Saturday, December 19, 2009

XMAS IN KOWLOON

Me in yellow jacket. Check out the line just to get into the store.
I had to blog this because it was too funny. Dale and I had to experience being in the line. By the time we entered the store we noticed the shoppers did not hesitate to buy more than one item. Who said there was a recession? (BTW we didn't buy anything.)

JACK'S REPLACEMENT





Leaving Maui on December 16

Getting connected to the internet in Manila was slow going. We departed from Manila yesterday for Hong Kong and staying at the Kowloon Shangrila. The hotel is quite impressive. Our room seems as if we are on a cruise ship overlooking the harbor. What a spectacular view. We will do as much sightseeing today because tomorow we leave for Guiyang and the next day we will begin our life with our 12-year-old daughter Ya Fang.
Attached are some pictures of our family members in the Philippines. We had such a nice visit!

Oh, by the way, Julie and Mae, remember Jack the labrador dog who worked at the InterContinental Makati? Well when I asked the attendant where is Jack? He responded "Jack no longer works here. He was replaced by Diane!" So I took a picture for you :0)

Monday, December 14, 2009

ALMOST READY TO GO

Well not really. It's Monday night and my husband is scrambling to get his last minute work done. I don't know why I say that because work will go on while we are gone. Two nights ago we were on the internet making airplane and hotel reservations. For the last two adoptions we went through a travel agency, but this time we feel like pros and we did it ourselves and saved money. Connections were better too! Now we just have to pray everything goes smoothly.

Dale has not packed yet. I am half done. Most importantly, Ya Fang's suitcase is packed with clothes from a variety of stores with tags still on. We are not sure what size she is. From our last orphanage report about a month ago, Ya Fang (soon to be Kaui pronouced like Maui) wears about a size 8. Very small for a 12-year-old.

Our two little girls will stay home with their big sister and sister-in-law Marie. Maile and Makena will be in good hands.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

TRAVEL UPDATE

We leave Maui on December 16 and arrive the next day in the PI. We stay in Manila overnight then fly to Hong Kong to do a little sightseeing then off to Guiyang.

Arrive in Guiyang no later than December 20; Gotcha Day on December 21; Adoption Day will be on December 22; Get passport and fly to Guangzhou on December 25; Medical Appointment on December 26; Consulate Appointment on December 29 Swearing in Ceremony on December 31; Get Visa on December 31; Fly Home on January 1, 2010.

Monday, December 7, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHEA

TRAVEL APPROVAL

Just got an e-mail from our adoption agency that our TA is coming either this week or next. Do we mind traveling to China during Christmas and New Years? STAY TUNED!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

MAKENA AND SANTA

Makena has taken a picture with Santa for three straight years. We have tried and tried to have Maile do the same. Maile's answer this year was "But mom, he is a stranger!"