A good friend pointed out that it has been a VERY long time since posting anything to my blog. Ooops! Since we are no longer waiting for Aric but living with Aric and the other kids, life has been busy!
This year in particular!
This summer has been filled with swim lessons & meets, library and movies. :) It's been great and it is going by way too fast.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Shamian Island
Chinese soldiers and one of Alex and some local people who let him play ball with them. :)
Shamian Island, Guangzhou China
Pictures of Alex pushing Aric in the stroller. That got lots of stares. LOL Aric LOVED riding in the stroller. Shamian Island was nice, the temps were in the 70's and it is a less crowded spot.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Home - as you have already guessed!
Sorry it has been so very long. I have stayed off of the computer and spent time with our family.
The trip home was mostly uneventful. The plane rides, all 3 of them were great. NO turbulence and the kids were awesome on all of these. The first leg from Guangzhou to Beijing was on a bigger plane than I expected and if I remember it was only a 2 1/2 hour flight. For this leg we flew China Southern and the stewardess and stewards all dress so professionally and are so nice. We were even fed a full meal and offered a blanket! For FREE!! Or well at least no additional costs.
Although the kids were great on the plane, they were a bit OUT OF CONTROL before getting on the plane. Aric cried for the whole 1+ we had to wait to board the plane. Nothing would soothe him, he wanted on that plane and as soon as we were walking on it, he stopped crying. We have no idea what he was thinking, but I do know that both boys were on the tired side.
After arriving in Beijing, another AHH KY couple and their family and our family found our way to where we needed to go. The trick for us was getting through security. Well the Security folk decided that sending Aric and Alex through first was a good idea - NOT!!! They were wild, and the boarding passes that I had to show to get us all thru set off the metal detector, so they were giving me the thorough treatment while I tried to keep my kids somewhat in sight. Aric decided that climbing on the other side of the scanner would be a good idea and how was I to stop him?
Beijing to Newark - Alex and I slept for the majority of the 13 hour trip. Aric slept more than Dave, poor Dave just couldn't seem to sleep. :( We flew Continental just for anyone that may be interested. Oh and IMPORTANT - even after you pass thru security in Beijing and purchase any liquids in the "secure" area - they make you get rid of your drinks. That ticked me off - I have no clue why here but that is what happened to us. No problems with Security in China though, maybe because it's an International Flight. The flight was good, we had the TV's in front of us although Alex's didn't work at first, no big deal he slept most of the flight. They feed you quite a bit, these "meals" were not as good as the one's going there but that could just be personal preference. They do give you pillows, no blankets that I remember. All in all though I would recommend the Direct flight over the connecting ones any day. Oh and did you know that your feet swell? After the flights both ways I was wearing Crocs and well just plan that if you are traveling soon.
Newark we were happy to be in the US!! Yeah!! We were moving thru immigration and the guy instead of just stamping us thru, since Aric is 4 he decided to send us downstairs. Who even knew there was a downstairs?? Well the immigration officer that we were handed off to tried to talk to the initial one and said they don't need to go downstairs, just stamp 'em thru, well he wasn't going to do that and just shrugged. I can't remember the guy that walked us down but basically he was a lifesaver, he discussed it with yet another immigration officer on the way down and they both concurred that it was a bad decision to send us downstairs, where upon listening to their conversation we could just be sitting for 4 hours!!! WHAT???!! Well our lifesaver takes us in this room where there are already 50 or so people waiting, we don't even sit down before we have our file back and we are on our way. THANK YOU!!!! Truly a lifesaver.
Back upstairs and on our way, as a side note, I believe since we had to catch connecting flights that we somehow went the "wrong" way. We got to where we needed to go but we took the train and had to go thru security again. On the way there we were bussed. I don't know if it is an option and going thru Security isn't that big of a deal just if you can avoid it, do so. :)
While we were waiting for our next flight we decided to EAT - American food. :) Alex and I split Burger King and the funniest thing happened. After worrying about getting sick from food in China, the 1/2 of a small burger doesn't sit well with me.
Aric had Subway with Dave, mostly Chips and a banana. He was still at the No I'm not going to try that stage - which he still does from time to time- but mostly he will eventually try something new. He tried French Fries with ketchup and he likes those.
On the last leg of the tiny plane, which we were delayed for about 45 minutes, we had a great Steward he was funny and entertaining and nice. And most of all we had a great, no turbulence flight!!
We landed in Nashville and it was COLD!! Picked up the car, and home we go.
We arrived home at about 1:00 am. All the kids were up and my Mom and Carroll were too. They had decorated with balloons and a banner. That was fun. Aric took to them immediately.
The trip home was mostly uneventful. The plane rides, all 3 of them were great. NO turbulence and the kids were awesome on all of these. The first leg from Guangzhou to Beijing was on a bigger plane than I expected and if I remember it was only a 2 1/2 hour flight. For this leg we flew China Southern and the stewardess and stewards all dress so professionally and are so nice. We were even fed a full meal and offered a blanket! For FREE!! Or well at least no additional costs.
Although the kids were great on the plane, they were a bit OUT OF CONTROL before getting on the plane. Aric cried for the whole 1+ we had to wait to board the plane. Nothing would soothe him, he wanted on that plane and as soon as we were walking on it, he stopped crying. We have no idea what he was thinking, but I do know that both boys were on the tired side.
After arriving in Beijing, another AHH KY couple and their family and our family found our way to where we needed to go. The trick for us was getting through security. Well the Security folk decided that sending Aric and Alex through first was a good idea - NOT!!! They were wild, and the boarding passes that I had to show to get us all thru set off the metal detector, so they were giving me the thorough treatment while I tried to keep my kids somewhat in sight. Aric decided that climbing on the other side of the scanner would be a good idea and how was I to stop him?
Beijing to Newark - Alex and I slept for the majority of the 13 hour trip. Aric slept more than Dave, poor Dave just couldn't seem to sleep. :( We flew Continental just for anyone that may be interested. Oh and IMPORTANT - even after you pass thru security in Beijing and purchase any liquids in the "secure" area - they make you get rid of your drinks. That ticked me off - I have no clue why here but that is what happened to us. No problems with Security in China though, maybe because it's an International Flight. The flight was good, we had the TV's in front of us although Alex's didn't work at first, no big deal he slept most of the flight. They feed you quite a bit, these "meals" were not as good as the one's going there but that could just be personal preference. They do give you pillows, no blankets that I remember. All in all though I would recommend the Direct flight over the connecting ones any day. Oh and did you know that your feet swell? After the flights both ways I was wearing Crocs and well just plan that if you are traveling soon.
Newark we were happy to be in the US!! Yeah!! We were moving thru immigration and the guy instead of just stamping us thru, since Aric is 4 he decided to send us downstairs. Who even knew there was a downstairs?? Well the immigration officer that we were handed off to tried to talk to the initial one and said they don't need to go downstairs, just stamp 'em thru, well he wasn't going to do that and just shrugged. I can't remember the guy that walked us down but basically he was a lifesaver, he discussed it with yet another immigration officer on the way down and they both concurred that it was a bad decision to send us downstairs, where upon listening to their conversation we could just be sitting for 4 hours!!! WHAT???!! Well our lifesaver takes us in this room where there are already 50 or so people waiting, we don't even sit down before we have our file back and we are on our way. THANK YOU!!!! Truly a lifesaver.
Back upstairs and on our way, as a side note, I believe since we had to catch connecting flights that we somehow went the "wrong" way. We got to where we needed to go but we took the train and had to go thru security again. On the way there we were bussed. I don't know if it is an option and going thru Security isn't that big of a deal just if you can avoid it, do so. :)
While we were waiting for our next flight we decided to EAT - American food. :) Alex and I split Burger King and the funniest thing happened. After worrying about getting sick from food in China, the 1/2 of a small burger doesn't sit well with me.
Aric had Subway with Dave, mostly Chips and a banana. He was still at the No I'm not going to try that stage - which he still does from time to time- but mostly he will eventually try something new. He tried French Fries with ketchup and he likes those.
On the last leg of the tiny plane, which we were delayed for about 45 minutes, we had a great Steward he was funny and entertaining and nice. And most of all we had a great, no turbulence flight!!
We landed in Nashville and it was COLD!! Picked up the car, and home we go.
We arrived home at about 1:00 am. All the kids were up and my Mom and Carroll were too. They had decorated with balloons and a banner. That was fun. Aric took to them immediately.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Last Post from China
I can't believe it's over already in some ways and in many others we are ready to go home! It will be fun to introduce the rest of our family to their brother.
It has been a long day. Dave wasn't feeling that great this morning, but he is tough and bounced back and hung in there all day.
We had our Oath ceremony this afternoon. We met our guide and the other family at the White Swan to take a bus with many other families to the US Embassy. It was about a 30 minute drive, arrive at the Embassy and we registered very quickly, then waited about 10 minutes and we had our Oath - all as a group - and off we went.
The Consulate Officialy delivering the Oath was very nice and personable. He pointed out that Kentucky had the most families represented with 4!! Then he also recognized the kids with Birthday's this Month. Of course that was Aric. He was melting during most of the swearing and we had a hard time hearing (as did others around us) another family gave him crackers and that helped. The fact that we didn't get a nap in before hand probably didn't help.
The boys are crashed now and we are up early tomorrow to get ready eat and be ready to leave the hotel at 8:15. Preparing for the long travels ahead. We take a plane from Guangzhou to Beijing, then Beijing to Newark, and Newark to Nashville. Hoping the weather is ok!!! I called the kids after looking online to let them know they had a Snow Day today!! That was fun. :) Thanks Ashley for answering your phone so early. Love you guys!! Please keep us in your prayers once again for safe travels. After these next 3 planes - I really, really cannot think of any reason why I will get back on one again for awhile!!!
Bye for now! I will let you guys know when we get home safely and will add some pictures. The room here is dial up and I don't have the patience.
I had planned to go to the Starbucks but never made it there. It looks very nice!
Bye again!!
It has been a long day. Dave wasn't feeling that great this morning, but he is tough and bounced back and hung in there all day.
We had our Oath ceremony this afternoon. We met our guide and the other family at the White Swan to take a bus with many other families to the US Embassy. It was about a 30 minute drive, arrive at the Embassy and we registered very quickly, then waited about 10 minutes and we had our Oath - all as a group - and off we went.
The Consulate Officialy delivering the Oath was very nice and personable. He pointed out that Kentucky had the most families represented with 4!! Then he also recognized the kids with Birthday's this Month. Of course that was Aric. He was melting during most of the swearing and we had a hard time hearing (as did others around us) another family gave him crackers and that helped. The fact that we didn't get a nap in before hand probably didn't help.
The boys are crashed now and we are up early tomorrow to get ready eat and be ready to leave the hotel at 8:15. Preparing for the long travels ahead. We take a plane from Guangzhou to Beijing, then Beijing to Newark, and Newark to Nashville. Hoping the weather is ok!!! I called the kids after looking online to let them know they had a Snow Day today!! That was fun. :) Thanks Ashley for answering your phone so early. Love you guys!! Please keep us in your prayers once again for safe travels. After these next 3 planes - I really, really cannot think of any reason why I will get back on one again for awhile!!!
Bye for now! I will let you guys know when we get home safely and will add some pictures. The room here is dial up and I don't have the patience.
I had planned to go to the Starbucks but never made it there. It looks very nice!
Bye again!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Safari Park
Today we started at 9:30 and off to the Safari Park Zoo - it was about a 30 minute drive over. The other family with our agency went too.
The first part we did on a small train and you ride through with the animals walking across the road - well the deer and the Non-Predatory animals. The others were not as accessibile. For that we were thankful.
The other part on foot, was fun! There were lots of really cool animals. There were 10 Pandas - one of which was 31 years old. There were a lot of White Tigers and we got to get our picture made with one. It was a baby and Dave took the picture, Aric did not want to be in it. He was very afraid of this animal. As I am holding the little tiger he starts growling. And even as small as he was the growl was intimidating.
Later we fed the Giraffes and some Squirrel Monkeys. We saw Koala Bears (although since they are nocturnal they were asleep.) They have twin Koala's which is rather unique!! I think Alex's favorite may have been the baby chimp and organtan. They were dressed in baby clothes and in a little glass enclosure. They were really cute. Aric still likes the Pandas. These Pandas were more lively than at the CQ zoo. Guess we caught them at a good time.
Alex was playing and running and fell down on his face!! He didn't get badly hurt but he scraped up his nose and knees. I will post pictures of our day and his poor little face.
The first part we did on a small train and you ride through with the animals walking across the road - well the deer and the Non-Predatory animals. The others were not as accessibile. For that we were thankful.
The other part on foot, was fun! There were lots of really cool animals. There were 10 Pandas - one of which was 31 years old. There were a lot of White Tigers and we got to get our picture made with one. It was a baby and Dave took the picture, Aric did not want to be in it. He was very afraid of this animal. As I am holding the little tiger he starts growling. And even as small as he was the growl was intimidating.
Later we fed the Giraffes and some Squirrel Monkeys. We saw Koala Bears (although since they are nocturnal they were asleep.) They have twin Koala's which is rather unique!! I think Alex's favorite may have been the baby chimp and organtan. They were dressed in baby clothes and in a little glass enclosure. They were really cute. Aric still likes the Pandas. These Pandas were more lively than at the CQ zoo. Guess we caught them at a good time.
Alex was playing and running and fell down on his face!! He didn't get badly hurt but he scraped up his nose and knees. I will post pictures of our day and his poor little face.
Sunday
Not too much - ha!
Actually we went shopping. We used Ann from Red Thread and went to a couple of the markets. She will do the negotiating for you. It was fun, but tiring!!
We went to one building that 5 levels of shoe shops, I like shoes but NOT that much. :)
It was fun and we went to Lucy's for dinner.
The boys got new shoes and Aric loved them - Red Crocs with Mickey Mouse - $7 USD Alex was asleep when we got those and when he woke up wanted some too. Now they have matching shoes.
Actually we went shopping. We used Ann from Red Thread and went to a couple of the markets. She will do the negotiating for you. It was fun, but tiring!!
We went to one building that 5 levels of shoe shops, I like shoes but NOT that much. :)
It was fun and we went to Lucy's for dinner.
The boys got new shoes and Aric loved them - Red Crocs with Mickey Mouse - $7 USD Alex was asleep when we got those and when he woke up wanted some too. Now they have matching shoes.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
First Full Day in Guangzhou
We love Shamian Island!!
The weather here is great, the buildings are beautiful and of course the people are very nice. Not as much staring here!
We completed all of the paperwork and did the Medical visit was a breeze. Weight,Height and a cursory glance and you are done.... We did realize that we don't have Aric's vaccination record and I would definitely like to have that.
We were given a lot of information from throughout his earlier years with pictures. That is awesome and we will have to have this translated.
We ate at a traditional Cantonese Chinese restaurant a few doors down from the hotel. This was an experience. When you walk in there are several tanks with Lobster, fist, Conch, Snail and at the far end there were 2 snakes in a tank and they were fighting and biting each other.
They seem to use every part of an animal - nothing goes to waste. I am an almost vegetarian as it is. If I think about what it is while/before I eat I can't eat it. Well small pigeons full size on the plate cooked. The whole pig - face and all. Duck whole..... We did try some different items, not to far out there.
Oh and they charge for tea for everyone at the table wether you drink tea or not. They also charge for napkins,which is a wet one indivually wrapped. And they served us a pickled vegetable dish and you get charged for this. Just an FYI for those traveling soon.
Lots of stores to shop at and we did a bit today. They are very nice, I don't like the haggling poriton of this. I was told by another Adoptive parent that if you go over the bridge into Guandong that the prices are cheaper than here. We have a free day tomorrow so we are going over the bridge!
We finished the day with a late dinner at Cow and Bridge - the menu is extensive! I was really enjoying my Spring Roll until I saw an unidentified piece of meat - I know I am a weirdo about it, but I didn't and don't know what it was. Oh well....
Off to bed soon, gotta get the boys down.
Sorry I couldn't post what I got - they are Christmas presents - right kids?? :)
The weather here is great, the buildings are beautiful and of course the people are very nice. Not as much staring here!
We completed all of the paperwork and did the Medical visit was a breeze. Weight,Height and a cursory glance and you are done.... We did realize that we don't have Aric's vaccination record and I would definitely like to have that.
We were given a lot of information from throughout his earlier years with pictures. That is awesome and we will have to have this translated.
We ate at a traditional Cantonese Chinese restaurant a few doors down from the hotel. This was an experience. When you walk in there are several tanks with Lobster, fist, Conch, Snail and at the far end there were 2 snakes in a tank and they were fighting and biting each other.
They seem to use every part of an animal - nothing goes to waste. I am an almost vegetarian as it is. If I think about what it is while/before I eat I can't eat it. Well small pigeons full size on the plate cooked. The whole pig - face and all. Duck whole..... We did try some different items, not to far out there.
Oh and they charge for tea for everyone at the table wether you drink tea or not. They also charge for napkins,which is a wet one indivually wrapped. And they served us a pickled vegetable dish and you get charged for this. Just an FYI for those traveling soon.
Lots of stores to shop at and we did a bit today. They are very nice, I don't like the haggling poriton of this. I was told by another Adoptive parent that if you go over the bridge into Guandong that the prices are cheaper than here. We have a free day tomorrow so we are going over the bridge!
We finished the day with a late dinner at Cow and Bridge - the menu is extensive! I was really enjoying my Spring Roll until I saw an unidentified piece of meat - I know I am a weirdo about it, but I didn't and don't know what it was. Oh well....
Off to bed soon, gotta get the boys down.
Sorry I couldn't post what I got - they are Christmas presents - right kids?? :)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Guangzhou travel day
Well another Ground Hog day here in Chongqing. Breakfast went better than it has. Aric actually will cry out if you don't get him his food fast enough and he will eat off other's plates - those two things had improved by the end today. Yea!
We got his passport and a picture album from CAB. Had to make a quick run to the grocery store for some more "jellies" a candy that they both love and we are hoping to bring some back for the other kiddos.
We had a quick bite to eat after going thru security. (thomas the tank always requires a second run thru security) We ate at a place called Flavor Tang. We had to point at the pictures cause of course we can't read Chinese and they don't speak English that well. We both chose well!!
The flight was a little turbulent but really not bad. We met our new guide and off to Shamian Island and the Victory. We love this area - it is so beautiful and also love the room. It is big. :)
We walked to Lucy's and ate dinner outside - it was wonderful.
Getting ready to go to meet for the Medical Checkup and Visa.
We got his passport and a picture album from CAB. Had to make a quick run to the grocery store for some more "jellies" a candy that they both love and we are hoping to bring some back for the other kiddos.
We had a quick bite to eat after going thru security. (thomas the tank always requires a second run thru security) We ate at a place called Flavor Tang. We had to point at the pictures cause of course we can't read Chinese and they don't speak English that well. We both chose well!!
The flight was a little turbulent but really not bad. We met our new guide and off to Shamian Island and the Victory. We love this area - it is so beautiful and also love the room. It is big. :)
We walked to Lucy's and ate dinner outside - it was wonderful.
Getting ready to go to meet for the Medical Checkup and Visa.
Chongqing Zoo
Today we went to the zoo. The boys really like this adventure!
Our guide asked Aric if he had ever been before and he said no.
Aric's favorite is the Panda - we learned that thru the guide. I'll have to say the language barrier is difficult. I really wish we could understand all his excited ramblings. It was nice when there was someone to translate for us.
Alex's favorite was the giraffes. It was a unique set up where there was glass and the could go inside and out but you could really see them close up. There was also Hippo's a Mom and baby. Boy those are big animals.
We tried to get the kids back so we can get them on a "schedule" of sorts. Then after they napped we went out and about. It is interesting just to walk around here.
The driving is crazy, traffic signals are next to non-existant, and people just walk in between the moving cars and there is a lot of beeping of horns.
Our room was hot most of the time and this is not even the hot season. We are staying at the Marriott and it is a very nice hotel, but NO air conditioning. UGH! So we opened the window and outside our window they are doing construction and this one machine that is very annoying goes on alllll daaay long and alll night long. Literally it didn't stop until after midnight. There is a lot of smog in this city of 30 million people. This city is the size of Beijing and Shanghai combined. LOTS of people.
So with the window open I had terrible allergies and there is lots of cigarette smoke everywhere. Wah!! I miss clean air for sure.
Looking forward to going to Guangzhou with it's wonderful temperatures and sunshine.
Oh yeah - very little in the way of sunshine here. It is grey.
Our guide asked Aric if he had ever been before and he said no.
Aric's favorite is the Panda - we learned that thru the guide. I'll have to say the language barrier is difficult. I really wish we could understand all his excited ramblings. It was nice when there was someone to translate for us.
Alex's favorite was the giraffes. It was a unique set up where there was glass and the could go inside and out but you could really see them close up. There was also Hippo's a Mom and baby. Boy those are big animals.
We tried to get the kids back so we can get them on a "schedule" of sorts. Then after they napped we went out and about. It is interesting just to walk around here.
The driving is crazy, traffic signals are next to non-existant, and people just walk in between the moving cars and there is a lot of beeping of horns.
Our room was hot most of the time and this is not even the hot season. We are staying at the Marriott and it is a very nice hotel, but NO air conditioning. UGH! So we opened the window and outside our window they are doing construction and this one machine that is very annoying goes on alllll daaay long and alll night long. Literally it didn't stop until after midnight. There is a lot of smog in this city of 30 million people. This city is the size of Beijing and Shanghai combined. LOTS of people.
So with the window open I had terrible allergies and there is lots of cigarette smoke everywhere. Wah!! I miss clean air for sure.
Looking forward to going to Guangzhou with it's wonderful temperatures and sunshine.
Oh yeah - very little in the way of sunshine here. It is grey.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
About the pics
The one picture is just of a guy we saw -which you see a lot of here - carrying something in that manner.
I would have loved to have gotten pictures of the little kids, about 1 - 2 years old with their split pants. They are being potty trained and go potty at the trees and grates. Yeah...
They say that Chongqing has the nickname "Foggy City" it starts gray and ends gray. LOL
The one of the boys in the car.
Then us on the Rope Bridge - if you look closely it has braiding on the sides like a rope. While we were on the bridge our guide tell us the bridge is 300 years old. :)
Also at the park, we didn't get pictures of this, but we heard music and asked about it. There were people singing Karaoke under a shelter in the park. They were playing music with a keyboardist and It wasn't exactly American style Karaoke. There were people dancing while she sang. According to our guide it is really big here!!
I would have loved to have gotten pictures of the little kids, about 1 - 2 years old with their split pants. They are being potty trained and go potty at the trees and grates. Yeah...
They say that Chongqing has the nickname "Foggy City" it starts gray and ends gray. LOL
The one of the boys in the car.
Then us on the Rope Bridge - if you look closely it has braiding on the sides like a rope. While we were on the bridge our guide tell us the bridge is 300 years old. :)
Also at the park, we didn't get pictures of this, but we heard music and asked about it. There were people singing Karaoke under a shelter in the park. They were playing music with a keyboardist and It wasn't exactly American style Karaoke. There were people dancing while she sang. According to our guide it is really big here!!
Elgin Park
Hi all,
Sorry it's been awhile. These 2 guys are a lot to keep up with. :)
Yesterday we went to Elgin Park and I believe it is the highest point in the city. It was fun, there were little cars that the boys could drive and they had a blast. We had some people walk up to us (they stare quite a bit!!!) because our guide was with us. They were very nice and told us how lucky we were to have 2 boys.
We also went to a Tea House and participated in a tea ceremony. We weren't sure how the boys would do but they did well. The lady conducting the Tea Ceremony was very nice and funny and interacted with the boys well. He Jin was really into the Chocolate tea biscuits they served, he grabbed all of those in his hand right away. Everyone there was very nice and just kept serving him more.
We went to McDonalds and I ordered a Chicken Sandwich - it was way too hot to eat. The fries and coke were the same. I ordered Diet but oh well. Aric ate one bite of fry and spit that back out. He didn't like those. Or anything else - of course I think he was full of tea biscuits.
Later we went swimming and Alex and Aric had a blast.
We are off to breakfast soon, it feels a bit like GroundHog Day. While it's nice in some respects we are really tired of being in a hotel room.
Off to post pictures.
Sorry it's been awhile. These 2 guys are a lot to keep up with. :)
Yesterday we went to Elgin Park and I believe it is the highest point in the city. It was fun, there were little cars that the boys could drive and they had a blast. We had some people walk up to us (they stare quite a bit!!!) because our guide was with us. They were very nice and told us how lucky we were to have 2 boys.
We also went to a Tea House and participated in a tea ceremony. We weren't sure how the boys would do but they did well. The lady conducting the Tea Ceremony was very nice and funny and interacted with the boys well. He Jin was really into the Chocolate tea biscuits they served, he grabbed all of those in his hand right away. Everyone there was very nice and just kept serving him more.
We went to McDonalds and I ordered a Chicken Sandwich - it was way too hot to eat. The fries and coke were the same. I ordered Diet but oh well. Aric ate one bite of fry and spit that back out. He didn't like those. Or anything else - of course I think he was full of tea biscuits.
Later we went swimming and Alex and Aric had a blast.
We are off to breakfast soon, it feels a bit like GroundHog Day. While it's nice in some respects we are really tired of being in a hotel room.
Off to post pictures.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Civil Affairs Bureau
Today was spent taking care of the necessary paperwork and going to the CAB to complete our adoption and take our oath.
Dave and our guide went to the bank to exchange money and while they were I called the kids via iChat back home. I knew they wanted to see Aric more. Well he and Alex put on a show for them and it was a lot of sibling rivalry. Not sure what the other kids thought about that!!
Then on to the CAB, it was a 20 minute ride. I don't think Dave and I will stop being amazed at the traffic and how there are not lots more accidents! It would cause serious road rage back home. They don't get upset here, or don't seem too. And you wouldn't want to drive without your horn. Our guide is an excellent driver and I think he takes it easy with us in the car. :)
When we arrived at the CAB, it is a new office and very modern. There was another couple ahead of us. It went fairly quickly, thankfully so cause with no naps the boys were not great "waiters." They did excellent though. Alex had a couple of melt downs cause Aric wanted to sit in my lap. After he noticed it made Di Di cry, he was laughing. He is mischevious.
The Assistant Director from the Orphanage came as part of the process. Aric looked very confused, but not too upset. She wanted to take a picture with him and he was reluctant about that part.
We took a family picture, then we processed the paper work, then another picture of us taking the oath. Aric loved the attention and Baba holding him. We had to do fingerprints and he liked that part a lot too.
We will get his passport on Friday before we leave along with the pictures.
We have some pictures and I will be uploading them soon. :)
Dave and our guide went to the bank to exchange money and while they were I called the kids via iChat back home. I knew they wanted to see Aric more. Well he and Alex put on a show for them and it was a lot of sibling rivalry. Not sure what the other kids thought about that!!
Then on to the CAB, it was a 20 minute ride. I don't think Dave and I will stop being amazed at the traffic and how there are not lots more accidents! It would cause serious road rage back home. They don't get upset here, or don't seem too. And you wouldn't want to drive without your horn. Our guide is an excellent driver and I think he takes it easy with us in the car. :)
When we arrived at the CAB, it is a new office and very modern. There was another couple ahead of us. It went fairly quickly, thankfully so cause with no naps the boys were not great "waiters." They did excellent though. Alex had a couple of melt downs cause Aric wanted to sit in my lap. After he noticed it made Di Di cry, he was laughing. He is mischevious.
The Assistant Director from the Orphanage came as part of the process. Aric looked very confused, but not too upset. She wanted to take a picture with him and he was reluctant about that part.
We took a family picture, then we processed the paper work, then another picture of us taking the oath. Aric loved the attention and Baba holding him. We had to do fingerprints and he liked that part a lot too.
We will get his passport on Friday before we leave along with the pictures.
We have some pictures and I will be uploading them soon. :)
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