Sunday, April 6, 2008

Shanghai, Nanchang, and Guangzhou




We're in Guangzhou now waiting for Laura's Visa. Here are some pictures over the last week. We started out our trip in Shanghai with my parents. The weather was in the low 50's and rainy. We visited the TV Tower at the top is an observation deck where you can see all of Shanghai.

After Shanghai we flew to Nanchang where we met Laura. See post from 4/1 for pictures. The next day we went to the Civil Affairs Office in Nanchang where we needed to do the paperwork to offically adopt Laura in China. Here is Sophia at the office.



While we waited for paperwork to be processed our guide, Sally, took us on some sight-seeing trips.

We visited a village outside of Nanchang. Sophia enjoyed sharing some crackers with the local children. Laura wasn't so sure.






Our guide Sally, Mike, Sophia, and Laura at a pavillion in Nanchang.





Sophia in Nanchang Park.




Once our paperwork was complete we flew to Guanzghou to get Laura's visa. Here is a picture of Laura at the airport before her first plane ride. She did very well on the plane. Although, the ride was only about 1 1/2 hours long, we're hoping it bodes well for the 17+ hour plane ride home.




When we adopted Sophia 4 1/2 years ago, we spent most of our time in Guangzhou. It felt a little like coming home when we arrived. We have some wonderful memories from here.

One day while we were out for a walk, I got the opportunity to help some local children practice their English.






Sophia has been a great help with her little sister. She loves playing with her and helps feeding her too.



Tomorrow we have our swearing in at the Consulate, then we leave for Hong Kong for a couple of days before heading home.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Laura!!!



We arrived in Nanchang around 5:30 PM on Sunday night. Our guide picked us up at the airport and told us that the baby would be coming to our hotel around 6:15 PM. Laura was accompanied by the Director of her Orphanage and a staff person. They stayed for about 25 minutes. We were all so excited to finally meet Laura. She is precious!! Laura smiles the most when she plays with Sophia. Here are a couple of pictures.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Travel Approval!!

We got our travel approval letter from China today. Hooray!!! Now the planning can really begin. We're hoping leave on March 26th or 27th. It'll be fun to finally firm up our plans and buy those airplane tickets.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Referral!!!


We are happy to announce the referral of our beautiful daughter, Laura Xue Li. She was born January 31, 2007 and is living in Yihuang Orphanage in Jiangxi Province.We are thrilled!! We are hoping to travel mid-March to bring Laura home.