Xuzhou Family Reunion

I have been counting down the days for months and now it’s finally happening! Tomorrow we head for Atlanta to meet up with a dozen families from all over the US and Canada who, like us, have precious little children from Xuzhou. For the past two and half years I have laughed, cried, dreamed, prayed, waited and celebrated with the moms, dads, and children I am about to meet. Our children ate, played and slept together during the first years of their lives while waiting to join their forever families half way around the world. I have been so blessed to be a part of our extended Xuzhou family and am beyond excited that we will all be together soon! Happy travels everyone!!

Zoe Has Arrived!

Zoe has arrived!  Our Au pair from China arrived a week ago, and has quickly become a member of our family.  Lily and Anna bonded with her in a matter of minutes.  Zoe is so good with them and they so enjoy playing and learning with her. 

Zoe was anxious to cook a traditional Chinese meal for us, and on Saturday she dazzled us by making the most scrumptious Chinese dumplings imaginable.  We hardly took time to breath as the four of us devoured the dumplings in minutes that had taken her hours to make.  We responded by grilling chicken and asparagus over charcoal for her two days later to give her a taste of American cuisine.  She loved it as much as we loved the dumplings.

Here are a few pictures of our first week with Zoe.

Zoe

Zoe helping Anna on her bike

Lily riding a two-wheeler for the first time

Zoe and Anna rolling out the dumpling dough

Boating fun

Zoe takes the helm

Zoe with Seattle in the background

Our girls in their tutus