Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Ryan is HOME

Ryan got home after midnight. We stayed up talking until 3:00 am. Even though we were both exhausted, especially him, we needed some debriefing time. Between the various vacations we had a lot of catching up to do.

Ryan had a great time in Hong Kong. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the other men (his dad, brother, soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and two friends.) Apparently, there was a lot of laughing and talking and bonding going on which was probably the real reason behind the trip. So mission accomplished.

He got quite a few articles of clothing made, including a gorgeous brown suit for the wedding. Now all the clothes are taken care of for the wedding, so we are done with our stress (which is very, very, very minimal compared with the fury the bride, groom, and parents are dealing with.) Now all we have to do is find the perfect gift and show up on time.

Before he left, he had asked me what he should get the girls, and I said I didn't know, just get them some little "dungsyi" (something, something.) I expected him to bring home just a couple pieces of junk that the girls would think was special because it was bought in Hong Kong. He came home with Chinese dresses for the babies which was perfect because dress up is their most favorite thing in the world. They like to pretend they are Mulan. He bought cool backpacks for the older girls which they love AND needed for school in their favorite colors. He bought watches, pearl earrings, and pearl necklaces for all of us. I am so impressed that he knows each one of his girls so well. Sometimes it seems like men don't notice those types of details or are uninterested. To find out that my husband and father of my children was that sensitive and aware of the details that would thrill all of us . . . I am amazed and grateful.

We are so happy to have him back. We are grateful for his dad's generosity in flying all the boys out for a great trip. We are happy Chris and Kym are getting married and gave them all this great excuse to take this trip.

But, we are selfishly glad all of our summer activities over so we can get back to normalcy which really is our favorite thing. Just the six of us hanging out together: swimming, laughing, watching movies, etc. So we are officially ready for school, piano, soccer, play dates, sleep overs, library time, PTO stuff, church activities and all the rest of the insane busyness that comes from having four girls. We have a great life. (You can quote me on that in a few weeks when I am complaining that we are too busy.) And we are home for good now.

2 comments:

Watts Family said...

You and your husband are such a great team... It is nice to hear that after having four kids, you still find time for eachother, like staying up until three talking. You have an awesome family, and the wedding sounds like it is going to be beautiful.

Lizzie said...

Wow, Ryan sounds incredible!! I can't really say that Shad would've picked out those kind of gifts if he had 4 girls. I am impressed. Sounds like you had a fun summer. I love reading your blog. I'm so glad you let us "public" know about it. = )