Three Years Ago Today

Xiu Fu Huan - 10 months

Three years ago today, a baby girl waited on the other side of the world for her family.  A baby that only knew of a room with cribs, limited toys and aunties that loved her, but unable to provide the one thing she really needed.  A family.  The other children in her room at the orphanage were her sisters and brothers - the only family she knew.  But they too were waiting.  Something wonderful was about to happen to nine of these precious children and one child from a different orphanage. 

Three years ago today we were boarding a plane with several other families, starting a jouney that would lead us to our daughters.  The morning started very early at the GSP airport, transferring in Chicago and meeting up with more families.  We finally arrived the next day in Bejing Airport, tired, but excited to complete our families (or so we thought).  Reflecting back ....

Clock @ GSP - 5:30 am to check-in meant we left the house in Hville @ 4 am.

Eric & Joyce

Kathryn & Ashton

The Rice Family

Chicago with several of the other families

Arrived in Bejing

Snow Days in December

What a winter we had this year just like everyone else. The amount of snow we had was the 2nd or 3rd highest recorded amount. It all started in December the weekend before Christmas. This particular snowfall lasted well into January just in time for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. amounts. We only tried the sledding on the first snow. Of course this was the first big snowfall for SJ and the first time she tried sledding. I'm not sure she enjoyed it because the 2nd run, her dad crashed into a log and SJ bit her lip. Now she doesn't want to do it again.

Happy Birthday

I can't believe that SJ has turned four.  It seems only yesterday that we received a little 15 month old in our arms - tearful, scared and unsure.  No smiles - just tears.  Today, we have a bright, silly, strong willed, talkative little girl.  What a change in three short years.  We had a wonderful party with three of her SWI sisters and another special family and it was so amazing how much each of the girls have changed.  They dyed eggs (trying doing that with 6 kids) and played with each other.  And when it came time to leave, I don't think SJ wanted them to go.  She really loves her Xiushan sisters.

Christmas Time in DC

Christmas Time With Family in DC

We visited the DC Mall and the National Christmas Tree. 

A Day in the Mountains

Several exchange students spent a wonderful day together touring Cherokee and the mountains of Western North Carolina and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway in October.  The weather could not have been better and the fall colors were beautiful. 

More Catching Up

In September we went to the NHRA drag races at Charlotte.  It was T's first ever drag race.  I think she is now hooked.  As you can tell, the girls loved going.  It was also the first time we all saw 4 wide drag racing.  It was awesome!!!                                                                                       

Pumpkin picking.  So many to chose from.

6 months later

Yes, it has been a long time since the last post. I didn't plan on taking 6 months off, but life as a 2 teenage and toddler family was very busy to say the least. We had a wonderful semester with T and now she has returned home. During the past 6 months I turned another year older, K turned 16 and SJ's 4th BD is approaching. K and T both did well in the first semester of school and the WHHS marching band did an awesome job in competition. K is back to pole vaulting and has cleared 7' in one competition. This week-end K is performing with the All-District Band at WCU this week-end. We are currently getting more snow and hope to be able to go over the mountain to see her concert. She is doing very well on the flute and is 5th chair in the 9-10th grade All-District band. Since before Christmas, we've had only 20 days of sunshine and three snowstorms - at least a total of 18" or more. What a winter!! I am so ready for spring and the end of the snow.