The China Adventure

And so, we are off to China again.  Amy's foster mother is not well and I'm afraid if we don't go this summer, she may not be be around next summer for us to visit.  Robin is staying home and Carol, the girls and I are off for a month on a very warm adventure.

We were up at 4 this morning for our 7am flight.  The kids were great on the flight, but did not sleep at all.  Once in Vancouver, our first visit was to the killer whale at the Aquarium Store and we managed to escape without any damage to my wallet.

 It was when I checked our boarding passes to see what gate we were deporting from, that I noticed there was a nine hour discrepancy in our departure time from the ticket that I booked to the one that was listed on our boarding pass.  The Air Canada staff soon informed me that there was a typhoon in Hong Kong and they were waiting out the storm.

Ugh.

After a two second deliberation with myself, I decided we would check into the airport hotel where we all had a 3 hour nap.  It was great to shower and relax as well enjoy room service.  Amy and I ventured out to check on the status of our flight and saw many families sleeping in chairs or frazzled parents.  That confirmed my decision was a good one.

We are now on our way to the gate and hopefully on to China.  Fingers crossed.

Five Years Ago Today (Well, Let's make that Yesterday)

Five years ago yesterday, Robin was frantically trying to reach me at work to tell me that our referral from China had finally arrived and we were to be parents to a beautiful little girl.

She's a little goofy,

. . . and a good friend,

. . . especially with her pal Jillian who joined her family, our good friends, on the same day as Amy joined ours.  It just so happens that the two girls go to the same Montessori.

It was an exciting day yesterday.

Amy was one of many students who graduated yesterday,

 . . . but she's one in a million to us.

You've come a long way baby, from . . .

 . . . June 28th, 2011 . . .

 . . . June 28th, 2010 . . .

 . . . June 28th, 2009 . . .

 . . . June 28th, 2008 . . .

 . . . and finally on October 10th, 2007, your first morning with us.  We love you Pal!

Happy Canada Day a Little Early

Well, here we are again after a little hiatus.  Life with two little ones tends to get very busy and the blog just sort of fell by the wayside.  We are, however, heading back to China for a visit, so it was time to get back to the blog as a way of communicating with Daddy back at home.
The girls have both grown and changed this year.  Amy is still a great big sister, taking very good care of her Mei Mei.  The girls had a Canada Day Party at school, so I jumped at the opportunity to take some pictures of them.  Anna was slow to warm up to the photo shoot as she often is first thing in the morning.  She needs lots of cuddling and cajoling before she can begin her day.  If you're late and you push her a little to get into gear, her mood quickly goes from bad to worse.  She needs to take her own time to greet the day.

Amy is usually the one who can talk her out of her funk.

Both girls get along and play together so well.  They certainly have their moments, but those pass quickly and they are back to being partners in crime.

At times they get along too well.  It can feel like you're being ganged up on sometimes.  They both love to play and goof around, with Amy often taking the lead and Anna following happily along. 

Amy has blossomed into a clever, beautiful little girl who takes her role as big sister seriously.  She is always looking out for her Mei Mei and is fiercely protective of her.



Most importantly, they love each other and are best friends.  We are truly lucky parents to have such beautiful kids.