The firsts of the school year!

We always start off the school year with the first day of school pictures! This is our first year to have 2 kids off to school. Nathan is now a junior in high school (wow, do I feel old!). This start of school was no big deal, except the bus came very early and Nathan missed it! Nathan usually squeaks out the door just a minute or two before the bus gets here, but not this time. Mike drove him to school on his way to work, so everything went OK. Nathan is excited about his classes this year, and only upset that he could not schedule Honors Physics because of a scheduling conflict. (Not a class I would be upset about missing!) Besides band, I think we have heard the most about his Mandarin class and his Space Tech class. Maybe we will have everyone speaking Chinese soon!

Molly's first day of school was August 29th. She started Kindergarden, and only half her class was there the first day, with the second half on the second day. Since she is attending the school where I work, she attended both days and got to meet all of her classmates. Her teacher says she is doing great so far. She is trying to repeat everything said and sing along with the songs. We read and read books this week - I think she understands that is what she will be learning. She is trying to follow along with her finger - a great start. She is writing her name and singing her alphabet and counting and writing her numbers to 10 so far. A great start for only a week and a few days here in the United States! I think she will be able to hold her own with the students. I heard her giving one little boy quite a talking to in Cantonese in the hall. He didn't have a clue what she was saying (and neither did I), but I don't think he was too ready to bother her again. Unfortunately, she was running a fever and missed Friday, but several students came to check on where she was.

Nathan's first football Friday was August 24th. Here is part of the drum line in their summer uniforms, as it was in the 80s at game time! We all attended the home game on the 31st. Molly was amazed! Faith absolutely loves the football games, watching the cheerleaders and jumping up and down when the drum line plays in the 4th quarter. Molly wasn't so sure what to think - but loved the popcorn! She finally figured out who Nathan was during the drum time in the 4th quarter, and kept her eyes glued to Nathan. She keeps referring to it every day and has been asking to see the video that Mike took.














We are having a great time here with Molly! The girls get along fine while they are playing, but if Molly wants attention from Mike or I, Faith is very jealous. We have had some real tearful moments and prolonged crying bouts. They are becoming fewer and farther as we are learning to step in and negotiate these times. Molly, I have to say, is really trying to be patient with Faith. Once she knows some more English, we may hear more though. We can't believe how well Molly is taking all of these changes. She certainly is very adaptable. We can thank the Lord for helping her through all these ups and downs. We love to hear her ask grace before meals - we will have to try and record it because it is something that will

pass very quickly. Mostly it is just a bunch of syllables then an "Amen". Probably how we sound to her! Enjoy the pictures of our two beauties with their parasols.

We're Home!!

So sorry for the lateness of this post - we have been caught up in the whirlwind since arriving home. Here are a few pictures of our arrival home. We unfortunately were in the last row of the plane coming home, and almost the last off the plane. Going through immigrations and customs took forever! So consequently, we were unable to make our plane home. We were delayed for 3 hours for the next flight - that arrived home after 10 pm Friday night. Boy, what a long day. The kids did pretty well on the long flight and we were all sad to say goodbye to Mike's sister. Unfortunately, we didn't even really have much of a chance to say goodbye since we were rushing off in different directions. We were very happy to reach home - and of course I cried from the moment we stepped off the plane. It was wonderful to see Nathan waiting for us! And all the friends and Mike's parents too, of course. Molly couldn't take her eyes off Nathan. I don't think she expected him to be so tall! Well, here's the pictures to enjoy.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Faith checking out what big sis is doing!

Well, here it is our last day in China (Hong Kong). We got to sleep in a little later than normal and go down to the character breakfast in our hotel. It was once again . . . a buffet! Can we tell you that we love the breakfast buffets - but are truly sick of them! The kids got to see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy. All went well with Mick (as Faith calls him), but the other characters were not our friends! Once we were done, it was off to the park. We got through the beginning of Tomorrowland and as Molly was playing in the water/misting station it started to rain. And it never stopped! We ended up leaving the park around 3 pm as Faith had woke up with a cold and was a bit under the weather. Molly was pooped too. We didn't get to ride much - the teacups, which Molly and Faith loved! and the Buzz Lightyear Blaster ride (I forget the real name), that Molly is still talking about! What we did was lots of fun, but we had hoped to do more. Once we were back in the room, the girls had their second bath of the day and dressed up in their Minnie and Cinderella dresses. They had so much fun playing in these the rest of the afternoon and evening! Molly really loves to dress up!

Two in a stroller! Note the beautiful hat that Faith picked out!

Having a great time!

Molly showing off her shooting skills!

And you think I'm sharing my umbrella?

This one's for you Nathan!

Molly loved Pooh! She chose an Eeyore for her stuffed animal prior to this.

Well, we are off to the airport tomorrow for our long trip home. Can't wait to see you Nathan! Anyone that would like to welcome Molly home- we'd love to see you! Our flight is United Airlines flight 864, scheduled to arrive in Columbus at 6:28 pm (and since every flight we have been on has been delayed, please pray that this one is on time!) Don't mind the tears from me - I have been tearing up the past week just thinking about coming home!

Love,

Tina

Happy Birthday Molly!

Molly Yingjin is 6 years old today!

We had an early morning today getting ready to travel to Hong Kong. We made it to the breakfast buffet after checking out with our carryon luggage in tow. We were able to say goodbye to some of the families that were not traveling with us to Hong Kong. We were sad to part, but all of us are anxious to get back to our homes and families. Our flight to Hong Kong was delayed by about an hour, but Faith and Molly did pretty well in the airport. Take off was much better this time around, both girls were distracted and busy. But for some reason Faith has been in a panic during landings and does not want to put on her seatbelt and wants to be held (of course that is against the safety regulations). She screams and screams. We tried to get her to pop her ears in case this was bothering her, but it didn't seem to help. We are praying that she does well on the flights home (please send up a prayer for her if you have a chance). Well we got through the end of the flight and through quarantine, and customs and traveled to the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Our rooms were upgraded to a sea view, which is beautiful! We tromped off to Disneyland and had a wonderful spaghetti dinner! (Even when you love Chinese food you get tired of it at this point). We went to Fantasyland (not much different from Florida) and rode the carousel, Dumbo and saw "Mickey's Philharmonic". We stayed for the fireworks then back to the hotel. Molly's name was put up on the entrance hall screen to wish her "Happy Birthday". She opened her presents after Disney and just loves the Polly Pocket that Aunt Cheryl (kuku) brought. We also purchased a Cinderella dress for her that she just loves! It was a wonderful day, not too much celebrating for the first time but a very happy little girl! (It probably helped that Mike told her that the fireworks were for her birthday!) We tucked in two exhausted little girls at the end of the day.


Molly and Faith with our guides (R to L) Maggie, Molly, Faith and Fontana

Molly and Faith have a good time jumping on Aunt's bed

Here we are in the park.

Molly posing along Main Street!

On the carousel (and insider's view)

Molly hamming it up for the camera!

Closely watching the fireworks.

Thanks Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jack for the great doll!

All the paperwork is done!

Hello to all! Thanks so much for continuing to follow our journey to Molly. It is late here, about 11 pm, and I just wanted to get off a quick post before going to bed. We leave Guangzhou tomorrow for Hong Kong and Disneyland! We have to check out by 7 am and get on the bus to the airport at 8 am. Our flight leaves at 11:30 am. We are so excited to be on the final stage of our journey before coming home. It's Molly's birthday tomorrow - she will be 6!! We are so excited for her to get to celebrate her birthday and so thankful to God that she is finally in our arms!

Today we spent the morning walking around the hotel to check out the shops. Cheryl finally found a jade bangle bracelet that she liked - it is really pretty! Mike and I purchased a couple of pretty bracelets for the girls for later Gotcha Day presents. We had group photos in the lobby at 2 pm after lunch. It is a real lucky day when we can get all of the children together and smiling at the same time. They did a pretty good job. Mike was busy taking pictures of the families and got some nice shots. After pictures was the highlight of our day! We traveled to the American Consulate to receive Molly's Visa and to get the paperwork that insures that she will become a citizen once we are in America! Molly was a bit confused over the whole thing. The girls looked very pretty in their red, white and blue dresses, but unfortunately Faith would not cooperate with pictures. So please enjoy the ones you can, even if a bit blurry. Faith and Molly are getting along better today and spent some time chasing each other around the lobby area.



We ended the day with dinner at the Japanese restaurant with several of the families. It was a leisurely dinner but very tasty. Faith chowed on the steak, while Molly enjoyed noodles and fruit salad. It was a nice way to end our time here. I was talking to Mike today and stated that I can't wait to get home. I will miss China when we leave, but I am ready for a more normal routine, no more eating at restaurants and having someone make my bed each day. So hope to see you Friday when we arrive in Columbus.

Disneyland here we come!

Yahoo! Our paperwork is complete!

Today was our consulate appointment. Our guides take our final paperwork to the consulate to turn in to complete the adoption. This paperwork also applies for the Visa for Molly to travel to the US and become a citizen. Everything for our whole group passed with flying colors so we went out to dinner to celebrate! We tried a Thai restaurant, the Banana Leaf, that had singing and dancing between the tables as entertainment. The guides ordered the food and I must say they made wonderful choices - everything was delicious. We had a few strange dishes, including a seafood rice dish that included squid. Molly tried it, but didn't like it. We got a picture though!





This afternoon prior to our meal we went to the Chen Clan temple. It was just as beautiful this time as the last time and Mike got to see a little more. We were amazed at how many new shops were there since we last saw it. Mike did get to photograph the Story of AhQ statues in the back garden. We have to look up the story again, but did not have time today. We were able to get a few more soveigners and Molly's name chop. We got Faith's in the same place last year. Molly and Faith had a wonderful morning playing in the room, but once we go out both are very whiney, tired and wanting attention. It is hard to be on a regular schedule here and it is so humid none of us enjoy our time out. I can't wait to get home to settle down. I finally had to sit Molly down for a time out this evening. It was amazing the change in her behavior after that. We have been saying no, but no real punishment for behavior. But tonight it just down to the point that she just wouldn't obey. She pouted for a minute, we talked and she was fine. I think she needed us to be firm with her. She is starting to say "I love you" back to us when we talk with her, mostly in Mandarin, but also in English if prompted. And praise God, we had our blessing before dinner and she said her first "Amen" tonight. I know that she doesn't understand, but with each baby step we hope to show her the love of the Lord.

A moment of peace in an otherwise busy afternoon!



Molly was posing us for pictures today! She had so much fun!

Well, that's it for us today. Tomorrow is the swearing in ceremony and then we leave for Hong Kong Disney on Wednesday, Molly's birthday. Please continue to keep us in prayer. I cannot tell you enough how encouraged we are with all of your messages. I can't wait till you all get to meet Molly!
- Tina

Shopping!!

It's Sunday here in Guangzhou and we had a wonderful day of shopping. We are getting presents for the girls for each Gotcha Day anniversary, and believe it or not, after 2 trips to shop, we are still about 5 gifts short. We have ideas of what we would like to buy, we just haven't found them yet. Faith and Molly had a wonderful time shopping - mostly because we broke down and purchased a new stroller (It was only about $26 and worth every penny!). Both girls have been riding in it, and it sure made a difference on all of our backs. Molly has been imitating Faith, even the worst of the worst. I think she sees Faith getting attention, even if it is negative, and follows suit. Right now her favorite word is "nose". She says it every time she wants something. We finally figured out that we think she is saying "please" which she has repeated for us but not often. She says "Thank you" very appropriately and "welcome" which Mike thinks sounds like "Wonka". She seems to be understanding us pretty well and listens to me more that Mike. Of course, I use alot of hand gestures, so I think I am easier to understand. Some funny things - she won't go to the bathroom by herself. She wants me there every time to hand her the toilet paper, I have no idea why. She loves to walk around with the toy cell phone chatting softly in Cantonese. I keep telling Mike she is trying to find someone to make sense of this for her or to take her back where she belongs! She also spends time every day writing in her composition book that Aunt Cheryl gave to her. Mostly it is just chicken scratch with a few Chinese characters mixed in. But she is very serious about it. She loves her dresses. It is really difficult to get her to wear shorts, and if we do she is begging to change in the afternoon. She loves socks!!!! Mostly the frilly kind that turn down (anklets) We found a fancy pair at a shop today for 50 cents US and bought them. She was so happy! She is starting to write down her numbers and is able to count things in English! We will continue to work on it!

As we shopped around Shamian Island and ate dinner there tonight, it was interesting to see all the attention the girls get when they are together. Many people just assume that Faith is the new adoptee, and are surprised when they find that Molly is our new giggly girl. Molly has been asked in Chinese what her name is and she has been replying Molly. We are surprised that she is not really approaching the other kids in the group and talking to them. Maybe a little weird to her - most of them speak Mandarin not Cantonese. She seems to be very outgoing overall, except in this circumstance. But she is still trying to find her way, so we will have to see how she does.

The girls with their new parasols. Too pretty!

See how well we can load up this stroller!

Two beautiful girls shopping.

Some of the kids on the trip: Jaden being held by mom, Zoe, Molly, Beau, Maddie, Jacob, Faith.

Molly told the shop keeper when she picked her parasol that now she is ready for rain! (She hates the rain we think)

We're in Guangzhou!

Hello all. So sorry for the late post. We have been busy since reaching Guangzhou, plus I had some problems getting this to post. So here we are.
Friday was pretty uneventful. Cheryl took the girls swimming after breakfast and we packed. We were waiting for our laundry to be returned and for paperwork, so we stuck around the room. The girls played but it was the first day when both of them had some difficulty. Faith was pretty whiney, and Molly, thinking that it should be that way, started whining too! Jealousy was the prime motivator on both sides I think. Our flight to Guangzhou left in early evening and unfortunately was not good for both girls. Molly was very frightened, seemed to do well once we were in the air, but not so good on landing. Faith decided that she no longer wants to wear her seat belt on the plane and screamed through the landing because we had to make her wear it. Boy, were we happy to see the ground! Both girls perked up then and had some fun being pushed around on the luggage by Daddy. I think it is a little confusing to Molly to be in a new hotel. I wonder what she is thinking since we are living so unusually these days. Well, less than a week until we are home!
Molly had her medical exam first thing on Saturday. She was frightened when we walked into the room, there were plenty of screaming kids. We held her hand and she made it through. I think she thought it was pretty mild compared to other things she had gone through. After the medical exam we made our way to Carrefour - a big grocery/department store, and purchased some snacks and plenty of water. That is the hardest thing for us, getting plenty of water into us and the girls while we are in this hot weather. Today it was not so hot but very humid and raining. It looks like we have more of the same this week. We are hoping with the typhoon that is affecting the weather that we will have some cooler temperatures coming (now cooler is relative - 80s would be great!) Molly was very quiet today when we arrived back in the room. She had lots of time while Tina went to do paperwork to draw and play with Daddy. I think she enjoyed having time to relax. Well, only 6 more days until we are home. Can't wait to be back and in our own home and to see Nathan!



How silly can we act? Goofing around with Aunt Cheryl.

Too much silliness :-)

Watching out the window on the flight

Goofying around on top of the luggage.





Our rainy day girls!















Can you see the worry in her face?