Back to Meiguo (America!)

We decided to fly back to America during Chinese New Years and get back on US soil!

It's been 8 months since we've been in America!!!

We flew from Pudong, Shanghai to Seoul, South Korea for a 2 hour layover then 13.5 hours direct into Atlanta.  Little did we know we were flying into the 'Snowpocalypse' the city was experiencing!

Mom and Dad were keeping us in the loop but on the other side of the world with no news coverage, we had no idea what was going on there!

Weather was nice in Seoul and beautiful flying in with ocean, mountains, and low setting clouds.
When we arrived, I had this text from Dad:

 Seriously, we're gonna have to stay in a hotel our first night??!

A quick layover - just enough time to discover etiquette bells in the bathroom...
Koreans must be very modest...

And ready for the long haul!

Snowpocalypse here we come!

 

 Our flight wast the most empty flight I've been on in years!  We were near the back of the plane and after the plane door was closed, everybody spread out and had entire rows to themselves!

B and I moved to the exit row for more legroom and easy bathroom access :)

We landed at the new international terminal in Atlanta, found the shuttle, and slowly made our way to the hotel.  It was freezing and we were glad to be in a warm room - or even have a room for that matter!  Several people were being turned away from the hotel as all rooms were occupied.

The night ended up being nice!  We had food delivered to our room and watched American tv!

It's the little things after living abroad :)

 

Dad brought us his truck the next morning.  We dropped him back off and work and made a slow drive home to Palmetto Pines!

Home Sweet Home!

We planned to celebrate Christmas while home so no one would have to ship presents half way across the world.  We showed up with one suitcase and went back with three!   The biggest surprise of the week came from Mom and Dad.  Upon waking up early one morning (thank you Shanghai time!), Dad met us at the bottom of the stairs and told us to close our eyes.  He led us into the living room where B and I thought we were either going to find a puppy or the Christmas tree with presents.  We were shocked to not find a puppy or tree but our best friends from Los Angeles, Sean & Michelle!  Seriously!  There were lots of tears and laughter and we were so grateful to be able to spend time with them while home in Atlanta.  And so grateful they were able to meet Grandma Juanita since she's heard so many stories about them :)

 

Grams had visitors on her porch with the snow too!

It was fun introducing our 'city folk' friends to the 'country' ;)

 

Amber and Adam were in on the 'big secret' and planned a day for all of us out in Atlanta.

We drove through Little Five Points, by Turner Stadium, visited the SweetWater Brewery, had yummy BBQ at Fox Brothers, and finished the day atop the new ferris wheel in Centennial Park!

 

 

We of course had to go to a few favorites places while home to fill up our bellies and buy goods to take back to Shanghai.  B really wanted a sandwich from Jersey Mikes.  We tried the one at Thomas Crossroads but because of the snow, their shipments were delayed and the stores seriously lacking:

 

No meats!  

We did finally get a sandwich in Peachtree City while out shopping one night before leaving.

And by shopping I mean a Target visit of course!  Ah, so nice.... :)

 

We also had our traditional Italian Night dinner with Bing, Pat, Amber, Adam, and Kimber.

Kimber and I had art time while she was over - we painted and drew creatures together :)

Love those moments!

One of our last stops of the trip was to downtown Newnan so I could get my rings cleaned and watch batteries replaced.  Gotta see Ray the jeweler when in town!  It was a gorgeous day!

Our trip was much too short but grateful to have the time with family and away from China.

Till next time, Newnan...