Our Big Girl!

Shannon, back from a business trip.

Shannon spent the first week of the school holidays in Shanghai with fellow students from her school - she was there on a Chinese immersion program, which apparently is offered by most Primary schools at level 5.

How lucky kids are these days - I don't think we had anything close to this during our time. How mature and independent our young ones are too - being able to travel to a foreign land without family members, at just 10 years old.

How crazy are parents these days, willing to let them go. We felt anxious and worried as the departure date drew closer - how would our little girl be able to take care of herself in China without much adult supervision. Sharing a hotel room with an equally young buddy, pretending to be grown ups on a shopping holiday to China.

But Shannon made us proud - she called us almost every night, sent us messages, bought us gifts and came back with a huge grin on a face which basically said that she enjoyed herself tremendously, but was happy to be home.

In the process, she found some independence, grew a little bit taller and made some memories and friendships which will last many years to come. I'm glad we let her go, but I'm more glad to have her back!