China here we stay

Anthony's been told he will start work in Shanghai after the Chinese New Year holiday - that's at the end of February. So, although we have yet to officially be signed on for a stint in Shanghai - it looks like it's going to happen. We've been thinking about this move for a few months now, but things haven't been so easy with deciding when and how and the logistics of it all. Schools are very competitive and full in Shanghai, so it is quite difficult to get a child into a good school given a few weeks or even a few months notice. We have decided to stay here in Beijing until Ashley finishes this school year, that way she can finally complete one solid year of school at the same school. So, for now, starting after Chinese New Year, Anthony will fly to Shanghai for 4 days a week and we'll stay here in Beijing. In April, our lease is up on the house, so we'll probably have to stay here in a small serviced apartment until school is over and we can then move onto Shanghai. We are still not sure what our stint will be in Shanghai - 2 or 3 years. We are excited about this - I'm excited about being somewhere for more than 1 year - I'm getting really tired of the moving around so much. Although most expats are used to the making friends and seeing them leave every year or so, it doesn't make it any easier. I've made good friends here in Beijing and it will be difficult leaving all of them, but there are new adventures that await us in Shanghai (and it won't be quite so cold in winter or as polluted!).