FIRST AIRPLANE RIDE/ GUANGZHOU

Cheerios, the way to Annie's heart!


James and Evelyn told us today that we have provided these little girls with many firsts. If you think about all of the firsts they have experienced in the past several days it is almost overwhelming.
First time seeing foreigners!
First time eating different foods!
First time being in air conditioning!
First time in a bus and taxi!
First time seeing a blonde haired little boy!
First time being hugged and kissed nonstop!
First time wearing diapers!
First time eating until they are full!
First time eating in a restaurant!
First time not wearing 7 layers of clothing!
First time in a real bathtub!
AND. . . First time in an airplane!

There will be many more awesome firsts to come!!!!





We arrived at the airport after a nice morning nap. Jack and Annie both slept at the same time, again! :) James took all of our luggage, put it together and checked it as a group. It was unreal! Each person was able to have so much weight per bag. The group's luggage was way over weight. It was 160 kg overweight. We only had to pay for 100kg over. We had to pay 1000 rdm as a group (about $130). It would have been really tough checking in without James and Evelyn helping us. The airport had no air conditioning and everyone was very sweaty (and a just a little crabby). As we passed through the security gates we wished James and Evelyn goodbye and thank you in Chinese. Of course, I can't remember how to say goodbye already (not surprising is it Shay?). I need help with Chinese, Mrs. Ma!! The gate we were to go to was marked Shanghai and everyone was confused. They changed the sign to say Guangzhou right as we were boarding. Good thing it was a small airport. Luckily the plane was air conditioned and not smelly. It was a nice flight for Annie's first time. She was eating crackers as we took off and mid chew she fell asleep. Jack then fell asleep, too! I'm having a good feeling about this sleep schedule. It will continue, right!!!
asleep on her first flight

Jack just had to try out the front carrier. He loved it!!!!

Daddy says he can't wait to go back to work- parenting is so exhausting, especially when both kids want daddy at the same time!!! I will say he was extra prepared today with Kleenex and antibacterial wipes in his pockets. It was impressive!


a pineapple for dinner

We arrived at The White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou at 5:30. It had been a long, hot day with no lunch. We ordered Italian take out with our "Ohio" group and had a picnic in the room. Jack and Annie were both tired and cranky so it was time for bath and bed. Jack loves his bath. Annie, on the other hand, dislikes the bathtub very much. Tonight I got in with her because we were not taking another sponge bath just to avoid screaming. She screamed and screamed for several minutes. All of a sudden she touched the water and splashed. She stopped crying, looked at me and giggled. She splashed and played and then didn't want to get out, of course!

Both Annie and Jack are sleeping peacefully. Melissa, you will be glad to know that the slats in the crib are close together. Annie is safe in this crib. We asked for a roll away for Jack. They brought us a giant pillow with sides for the floor. It looks like a dog bed. Jack seems to be okay with it. Our Golden Retrievers, Fletcher and Ollie would love to sleep in it.

We are excited to explore Guangzhou tomorrow. Sadly, as I look out the hotel window there seems to be no Frogger being played in the traffic! Erich and Grandpa Bob think they are going to get up at 4:00am and watch the Ohio State game????

Evelyn and I were talking before we left Nanchang. I said how amazing it was that each little girl was matched so perfectly with the right couple. They all fit so perfectly. Evelyn said, "Yes, It's Destiny!" I believe it is destiny with God doing his best work! As we were talking, Butchy came out to the playroom and said Chris E. had emailed them. Evelyn was their interpreter last summer at the Bring Me Hope camp. Evelyn was so surprised at first. How in the world could we know Chris, Jody and the rest of the SFMC team that traveled to China last summer??? She remembered all of you and said she has been terrible about e-mailing back. She will respond this time if you e-mail her. She is so awesome. Isn't it such a small world?

Stay tuned. . . Love, Kari