The last day

We are finally coming home. We spent our last day at the zoo. Rachel seemed to have a good time. She didn't have much to say about all the animals she saw, but was pretty happy being carried around. This afternoon we packed while she slept, and then played one last time in the kids play area. Tomorrow we begin the trek home. Jake, we will be home soon!

Picture Day

Today was picture day for our travel group. First you can see Cindy and Rachel dressed in her authentic chinese outfit for tourists. Next is the picture of our travel group. Today we also received the news all of our paperwork has been reviewed and accepted by the US and they will give Rachel a visa, and tomorrow we take some sort of oath. Otherwise it was a lazy day, as they all will be from here on out. We are itching to get home, but not looking forward to the 24 hour travel time...

Visit to Buddhist Temple

Today we toured Guangzhou and one of the places we stopped was the oldest Buddhist Temple in the province. Rachel was wiped out by the whole experience as you can see from the pictures. We also went to an art Museum and picked up something for Jake. Jake will also get the Chinese Skittles pictured to the left. In the afternoon Rachel received her US Visa physical, and the indepth process lasted all of about three minutes. We then went swimming and had dinner. Now it's bed time, the worst time for her. She is very much like her brother and doesn't ever want to go to sleep. Not much planned for tomorrow, probably do some shopping and swimming...

A Day for Jake

We are safely in Guangzhou and after an all day trip for our one hour flight we are moved in to our new hotel. We wanted to let Jake know how much we miss him. Jake, you are the best boy a Mom and Dad could ever hope for, and we think about you every day. We talk about you all the time , and love you to Pluto and back. We're sorry for the time away, but it was the only way. Only four days left, and we will be together again. Love you; you big baby!

Last day in Changsha

Today was our last full day in Changsha, tomorrow we depart for the US consulate in Canton. We had just a peachy time touring the embroidery museum and store. Dad had the best time ever, no A.C. Rachel hot and bothered, and art everywhere, wow! We spent a bunch of time working on crawling, pulling up, balancing, and walking. All in the spirit of the 4th. Notice Rachel's on the go picture. Tonight we received her Chinese passport and she looks like a haggard little boy in the picture. The rest of the night will be spent packing up as we are on the move tomorrow AM.

July 3rd

Spent the morning touring the oldest university in Hunan. The Asian University was founded in 976 A.D. Our Adoption Rep, Jason, acted as our tour guide. After a short nap Rachel spent the afternoon working on her new found skills...walking. We spent about 2 hours in the hotel's kids playroom walking and playing. She certainly has found her appitite having five meals today.

Rachel takes over

As we start today, Rachel lets us know from the start she is now in charge. She has overcome what little shyness she had and lets us know what needs to be done. She is very much the attention hound, like her mom. She wants to spend most of her time trying to walk, and wants both of us by her at all times, and is not afraid to voice her opinion. She is loud! She ate four full meals today, and Cindy the swin instructor had her on her back floating in the pool. We took a stroll around Changsha and we got some serious attention from the locals. Rachel didn't fall asleep until 930. As you can see in the first pic, Cindy doesn't let anything get between her and the phone. Hope all is well with Kelly Jo and the you got some good gossip.

Day 2 with Rachel, we officially are her parents

Today we went back to the Provincial capitol building and signed all of the forms and talked to a bunch of Chinese officials. We were there about two hours and Rachel is now ours. We get to stay in Changsha another four days while they process all of the paperwork and build her Chinese passport. We had a great day, went to the Changsha Wal-Mart, I'll never look at Wal Mart the same. She threw a huge fit going to bed tonight. She was having too much fun and didn"t want it to stop.

More Day one Pictures

Gotcha Day

After almost three years, and mountains of paperwork, webrave the great wall and get our little girl. She is very quiet and doesn't seem to mind us taking her with us. The first night is very quiet, she sleeps 10.5 hours, and is pretty attached to us by day two. She doesn't speek english just yet, but she translates the Chinese for us.

Made it to Hong Kong

Flew First Class to Hong Kong, it was nice! Being a laidoff, recalled, mil leave, soon to be laidoff again United Pilot has its advantages. Trying to stay awake to get on local time, Cindy is ready to go shopping. On our way to Changsha tomorrow AM. Off to shop hope Cindy can barter in Chinese.

Indiana

Back from Indiana, had a nice but fast visit. Jake is off to a good start, to his stay, has been with Mamaw and going to Shelby's softball games. Wanted to add a couple pictures I took while I was gone.

We will be off to Hong Kong tomorrow, I'm up late again, not doing much sleeping--busy and excited!!

Taking Jake to stay with family tomorrow, Mamaw is picking us up. Jake is looking forward to spending time with Mamaw, Papaw and Rainey, Aunt Kelly & Shelby, Garrett, Casey, Aunt Jessica and Uncle Eddie, Uncle Andy & Aunt Angie, not to mention GreatGrandma's Cleo and B. We are thinking we will not have to worry about Jake having a good time and keeping busy while we are in China.
Leaving for China on the 27th of June (out of L.A.) bound for Hong Kong.
We get to meet our sweet girl on the morning of the 30th "Gotcha Day"

She is not walking yet but holding her head high!

Yu Dan (Rachel Riley) -- Her referral picture, she is 8 months old in this photo.

We love her pigtails!