JACUZZI FUN

What a better way to spend a "Furlough Friday." Teachers take a day off because of the economic crunch!

By the way, I'm not sure if you remembered when we received Kaui's referral a year ago, China stated she was 12 years old. Well, when we met her on "Gotcha Day" we said no way! On Monday at her doctor's visit, she had a physical and bone age test. The results came back two days ago that Kaui is indeed 10 years old. She goes to the dentist on Tuesday and we will get Xrays. Her pediatrician said she will help us document her correct age.

A MOTHER'S DREAM

Taking a break for a picture. Here Kaui proudly shows our family all the pictures we took of her in China. She loved looking at pictures of her friends at the orphanage. She showed no regrets.

Having your four daughters prepare dinner for dad and mom is a dream come true. They were glowing from ear to ear showing us what they made.

Okay, I know it's hard to turn your head to look at this picture but I didn't want to change it!

Wondering where Makena is? She's with dad doing her art work.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS

After all she went through today Kaui still had her smile!

Resting and playing with her dolls.

Kaui said she had to change for the picture and put on her favorite night gown. Does she look like she was really sick?

Kaui was transported by ambulance to the hospital emergency room this morning after suffering flustration, chest distress and a rapid heart rate. This was her special needs. After five hours at the hospital Kaui is at home and back to her beautiful, happy self again. She was a very cooperative patient. Each time she got poked our brave little girl just closed her eyes and let the team of nurses and doctors to their thing. Tomorrow we have a followup visit with the pediatric doctor who will then refer us to a cardiologist. Her special needs is curable.

KAUI CAN KNIT TOO!

Can you please teach mom, Maile and Makena how to knit?

Yep, they all share the same room and it is paying off because Kaui is learning English FAST.

Everyday we are learning more about Kaui. She is so talented and very respectful. The latest is her knitting skills. Like we said in earlier blogs, we applaud the orphanage director and staff for the way they love and take care of the older children. Oh, when I figure out how to video Kaui, I will have her sing for you.

SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW

Kaui is so determined to learn how to swim. It's her second time in our pool.

Shopping at the mall for food. Kaui tried to put a lot of extras in the cart.

On a picnic with friends. Kaui was happy because the two girls on the right speak Mandarin.

School begins tomorrow for Maile and Makena. Kaui won't go until she gets a bunch of paperwork done from doctor's office e.g. updated vaccinations, tb clearance, etc.

DAY AT THE BEACH

Go Ducks!

Yesterday, Kaui jumped into our pool. It didn't matter that she does not know how to swim. She had no fear... but we did! Today we went to Polo Beach. Again, Kaui didn't have a care in the world and no fears about going into the ocean. She loved the waves and played endlessly. Earlier in the day, our son Shea was looking at a hard cover picture book showing Kaui beautiful landscapes of China. Shea said "isn't this beautiful?" and Kaui pointed out our picture window to the ocean and said "beautiful!"

WE ARE HOME!

Just look what God blessed us with.

Kaui is so sweet

Friends from North Carolina

Rebecca our Guangzhou guide.

Our kids bonded immediately. We were met at the airport by our family presenting Kaui with balloons and flowers. As soon as we got home, Kaui opened a bunch of christmas gifts. She was thrilled after opening the first gift thinking that was it. When we told YaFang she had more presents under the tree, her eyes just lit up and she had the most beautiful smile. Thanks to daughter Desiree and fiance Ryan and daughter-in-law Marie, and son Shea for helping us with Maile and Makena while we were in China. We love you all! We met many families bringing home their sons and daughters from China. A few had been there before and decided to switch over to the SN route. At the swearing in ceremony the room was packed with families ready to go home to start a new and wonderful life with their adopted children.