Xuzhou Delegates Visit US

Last week Anna and I, along with two other families had the rare opportunity to meet with 5 delegates from Xuzhou in San Jose. There were three representatives from Anna's and Lily's orphanage and two city government officials touring the United States and Canada.

BAAS hosted a luncheon where the families were able to share with the orphanage officials how well the children are adjusting in their new families. The officials gave the families additional documents that were not included in the adoption paperwork. We were given the original police report on Anna's finding day including the name of man who found her and what she was wearing when she was found. It was a sobering reminder of her sad beginnings and another piece of the puzzle that we now have to help us understand her story.

Anna responded very warmly to Tang Mei, the young women who was Lily's main caregiver and the orphanage translator. She also ran and sat in the director’s lap. We had not had any prior contact with the San Francisco family that attended and were delighted to learn that Anna was obviously bonded to their daughter. Almost instantly they were hugging and laughing and rolling around on the floor. It warmed my heart to meet another Xuzhou child that shared her past with our two daughters.

Labor Day Weekend with Chloe

We had a very nice Labor Day weekend with Chloe here to visit. Everything nice except the weather, which was cold and rainy. Anna and Lily love playing with Chloe, and didn't let her alone all weekend. Chloe is returning to the University of Oregon as a sophomore in a couple of weeks.
Here is a picture and a video of the girls.

Zoe and Joana- Chinese Chefs

Zoe and Joana made us a wonderful Chinese dinner!!  There were no leftovers!  John was out of town and is very upset he missed this great meal.  It was great meeting Joana who is from Zoe's home town. 

Chloe Comes for a Visit

Chloe, John's second oldest daughter, visited recently and it was a wonderful weekend.  Chloe and Anna met for the first time.  Both girls loved her and had a great time.

Chloe will be a sophomore at the University of Oregon in September.  Go Ducks!

Born to Be Wild

Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space

Xuzhou Family Reunion, Atlanta GA

Several weeks ago several families from the US and Canada joined in Atlanta for our first Xuzhou Family Reunion.  This reunion was especially meaningful for Anna as she was reunited with friends she hadn't seen since leaving the orphanage at Christmas.  Here are a few memories of that very special weekend.

Off for Atlanta

Swimming at Trena and John's

Marika & Lily

Anna sees her orphanage friend Jaike.

Jia

Zoe reading to April & Lila Lee

Arlie, Sue, Jia, Juni

Anna & Lily

On Stone Mountain

Mark, Lisa, April, & Bennett

Anna plays with her orphanage friend April

Lily is tired and hot

Zoe is on top of the world!

At the Atlanta Aquarium

Zoe enjoys the aquarium.

Jaike

Lily as mermaid.

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