Journey to Kayli Ting

The rest of Conner Prairie

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Click here to view these pictures larger

Conner Prairie-in Indy--FUN place for kids

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Our China friends! ("cousins")

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More Children's Museum pictures

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Our friends Molly and Faith!

Indianapolis Children's Museum and reunion with our China "cousins"!

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Welcome to Egypt!

We had a blast last weekend visiting friends and seeing Indianapolis Children's Museum. It is the largest in the world.

Shaker Village Pleasant Hill, Kentucky

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We met Papaw, Uncle Tracey, Ondrea, and Mamaw at Shaker Village in Kentucky. What a fun day!

Sam Davis Home

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Ariel sure enjoyed meeting up with some friends at this Historic Home in Smyrna. Sam Davis is known for this quote, "I would die a thousand deaths before I would betray a friend." He was hung at 21 years old. Find out why....visit this historic home and museum.

The girls!

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First Trip to the Beach...

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Happy birthday Ariel! January 31, 2009 we loaded up and flew to the beach for the day. We had a great time with another RV-10 couple going to to Dauphin Island. What fun! Here are a few pictures of our fun adventure. Hopefully many more to come.e.

Adventure Science Center January 1, 2009

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December 2008

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General Jackson in Nashville, TN

December 2008

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General Jackson in Nashville, TN

December 2008

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Happy Birthday Dear Jesus!

On December 11, 2008 we got a little surprise. Ariel had taken a nap, (unusual) however, when she awoke she came out of her room screaming it's snowing!

Creation Museum Family Picture

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It has been a while!

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Sorry is has been so long since I've posted! I have decided that I can't keep up with this site! ha! I will be sharing my photos via e-mail and shutterfly with those who are interested. If you want to keep up with us please e-mail me and I will add you to my photo distribution! We are paperchasing for our daughter OR son #3! So we have been extremely busy with life and adoption papers again. Signing off for now! Love, Angela

Fulin's picture with our AWAA travel group

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Fall leaves......

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Climbing out of crib...messy hands....fall......

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Projects/Pumpkin farm with friends/Halloween

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How do you dress for rainy weather?

Viking Shield

backyard/reunion with AWAA travel group/corn maze

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Driving the car Laura style

Gingerbread Cookies/Swimming/Horses

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Kayli loves the story of the Gingerbread man so we made gingerbread men. Actually this was a fun thing for Ariel's school. We all had a great time doing it.

I can't say enough about the program that Kayli did this summer for surviving in the water. The program is infantswim.com! We highly recommend it for everyone! :-) Ariel had about a weeks training with them before she took lessons at the YMCA.

Ariel leading Kayli on Comanche as she finished one of her lessons. Doesn't she look like a professional? Kayli looks cute in that hat!

Georgia Aquarium with our friends

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We had sooo much fun loading our stuff up! Kayli's toilet and all! We had to post this picture. We laughed so hard while we were traveling throughout the hotel this way.

Trip to Atlanta with Jessica & Tracy

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Fountains with friends/Look what I built!

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We are playing with our friend, Annie.

Look what I built all by myself!

Sounds Baseball game/Mrs. Ann's garden

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Peeking out of Mrs. Ann's tomatoes!

We left Kayli at home and took Ariel and her friend, Lindsey, to a Sounds game. It was a lot of fun!

Visiting the Union Station Hotel

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Ice cream anyone? Can't keep that new van clean forever! Kayli enjoyed her Dairy Queen ice cream....can any of my friends believe that this is my kid? LOL!

Sweet sisters!

Laura Ingalls Day at the Library!

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Kayli is making butter.

July 18, 2007--Girls with their slates, McGuffey Readers, and pails. (How fun!)
Time sure does fly! We have had a ball. Here are some pictures since the last time that I posted!

Nashville Zoo and water fun at home!

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Like my new hair cut?

Challenge Air

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Brian and I attended a really neat event last Saturday that has impacted my life so much. It is called Challenge Air. It took place at the Smyrna Airport in TN. Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, a not-for-profit organization, offers motivational,
inspirational and life-changing experiences to physically challenged children and youth through aviation. (taken from www.challengeair.com) We volunteered at the boarding pass table this year and got to get the kids excited about their flight. We had about 100 children participate at this location.
The kids enjoyed face painting, hanging out with the Shriners' clowns, taking rides in their buggies, getting their pictures made with the Chic-fil-a cow, Applebees bee, eating in one of the hangers, and going to flight school prior to their flight.
By the end of the day, Ariel was face painting and Kayli was passed out in her stroller.
It was a fun and memorable day!
Here's Ariel with just two of the many clowns.

Avocado pudding.....

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Kayli loves her avocado pudding. Here are some funny pics taken at my mom's while we were in KY.

Kentucky Horse Park

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We met Becky and Darrin from our China trip at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington a few weeks ago. We were asked if the girls were twins. They have matching strollers and looked about the same age. They also had matching horses...thanks to Becky and Darrin. We didn't confuse people but they both have the same name- Kayli and Kaylei (just spelled differently). We guessed we were gong to have to use a code name because when we called for one they both looked at us. Kaylei has sure grown. It was fun seeing them. We hope to do it again soon!

We also saw a great friend of mine from high school, Charity, with her baby at the Mount Washington park in KY.

Mommy and Kayli and our Chinese shirts

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One of our neighbors' little girl took this picture....she was trying to get our shirts. Kayli looks thrilled!

Kayli's pretty dress

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Ariel's accomplishments

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This year Ariel started AWANA again in the middle of the year and still completed her full Hiker book. YEAH! She worked VERY hard and did an excellent job. She's hiding God's word in her heart and we are very proud of her.

She also was in a children's musical at church called Race to Win. It was so cute with Darrell Waltrip on the big screen and the kids performing.

Zoo & Covered Wagon field trips

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Painting my birdhouse, Field Trip, Modeling

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Don't I look little on this ride. She didn't last long but she sure begged to ride. They had to stop it early. Also on this page..Kayli modeling her new hat and shirt. (Thanks Papaw!)

Thanks Papaw for my new bird house. I had fun with mommy painting it. Also in March we went to Huntsville Space and Rocket Center with our homeschool group! It was fun!

February & March

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I like to feed my babies!

We are playing with my new play doh set and in Ariel's home-made car.

February & March 2007

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Kayli got a Barbie car for her birthday! Ariel likes the car just as much as Kayli does! Kayli really enjoyed her organic chocolate cupcake! Ann's husband Bruce is holding Kayli in one of the pictures. They celebrated with us on Kayli's real birthday! I'm not sure how I didn't get Ann in any of the pictures.

February & March

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We were excited that Great Granny came to visit for the girls birthday. She is 93 years old. Kayli went right to her! YEAH! Other pictures with Aunt Kathy, Papaw, Mamaw, & other Papaw. Ariel continues to grow too! Check out her pictures! Ariel just turned 8! I can't believe it. My how time flies!

January, February, March 2007

2007-03-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

We know it has been a while since we've updated...but hey..it's spring break! So I actually have a moment to post. We have been extremely busy with activities, school, and etc. January not much went on but on February 2nd we received a little bit of snow. Then we had a family birthday party for the girls together since their birthdays are soo close. So here are a few pictures. More birthday pictures to follow as I was videotaping. Brian took other pictures that we will download later. Uncle Tracey bought the big dog...thanks!

Pictures this year that didn't get posted before!

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Kayli's First Christmas!

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Aunt Kathy (right)
Mamaw-(below)

Cousin Taylor Upper Right
Uncle Tracey Left and Lower

Papaw grinning--rare in pictures! hee hee

Kayli's First Christmas!

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Family picture taken ourself!

Ariel, Mommy, and Daddy's Christmas!

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Kayli's First Christmas!

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The wiggle worm-Kayli

The model-Ariel

Kayli's First Christmas

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Kayli stuck her head through this gate. We thought it was funny until we almost couldn't get it out.....OUCH! Talk about panic.

Kayli's First Christmas

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Our neighbors Ann and Bruce went to the mall and to see some Christmas lights near our area. (Travel mates...remember Ann from the trip?) Kayli truly does LOVE to ride the carousel....she just doesn't look like it. ha

22 Months....Kayli's First Christmas!

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It is hard to believe that on 12-9-05 a Fed-ex package was delivered to our door with Kayli's first pictures. My how time flies! It feels like she has always been a part of our family. It's hard to believe a year has gone past. Kayli is a joy. Last Christmas we were praying for her and thinking about her, wishing she was already with us. This year that reality came true! We truly enjoyed both girls this Christmas. Ariel has enjoyed playing with Kayli as much as Kayli with Ariel. The family went OVERBOARD on giving to the girls. We will have to work on that! ha ha And to think both of their birthdays are right around the corner. (Jan. and Feb.)

We found out on December 22 that Kayli was chosen to be on our adoption agency's calendar for 2007! Kayli's picture will appear on the month of May. She was chosen from over 1100 entries as one of the 13. The month of May is sweet because it represents Mother's Day, my sister's birthday and not only that....my mother-in-law's birthday--Janet. She has never met Kayli, she passed away 4 years ago from cancer but we know she would love her. We miss her dearly and we are honored that Kayli was chosen for this month. This is the picture that was chosen. Kayli took a pretty big fall this summer. Thankfully they touched up the actual picture a bit that is in the calendar.

We are so blessed to have not only 1 beautiful girl but now 2! Thank you Lord for the blessings.

21 MONTHS

2006-12-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Here's Ariel dressed as her favorite character...Laura Ingalls. Kayli likes to follow what big sister does. Monkey see monkey do....
We had an Native American feast to complete our 4 week study. Kayli enjoyed dressing up too.

More 19-20 months

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19-20 MONTHS

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I haven't had time to post many pictures. Here are a few! Kayli took a fall on her face this summer so we didn't take as many pictures.

18 months old

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Big sister likes to change Kayli's diapers....even the yucky ones! ha!

I love the rides! I even cried when they were over. Once the man told us to let her ride again since no one else was in line.

My first attempt to drive mommy in a car!

18 months old

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Ariel enjoyed making a corn husk doll in Gatlinburg.

Free Acrobat show in TN.

18 months old

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We recently visited Gatlinburg, TN. Here are a few picures from our trip.

more 17 month pics

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17 month pics

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Kayli 17 month pictures

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We had our post placement visit tonight! WHEW! I'm glad that's over. Now here are more pics!

more 16 month pictures

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Love that avocado! I like to sit in the cabinets!

I couldn't resist the fall!

15-16 months

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15-16 months

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Kayli enjoying our deck and playing with Ariel in the castle.

Ariel and Kayli playing in a basket at Papaw's house.

15 months ChurchHill Downs with grandparents and aunt

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Angela took the girls to KY to visit family. Kayli was extremely clingy to Angela while visiting. They went to ChurchHill Downs (horse racing). Above picture ....Kayli with Angela's sister...Kathy and Kayli with pawpaw. Angela lived in KY for 23 years and never visited the race track. We didn't wager any $$ but enjoyed watching others. There were rooms with long lines of self wagering stations. It was amazing.
Kayli was content as long as she had food. Her other pawpaw gave her a nickname of the eating machine. She loves to eat! Can't you tell?....she's growing!

Best Friends Meet Again!

2006-05-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ariel's best friend, Jessica, moved to Florida last year. Since we were staying in Orlando and she lives in Tallahassee we met half way in Gainsville. We visited a Butterfly Rainforest there and then played at Chic-Fil-A. This was the first time they saw Kayli.
We miss you guys VERY much and hope you move back SOON!

DISNEY MGM

2006-05-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Last week Brian had business in Orlando. We all went since airline tickets were very inexpensive. Here are some photos from our visit to MGM. Ariel wasn't feeling well the day we were supposed to go to Magic Kingdom so we left after riding the monorail to the island. She was not happy but it was SOO hot and crowded that it would have been a miserable day with her not feeling well. Now we have an excuse to go back. ha! Kayli enjoyed her first excursion to Disney! We started the day at 4am getting up and going to the airport. When we arrived everyone was so full of energy and excited about being in Orlando we decided to go on to MGM after lunch. We still had a full 7 hours of fun! We were ALL exhausted at the end!

LOOK AT ME! I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!!!

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SWINGING/PLAYING/WALKING

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Kayli has been swinging, playing and walking these days. Just this week she has started walking across the room. Enjoy the pictures. Ariel is adjusting to her new little sister. I think she would really enjoy her more if she would stop screaming. ha!

Painting!--I love it!/Easter dress/Spaghetti face!

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walking/crawling/1st pool/1st swing--I finally like it!

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sad face

12-13 months I love to feed myself/cruising!

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Journey to Kayli Ting

2006-04-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Kayli has learned soo much! She went from sitting up to army man crawling on April 2 to the next Sunday crawling regularly to last Sunday April 16 she took her first steps! WOW! She's learning everything sooo quickly! I'm glad that we are taking video as soon as we see her do it. She doesn't do it for long! I know everyone has been waiting patiently for more pictures so I am finally updating our site with a few! She's on the move now so it is harder to get a picture. Here are a few...
First Easter egg hunt

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Cute hat!

My first Merry-go-round ride. I'm not too sure!

YEAH!!

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1st birthday pictures!

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The cupcake was great! What do I have to do to get another one?

miscellaneous pictures

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Kayli's first professional photos (some with big sister)

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Keep in mind these are the raw images....some things have been cropped out. The session went okay considering Kayli only had a 30 minute nap due to the phone ringing and protested going to sleep again. ha ha!

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2006-03-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Journey to Kayli Ting

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Kayli's first pictures...

Prunes anyone?

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This was in China...

Several babies from Jiangxi Province

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We did get a few pictures of the babies...but of course Kayli is crying. They are a little blurry as the babies were moving and crying.

Pictures from the red couch..last days in China

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The White Swan Hotel....red couch! (popular place to take the girls' pictures)
Kayli, Ariel, and Hannah

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Other families...

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We're home!!!

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I can't get enough apples and strawberries!!

Sorry it has been several days since we have posted. We did make it home safely at 4:30pm on Thursday afternoon. Our plane was about 23 minutes late as we had a weather delay in Detroit. The 23 minutes were EXTREMELY long when you are ready to be home.

Kayli did excellent on the plane as long as Brian held her. The 11 hours (longest flight) seemed long to him as he was primary caretaker. Angela slept a lot so it wasn't so bad--ha! Ariel stopped eating. She decided that she had had enough Chinese food. On Friday she was so tired and dehydrated that she did get sick once after drinking juice extremely fast. All is well now. The girls are enjoying playing with each other. Kayli is finally settling into central time so we ALL are settling back into our time zone. Kayli is cutting more teeth so this has caused some unusual hours up at night as well.

Here are more pictures that we promised!

More pics from the island

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Two of the shops on the island.

People in the park doing their Tai Chi exercises.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

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I am typing this on the evening of the 22nd. Well it won't be too long before it will be the 23rd. We should arrive in TN on flight #1735 Northwest at 4:07pm. We only have 50 min. in Tokyo to change planes. Off for now and will update from our HOME!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

2006-02-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today we have been extremely busy. First we had breakfast and then gave the kids a bath and headed downstairs for our group and baby pictures. Kayli was ready for her morning nap and cried. Needless to say I did not want to make her sit there without us to get pictures so she is not in them. She fell right to sleep in Angela's arms within 5 minutes of the crying. Next we came back to the room and began the many hours of packing. We did buy another suitcase for Brian's stuff that he bought. (To think that men don't shop--HA!) So now we are all packed. Kayli is asleep as it is 10:31pm.

We ordered lunch in today from Denny's Bagel and had grilled cheese from the Veranda tonight for dinner. We have had so many grilled cheese sandwiches lately.

We went to the US Consulate today at 3:00pm to swear that all of the information that we have submited to Guangzhou was accurate. They gave us Kayli's visa/passport and she will be a US citizen as soon as she touches the ground on american soil. YEAH!!!! We are so excited and ready to come home as you can imagine.

Please pray for smooth flights and our continued health.

We didn't get out of China without any hang-ups. Brian insisted that I not put a picture on the internet but he broke one of the mirrors in the hotel room with one of our heavy suitcases....OOOPS! We told our guide...as honesty is the best policy and he called housekeeping and the manager of the hotel. Housekeeping came and spoke a lot of Chinese to our guide and then the manager. They took pictures of it and taped it up. The first price that they told us was 3000RMB which is about $400. Next they called and said it would be 1500RMB....(as you know I am praying for mercy the whole time) Next we got a call saying the manager spoke with the assistant manager and told him that they would NOT charge a guest that much. So they came down to 500RMB. Praise God! $60. WHEW!!!

Now we can sleep a few hours before getting up at 4:00am there is another group that will be leaving sooner than us.

Thank you soooo much for all of your prayers. I will update with pictures after we get home. Too much going on lately.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

2006-02-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

We are just hanging out today at the hotel until 2:30pm while our guides are at the consulate appts. We must stay in our room until everything is complete. (In case there are questions.) After that...back to shopping! We will pick up a bunch of things that we ordered yesterday and Brian will buy a suit today. It looks like we will have to buy a suitcase to bring all of this stuff home. The girls have several matching outfits and we didn't spend a fortune on them like we would have to do at home.
Kayli slept until after 8:00am this morning. She fights sleep at night but after she finally gets to sleep then she sleeps well.

Monday February 20, 2006

2006-02-20T00:04:00.000-08:00

Today was shopping day! We went back to Shamian Island for shopping. We bought all kinds of things from tea sets to Chinese clothes for the girls, shoes, blanket, custom made outfits for Angela and the girls. We ordered Ariel a chop. (stamp with American name and Chinese name) Brian and Ann went back to the Friendship store which is the grocery store to buy essentials. We have been eating breakfast at the hotel everyday (included with hotel stay) At lunch we went to the Food Street restaurant in the hotel and tonight we had peanut butter I brought from home and crackers. We got a milk shake for dessert.

Rebecca--I picked up the outfit.

Sunday, February 19

2006-02-19T23:43:00.000-08:00

Today we skipped the sight seeing. Ann and Angela headed downstairs for a Chinese massage. It was $12 US dollars for 60 minutes and felt wonderful. In the afternoon all of us caught a taxi to go to Shamian Island for shopping. We mostly window shopped for prices. We will go back tomorrow to buy. We did order Kayli a chop. (stamp with her Chinese and American name)
Later we had dinner with the other families with Table #4. We went to the Veranda Restaurant here in the hotel. They had a buffet style dinner which had all kinds of safe fruits and veggies along with any meat of your choice cooked the way you wanted it and a choice of about 8 different desserts. Everyone enjoyed the LARGE chocolate fountain. It was the best meal yet. We are really liking Guangzhou. It has been fun! There was a Mexican group at dinner playing musical instruments. They played all American songs. We were cracking up. Go to china and here Mexican music--how funny.

We hope to go back to the White Swan Hotel to take pictures. It is beautiful.

There are 4 Kayli's on this trip. (popular name) One of the earlier pictures showed 3 of the 4 Kayli's.

Well off to relax before little Kayli awakes.

So far we have learned that Kayli loves carrots and prunes--baby food. She loves Cascadian Farms O's (like Cheerios), congee (rice soup), carrot soup, and raisins. She likes her bottles HOT!!!! She HATES stuffed animals and baby dolls. (orphanage told us that and she cries when I show her one) She is short tempered like her daddy. HA HA! She loves the color red and sleeps most of the time with a red stacking cup the whole time. She also loves her face to be covered while sleeping. We are finding out that she enjoys looking at books and will dance with a little musical toy that we bought her.

We have already seen a HUGE change from the baby that would not even open her legs to fit around your waist to a child that hangs on to us. She even holds her arms out to go to you. She sits up well now. She is rolling over too. She loves to stand up. She hasn't quite figured out how to put food into her mouth but opens it like a little bird to be fed.

She has really warmed up to all of us now! We love it. Ariel asked today if she will get another sister and we told her that we are really considering it. This is the best experience one could have. We are so thankful to God and for Kayli's mom that brought her into this world. We have truly been blessed! We will have to buy a mini van in 2007--ha ha!

Hanging out in the hotel room!

2006-02-18T00:47:00.000-08:00

Medical Exam

2006-02-18T00:25:00.000-08:00

Well this morning we are all still so tired. We woke Kayli up at 7:30am to get breakfast and off to get her medical exam. After the exam we went to the Friendship Store where we bought baby supplies and the much needed water. We are all still having a great time and wanting to come home. It feels good to know just a few more days. Kayli is a delight. We are really enjoying her. Everyone...everywhere we go are touching her and talking about her. We just smile and say thank you. We miss everyone at home and cannot wait to show her off. :-)

Kayli was asleep before the exam. She was NOT happy about them waking her up to look in her mouth and ears. She weighs 16.8lbs. and is 72cm long(I don't have documents in front of me). She is a little peanut. She weighed 13 lbs at 6 months. She is tiny but long. Most of the 9 month clothes that we brought fit. I think we had a couple of them too short. Who knows she could be tall and thin like Ariel.

Friday, February 17, 2006

2006-02-17T23:47:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy busy day! We started off with going to get Kayli's passport and as soon as we came back rushed to pack and eat lunch. We left for the airport in Nanchang at 2:00pm and boarded a plane at 5:00pm. The airplane had a mechanical issue and was delayed an hour. The flight was 1 hour and 10 minutes. (Kayli's first flight.) We landed in Guangzhou to realize that the bus ride was 45 minutes long. After we finally made it to the hotel we had 15 minutes to get the babies changed and head down the hall to have her picture made for her medical exam. Kayli was a trooper but she did shed a few tears for her picture. She was in the middle of a long awaited bottle and did not want to give it up. Lastly we had dinner at 9:00pm at.....you guessed it McDonald's. Ariel's first happy meal at age 7. It just happened to be in China as a last resort. The choices were $25 a plate at our hotel or Mc D's. It wasn't too bad though. Ariel enjoyed the chicken nuggets. When you are hungry just about anything sounds good.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

2006-02-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Today, we went to see a village that was similar to what Kayli came from. I don't have pictures yet but will be updating them shortly. We left in tears seeing the poverty. However, the people there seemed to be so happy.

If you look closely you can see the chickens on the road. There was no heat so the kids are dressed warmly.

Hopefully when we fly to Guangzhou tomorrow then I will have internet connection. It is a pain here since we have to pay by the minute. We are so ready to come home. We also visited a few porcelain shops. The province of Jiangxi is known for porcelain.

FYI: I cannot see any comments left on the blog but I can view your e-mails. I just cannot respond. I have been trying to e-mail my family and am getting blocked......so sorry and please know that I am trying to communicate. :-)

February 13-15

2006-02-15T00:17:00.000-08:00

Today February 15, we visited a Pavilion called Teng Wang Tower.

February 13-15

2006-02-15T00:06:00.001-08:00

I'm not going to write much since we are paying by the minute. I know all you want are the pictures anyway...ha! Going to Wal-mart in China is an experience!

More pictures from February 13-15!

2006-02-14T23:53:00.000-08:00

The best Valentines Day ever!

Gotcha day arrives!

2006-02-13T21:58:00.000-08:00

Gotta keep this short; paying for an internet connection by the minute. What an exciting day! One airplane and two bus rides later we arrived at the Lake View Hotel Nanchang. Within minutes of arriving we arranged our paperwork and were directed to a conference room on the 3rd floor. Our names were called moments later and we met our beatiful Kayli.

Kayli is a pure delight! She is so beautiful! She has such thick hair, big beautiful eyes. She has melted our hearts. We are already discussing doing this a second time. What an awesome experience. Our lives have truly been touched and changed.

Kayli has really taken to Brian. If he comes into the room she lights up. She is doing great with her big sister. Ariel loves being with her. She doesn't want her out of her sight.

Sunday February 11, 2006

2006-02-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the International Church Service. It was kind of emotional for me (Angela). I just realized that only foreign passport holders can visit a Christian church...legally. We are so blessed in the states to have the freedom to worship how we choose.

Then we went to the Jade Factory. It is Chinese tradition that mothers pass onto their daughters a jade bracelet at the age of 18. So in keeping with the tradition we bought one for each of the girls. Of course I got one too (yes, that was Brian's idea!).

We also visited the Great Wall of China. We burned a few calories racing to the top. We made it right past the first tower to the next landing. Ariel was the first to climb. Brian had to carry her on his back on the way down though.

We had lunch and dinner as well but it's the same thing....Chinese food! We are already getting tired of it. They serve the same food at every restaurant.

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!

Saturday February 11, 2006

2006-02-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

What a day! We had a lot of fun. We were busy from 8:30am until 7:30pm. We started out by going to Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was about 20 degrees Fahrenheit...cold as we toured for 2.5 hours. Next we had a wonderful lunch. It was buffet style lunch that included sweet and sour chicken, rice, greens, beef, pork, and watermelon for dessert. Angela and Ariel are eating quite a bit of bars and stuff that they brought. However, the rice is always good. Next we went to Pearl Market where you can purchase fresh water pearls. We bought the girls each a necklace that they will receive on their wedding day. Later we went to the Summer Palace, which is an imperial palace built during the first year of the Emperor Zhenyuan of the Jin Dynasty. Then we visited the Dong Wu Silk Museum, where we saw how the Chinese make silks. That was really neat. We then could purchase quilts, clothing, other items made from 100% silk. Lastly we had Peking Duck dinner. Ariel kept her eyes covered the entire meal. She couldn't stand the fact that we were eating duck. I don't think that she had anything except for the bottled water that I brought with us and maybe a couple bites of rice. But she sure eats a good breakfast in the morning. It is very western. On the way back to the hotel we saw a few fireworks that were being set off due to Chinese New Year. I think we will actually sleep through the night tonight! We are exhausted. Tomorrow we will see the Great Wall! Getting used to the 12 hour time difference has been a little tough. We are starting to adjust. Running on little sleep can be very interesting emotionally. ha!

WE MADE IT!!

2006-02-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Beijing around 3:00 in the afternoon. Both flights were VERY smooth. The last leg was EXTREMELY LOOOONNNNGGGG!! As you can imagine being in the air for 13 hours. Here are a couple of pics. One of the view outside our hotel window. The others of our plane and guide-Sherry.