Preston & Shaling start school on Monday, August 22nd. They will be in the same building this year, as Rochester Intermediate School includes grades 4 through 6. Shaling’s friend Jimmy (formerly GuangHui) will be in 5th grade, right in between them. I think they are both excited about school starting, but also hate to see their summer coming to a close all at the same time.
They are finally done being gone from us this summer, as they returned over the weekend from a week at Grandma & Grandpa Reynolds’ house. They enjoyed tubing on Lake Shafer, riding on a “big boat” at Lake Michigan, and making crafts with Grandma. We asked Shaling if she wanted to spend 5 nights with Grandma & Grandpa again next year and she surprised us when she told us “no”. She followed that up with, “ten nights”.
On their way to bring Preston & Shaling home to us, Grandma & Grandpa went to Effingham, Illinois so that Grandma could visit her 93-year-old mom, Great Grandma Devall, in the nursing home. Great Grandma Devall has had a stroke or two and is not always coherent. This particular day, she was not only alert, but more coherent than Grandma Reynolds has seen her in several years. When Brock & Amy’s “kids” were mentioned, she indicated that she remembered Preston, but not Shaling. She also commented on the unique name. Great Grandma was reminded that we adopted her from China & that she is 9-years-old. She said she would like to meet her.
So, Grandma Reynolds called Grandpa to have him bring the kids to the nursing home. The visit went quite well, with Shaling wanting to help push Great Grandma’s wheelchair when they went for a short walk. Shaling’s only follow-up question was why Great Grandma asks the same questions over & over. I’m thrilled that Shaling had the opportunity to meet her, as she has now met a great grandparent on both my side of the family & Brock’s side of the family. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken.
When Shaling & Preston arrived home, there was a kitchen table full of school supplies awaiting them. On Saturday, they both dutifully helped me label everything and load up their new “Rochester Rocket” backpacks. The only thing left is to go shoe shopping for P.E. sneakers and perhaps new clothes shopping.
Shaling has a busy week ahead of her. She & I are meeting Mrs. Collins (Shaling’s 3rd grade teacher) for a ladies night out at a Thai food restaurant tonight.
On Wednesday, she goes back to see the Ear, Nose, & Throat specialist. He will check on how her ear is clearing up from the latest infection. I’m anxious to discover if he still plans to have her surgery on September 8th, or if it’s been postponed.
On Friday, Shaling & I have new patient dentist appointments. I’ve switched the entire family to a new dentist, a friend of mine, Dr. Milner, who is a fellow Rochester Rocket, Fighting Illini, & St. Louis Cardinals fan. Brock had his first appointment with him last week. His wife, who works in the office, is of Chinese descent, but raised in Thailand. We will follow that up by meeting Uncle Scott, Aunt Michelle, Cooper, & Chase at the Illinois State Fair for the afternoon & evening.
On Saturday, Shaling will attend a dance camp/rehearsal in the afternoon. As a family, we will then watch an evening performance of Camp Rock the Musical on stage at the theater in New Salem. Towards the end of the performance, Shaling & the other girls from the afternoon rehearsal will be called up on stage to do a dance number as part of the performance.
This blog began as a place to share Shaling's journey from rice in China to popcorn in Illinois. However, it has evolved to include all sorts of happenings in the Reynolds family.
Our school starts the 26th and I still need to buy supplies!!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to hear that your friend, Jimmy, is GuagHui. We're traveling in a few weeks to meet our two seven year boys, and our Jimmy is GongHai! Very interesting!
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