Baptism

Home!

We are home! The kids were good on the flights even though we didn't have seats near each other. I sat with Ryan and Molly was with Maggie.

In Vancouver we sat for over an hour waiting for our boarding passes, it was crazy! Immigration actually tried to work fast to help us and AA held the flight while we RAN to the gate.

Our luggage is still missing, hopefully they'll find it soon.

The kids are doing ok. Maggie is terrified of the dog, but loves Jia. Ryan is playing with the boys.

Tired!

After spending 3 hours at the pool Ryan was tired!

Lunch

Happy Molly

Molly is happy that I finally let her eat squid on a stick. She grossed out the other families.

Rides

Safari park

Had a great time at the safari park. Ryan is very impatient (lol). Maggie would only ride if I was with her.

Guangzhou

On Friday we made it to Guangzhou. Saturday we had the medical and poor Maggie got 4 shots.

Zoo

The zoo had some amazing flower displays .

The zoo

On Thursday we went to the hefei Zoo. If rained a lot, but we still had a good time.

Swimming

We've been trying to keep busy around the hotel. Ryan loved swimming , but Maggie wouldn't get in. Maybe next time!

Breakfast

Ryan

We have Ryan ... So far so good. He is a big cutie!

McD's

Chicken sandwich and OJ. She loves orange juice

Photo

Photos

Photos

Photos

Photos

Photos

Photos

Happy Halloween!

A few stores had Halloween signs yesterday.

We started the day by walking to a crazy expensive mall with our guide. We found a couple things to buy at the stores around the mall.

Then back to the hotel to "have a rest" as the guide says. We were bored to death!!! Molly did homework, Maggie practiced printing and the we were bored.

Our room is very hot. Or guide told us nothing could be done. It's been awful! Finally I found someone at the hotel and they sent a fan! Awesome!!! Except the fan has a timer and shuts off every hour...so we were up every hour to turn the fan back on. Oh well we are pretty happy to have the fan.

Maggie has entered the laugh at everything phase. She is trying new things and testing a bit. We are trying to help her learn guidelines.

She is a very calm happy girl, and learning more everyday.

Shopping!

We took Maggie shopping today. The guide took us to a very expensive mall (Gucci, Calvin ).

They had a Vans store... So Maggie has her first pair of Vans!

It's official!

Orphanage visit

After we completed the adoption we headed to Huainan to visit the orphanage. I gave Maggie a bunch of meds and she didn't get carsick. Yippee!

The orphanage was very poor. Maggie was in tears when she saw her friend in the pictures. Please pray for the Huainan kids.

She has been staying very close to us and holding my hand. Last night she fell asleep at 6.

It's official

Today Maggie's adoption was completed! She is very quiet and not trying English. We do get lots of smiles and she has been eating more. Having Molly along has helped a bunch.

Maggie!

We have her. So far things are going great. She is very carsick.

We only have Internet in the lobby.

Travel plans

10/27 leave Dfw
10/28 arrive Beijing LATE
10/29 fly to Hefei and meet Maggie wenjuan

11/3 Fly to Nanning
11/5 Meet Ryan Zhenneng

11/9. Fly to Guangzhou
11/14. Consulate appointment

11/16 fly home!!!!

Ryan

Introducing Ryan!

Great wall side effect

This is what happens to you after you climb the great wall! Lol

Great wall

First time to take the cable car

Great wall

Jennie now holds the record for farthest distance walked on the great wall!

Beijing!

Hello from Beijing. We had great flights and arrive at 9:45.

It is very muggy!

We are still hoping and praying that Caiyu's visa will be issued, but honestly it is not looking good. Wenjuan's case is moving along.

We are going to tour the great wall and forbidden city today.

I'll post pictures later.

Flying!

Test

Sent from my Kindle Fire

Today another family who is in China took these pictures.  We sent a letter and photo's of our family.   Thanks to Debbie and her guide who read the letter to "Wendy."

New pictures

Wendy and her friends with the celebration cake we sent her.  We wanted her to know that she had a family waiting for her.

She looks excited!

                                               

Making a wish

Yummy!

Lots going on!

We in the process of adopting a beautiful girl from China nicknamed "Wendy."  Wendy will turn 14 on November 2 and must be adopted before she turns 14.  There are NO exceptions.

The paperwork is just about ready to head to China.  We asked to have our paperwork expedited but the US government will only expedite if the child will age out in 30 days.   China has agreed to expedite their part.

Jia and Wendy are from the same province, so our plan is to complete Jia's adoption during the same trip.   We are waiting for approval from China for this.