bundle of love.

As many of you know, Eric has been very attached to this pregnancy. Bella has been in his belly for months now, enjoying his yogurt, animal crackers, and chicken nuggets. When I told him on Sunday that Bella was born and that she was no longer in Auntie De's belly (or his), he got really serious, thought about it for a bit, and then said..."Mommy...can I hold her?" Yes bubby...yes you can. But get in line, Auntie Val is first! ;O)