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Home Sweet Home

We finally arrive home after 17 days abroad and received an overwhelming reception at the airport. Trish and I were stunned to see so many family and friends there to greet us. I now know what Beatlemania must have felt like. Thank you to everyone!! Emmaline is having a tough time dealing with the adjustment and jet lag, as we all are. I doubt any of us will make it to ring in the New Year tonight. Happy 2008 and we'll post more happy baby pictures tomorrow :-)

Newark!!??

After traveling 20,000 miles, we get stuck in Newark, NJ for the night. I felt like Steve Martin in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles at the ticket counter trying to get another flight. Trish had a 30 minute meltdown were she was crying, but unbelievably, I didn't blow a gasket at the ticket lady. I think I was too tired. The jetlag is catching up with me once again.....I'm up at 2:45am posting on the blog. For the first time, we were able to read everyone's comments on our site. For some reason, China blocks this type of site - I could post, but not access it. It was nice to see so many family and friends interested in our journey. We will be leaving the hotel bright and early this morning to make sure we get this flight. The disappointment last night was almost unbearable. So, from a crappy Holiday Inn in Newark, I will sign off. Beware if you plan on meeting us at the airport, we will be wearing smelly, dirty clothes, and we threw our toothbrushes away in China.

New Arrival Time

I just talked to a very tired and somewhat frustrated FunBobby. They are staying all night tonight in Newark at a Holiday Inn and will fly out tomorrow and arrive in Indianapolis at 12:58 pm on Continental Flight 2592. Only a few more hours and they will BE HOME!!!!!!

Missed Flight!

I just spoke with Trish and was informed that they have missed their flight. I do not have any other information, other than they are in Newark and will probably not get another flight until tomorrow. When I know more, I will post again.

Heading Home

No pictures to post, but we just wanted everyone to know we're on our way home. We leave in about an hour and will be flying for more than 20 hours. Once we land in Newark, NJ (at about 5pm Indiana time), Emmaline will become a US citizen. We will arrive in Indianapolis at 9:32 pm on Continental Flt #2076. We will call RK to let her know if we are delayed and she will post any updates on the website. Otherwise, we are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Coco

Ok, this is weird, but Trish and I met this girl (Coco) who works at a shop next to our hotel. We both think she looks a lot like Sarah Drummy (our niece). She is such a sweetie. She said she works at this shop 12 hours a day and only gets two days off a month. She wants our email address so she can stay in touch. She also wants Sarah's MySpace address, but we haven't gone that far yet. Debbie - email a picture of Sarah so I can show Coco.

The Red Couch

We took the famous Red Couch photos today. We weren't able to get very good pictures, but we're hoping we can get some from others in our group. This afternoon, we have an appointment at the United States Consulate, and then we just wait until we leave tomorrow. As soon as Emmaline touches American soil, she'll be a US citizen.

I Like Ice Cream!!

Today, we did more exploring around the island, stopping in little shops, etc. Pretty much just leisurely pissed the day away. We found a new "best friend" in one of the shops (off the beaten path) who has been very good to us. The first night here, we bought Emmaline a few traditional Chinese outfits and "squeaky shoes." We took another family from our group and that put in gold with the store clerk. She has been giving us things for free and everything else "best friends price." We've been there about six times and even took a third family there. She loves us. In the afternoon, we went to a Buddist Temple. We debated all day whether to go or not as neither of us were very much interested in it, but we ended up going with the flow. We should have listened to our inner voice. There was not much to see and we were both bored. Plus, everyone in our group wanted the Buddist priest to bless their children. We were uncomfortable with this, so we returned to the bus and waited there. There were all kinds of limbless and disabled people outside near our bus. It was just a bad experience, to say the least.

The good new......Emmaline loves Rocky Road!!!!

Medical Exam

Today, Emmaline had her medical exam, which she passed with flying colors. She weighed in at a whopping 21.3 lbs (the most of all the babies in our group). For the most part, we spent the day walking around the island shopping at the various little stores. It was nice to see the other cities in China, but in hindsight, this is the place to be. This city of 9 million seems cozy after Beijing and Chongqing. We saw the sun for the first time in a week, and the 70 degree temperature made for excellent strolling weather. It's just beautiful here. In the afternoon, we went over to the mainland part of the city and shopped at the pearl market, and then to the jade market.

Only a few more days......

We're in Guangzhou Safe and Sound

We are here and very tired, but Emmaline did an amazing job on her first flight. The only cry we heard was when we were landing. She pulled her ears, so we assume they were hurting. Here are a few more photos of Emmaline in her Christmas outfit . We have her medical exam tomorrow at 10 a.m. and then we will tour the city. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to our friends and family. We love and miss you so much! We are counting down the days to return home!

Christmas Eve

We had a Christmas Eve celebration tonight with all the families, including a new family we met (not from our agency). We did a secret Santa gift exchange, which was really fun because it was the first X-mas our Chinese guide has ever had. Of course, Party Central was in our room. The hotel staff surprised us with a visit from Santa. They brought us gifts for the babies, flowers, and a big basket of fruit. We had a wonderful dinner at a french/Italian restaurant, which was a nice change of pace. Mom's in her kerchief and I in my cap, we're all settling down for a long winters nap. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

China Town Round 2

We had so much fun in China town the first time we asked to go back again today. It was just as fun, but not as crowded this time! We are getting ready for our Christmas Eve Celebration. We are having a cocktail party in our room at 4:30 p.m. then off to the restaurant for our Christmas Eve Dinner and then back to our hotel for our Secret Santa Exchange. We are looking forward to the celebration and we will share photos afterwards. Emmaline has her stocking out hoping Santa will find her here in China. We have a a sneaking suspicion he will find her :-)

Lazy Sunday....

Happy Girl on Sunday Morning in China!

China Town and Walmart!

We started out today in an area of Chongqing called China Town. It was a really fun spot to shop and attempt our bargaining skills. Afterwards, we headed to good old Walmart and it was also quite a thrill! We assure you many of the items for sale would not be available at the Indiana Walmart. Emmaline slept for the entire shopping experience so she was, as usual, our perfect little princess.

Happy Emmaline!!