Blog 15: The flu hits Dallas

Dallas was our final stop in the US for Christmas…  It was good.  Lots of conversations about what it’s like living in China, several political debates, and a lot of cousin fun.  It is a blessing to have so many cousins and even more so that they all seem to get along.  They are always excited to see each other and the days just aren’t long enough for them.

We didn’t get to the ranch this time which was disappointing, but I guess we will save that for the summer time.  We did spend quite a bit of time outside playing football, nerf war, and flying Jacob’s new drone.  We got pretty good at the drone until the wind picked up and whisked it away.  This led to a 7 person search party and a very happy reunion… Quite honestly, it is amazing that we found it.  It flew nearly a mile away, but the streaming video narrowed the search and gave us a good clue. 

It was a very full house…  With 5 Skeenas, 5 Olsons, and 2 grandparents living together for 5 nights and 5 Schultzes visiting every day, it was tight.  We managed alright for the first few nights, but when my cough got worse and a doctor diagnosed me with Type A flu, the space got smaller.  I really didn’t feel that bad, but I was nevertheless banished to the bedroom for two days.  It wasn’t how I wanted to spend my vacation, but at least no one else got sick. 

Packing for our return was challenging since we had a pile of Christmas gifts the bring home.  We brought a lot and left a lot, but seemed to return with a bit more volume.  The most difficult gift was Jacob’s Mega Mastodon…  The nerf gun by which all other nerf guns are measured.  It was tough, but we made it happen and it was pretty fun to unpack when we returned to China. 

We didn’t have any room left in the truck.  The entire full-size bed was chocked full of suitcases and boxes.  It was just the right size. 

We were worried about the kids on the flight home, managing jet lag, and the emotions of coming back to China… However, everyone did great.  This time everyone seemed to break jetlag quickly and got right back into the swing of things.  

Picture 1 - A good group of people:  This is just a good group.  Everyone gets along, kids play to and through sheer exhaustion, and Christmas is special.


Picture 2 - Tragedy averted:  Jacob got a mini drone from the Skenas... and it is cool.  However, mini drones don't work in wind and we learned that the hard way.  I was flying the drone, got it up a little high, and it was gone.  We chased it for a bit, but couldn't keep up.  But, this drone was on video mode when we lost it, so we pulled up the last images, narrowed the search area down to a 4-5 square miles, and then a 7-party search crew found it.




Picture 3 - Pure cuteness:  I mean cute right?


Picture 4 - Dinner table at the Schultz house:  After a Judy Schultz blue-ribbon meal, we normally always settle in for a 2 hr table-top discussion or football in the front yard.  I don't know what I did to Abby in that picture.  Neither Emily nor Anderson know how to play the piano, and it's always someone's birthday.


Picture 5 - Aspiring Musicians:  I must admit, I really like watching our kids learn to play musical instruments.  Jacob and Caroline play the Piano and Jacob also just started learning the trumpet.  And, at Christmas time we added a few more piano players and one violin... the impromptu concert was a nice touch, but watching Addison and Jacob jam together on the piano was especially nice. 

Picture 6 - It's a family show:  Gatherings also turn into a a show.  The older cousins will gather the younger cousins together and learn something... this time it was lead by Abby, but Anderson's booty shake and Emily twirls stole the show. 


Picture 7 - It's not freaky fast in China:  Unfortunately, there aren't Jimmy Johns in China... that's a big downer.  But we did get our fill in Dallas.  Most of us ate our food, but Emily decided to wear hers.  


Picture 8 - An excuse to get out of the house...:  With this many people gathered under one roof  with two people sick (Grandma and me), everyone found a good excuse to leave the house... Ice Skating in Allen... And, no one got injured. 


Picture 9 - Random pictures:  Amanda has a lot of memories of watching Bob Ross with Andrew... So, she was super pumped to find the Bob Ross game for him.  Ironically, Amy also got Andrew a Bob Ross shirt, go figure.  There was time for one sleep over at the Schultz house... everyone had a great time.  And lastly, Andrew and I dueled it out on the Arcade Motorbike... pretty sure Emily and I won. 


Picture 10 - Time to go home:  It was  good trip.  Lots of time with Friends and Family, but we were ready to be back home.  The truck was loaded down and we were ready.  My United status gives us incredible flexibility to bring stuff back home; Bisquick, Frosted Mini Wheats, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Crystal Light, lots of hygiene products, and all of our Christmas presents. 

Picture 11 - Christmas Part 2:  We arrived fairly late in Shanghai and, unfortunately, the heat was turned off.  We still had enough energy to unpack one more time... It was like getting to enjoy Christmas a second time.  

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