Formula 1, Shanghai Grand Prix

This past weekend Michael, Gabe and I (we decided it would be too much/too loud for Maddox) were treated with fantastic tickets to the Formula 1, Shanghai Grand Prix. Let me just say it was UNBELIEVABLE! I have a new passion!!! On Saturday Michael & Gabe went to the qualifications. Then on Sunday Michael and I went to the finals. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Gabe is infatuated with Formula 1 now as well as I. He has talked about nothing else since then!!! Formula 1 will be in Shanghai again later this summer and you can bet that we will be there!

We had spectacular seats. Dead center on the straightaway. Our seats were under an overhang which was helpful since it was raining on Sunday when Michael and I went. The rain made the racing even more exciting because of the slippery conditions. We saw so many cars sliding out of control which both terrified and enthralled me at the same time! When the cars came down the straightaway it was loud in a indescribable way. I could feel the vibrations all over my body especially in my ear drums. And that was with ear plugs in! I was worried that it might be unsettling to Gabe, all that noise. I should not have worried. He was in heaven. As was I!

Gabe was instantly enamored with the Ferrari's. Which was a smart choice considering the friends we were with were Italians. He also kept telling anyone who would listen that the McLaren cars were the "enemy cars." Hilarious! In the end it was a spectular weekend for the Red Bull team. Which Gabe says was, "Ok. If it couldn't be the Ferrari's then I am glad it was the Bulls. And NOT the 'Enemy's.'" Here are a few pictures.

Loving Formula 1!

Gabe leaning on our friend Paolo's shoulder...watching intently.

Michael & I.

Cars coming into the straightaway.

Easter Brings Good News

Hello all! We have had some great news come our way recently. We will be staying in Shanghai for another 12-15 months!!! We could not be happier!

This has been what we were hoping to hear for awhile now but only became a reality in the last few days. We are thankful that this process of deciding our future has been much quicker than it was last year. (Last year this process to 4 months to resolve!) We will be moving, though it will only be about 20-25 minutes from where we are now. We currently live in the "suburbs" and we will be moving to the downtown part of the city on this side of the river. Our new apartment on the 16th floor will host fantastic views of the river and a view of our favorite part of the city which is bursting with action! We are very much looking forward to our change of environment though we have really enjoyed our time in this neighborhood. And the friends we have made here. Thankfully we will still be close enough to maintain our connections.

Gabe will attend kindergarten next year at the same school as this year. Which he loves!!! And Maddox and I will continue to find lots of fun activities to do together next year as well. I have started to volunteer some of my time teaching English at a local government run school for migrant workers children. I LOVE doing this! It has been a totally unique experience for me and I can't wait to keep it up next fall.

Michael will no longer be working in Supplier Development. Instead he will be taking on a new role with the company. He is looking forward to this and the challenges it brings. Which are MANY! :-)

As you can tell, we are looking forward to having more time here in Shanghai. We miss our family and friends back in the States always but we feel blessed to have this opportunity! Consider this an open invitation to come and visit!!!!!

In other news: We had a fantastic Easter with great friends! It is such a blessing to be able to celebrate what this holiday means with close friends. Here are a few pictures from this weekend.
Top to bottom: Caleb Canfield, Gabe Smith, Maddox Smtih & Emma Canfiled

Gabe on an egg hunting mission!

"Oh maaaaaaan! Why did you fall silly egg?!?" Maddox

Our wonderful boys!