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.

3 comments:

Homemanager said...

Jackie,
Lindsay forwarded your updated email with Laura's blog pictures to me...she is precious!!!
We are so happy for you!! The picture with Sophia feeding Laura is so adorable!
Congratulations, again!
Blessings,
Karen

Jill and Bill said...

Hey Stampalia Family! Congratulations Laura is beautiful, Kailee and Brianna are so excited and can't wait to meet her. We miss you guys and miss China, have you seen David? Safe trip home!
Love, Bill, Jill, Kailee, & Brianna

PS Did Mike keep up the tradition and smoke a cuban cigar along the Pearl River or did he just eat 6 eggs at breakfast?

Mom and Chuck said...

Hi Mike and Jackie,

I've had a lot of trouble getting a comment on so hope this one goes through. You all look so wonderful and happy. Laura is adorable and it's obvious Sophia is enjoying being the "big sister". Can't wait to see you all in May. Hope the trip home won't be too hard. Love, Mom and Chuck