What's in the bags?

I mentioned in a previous post that we go back to the States with just a few bags - the essentials, but we come back with overflowing bags! Some people have asked what we can't find here that we have to bring back. I mean everything is made in China - right, but the funny thing is, everything is exported out of China. We can find fakes galore, but quality items are quite difficult to come by! On this trip, I took advantage of the winter sales and stocked up on the kids clothes for next winter. I even found Coop a coat for next year!!! The washing machines are really rough on the kids clothes and my kids are much taller than the children here, so finding clothes here is a real pain. Plus, I love on-line shopping and I'm pretty sure I'm doing a good job of keeping Gymboree in business!!

I also stock up on kitchen supplies! Some of the things I needed this time were: 3 rolls parchment paper, 2 rolls press & seal, 3 vanilla caramel coffee mates, 6 bags Starbucks coffee, chocolates and more chocolates, muffin liners, granola bars, oatmeal, gummies, Tastefully Simple Beer bread and potato cheddar soup (great for Sunday nights when I have to cook!!), fun napkins and paper plates, and lysol cleaning wipes!!! I also like to buy candles and any little craft things for the kids to do. This time ayi requested Shout - she's hooked - it's much better than scrubbing at a stain with a bar of soap!! I also buy lots of gifts for kids birthday parties so I am prepared when they get invited!! There are so many things I'm missing, but I think you get the point - it's a lot!!!

This is what our bed looked like after 6 of the 8 bags had been unloaded!!

2 bags to go - it really feels like we are moving again when we begin to unpack and try to find space for the things we bring back!!!