Travelling Home

Another Red Couch Picture with her Chinese Dress on

A very tired picture of a new American Citizen

All my kids together

WELCOME HOME!

Meeting Rocky for the first time( No Tears!)

One of My favorite Pictures

Thursday went quicker than I thought. We spent time packing and were able to go out for some last minute shopping. It was sooo hot. You could just stand there and start sweating. We grabbed our last lunch at the Deli next to the White Swan. We really liked eating there for a quick lunch but they were busy this time and I was not paying attention and they over charged us big time. Russ was really mad but we let it go because we are on our way out. We met our guide and a few other families at 4:30 to get Sophia's visa and passport. Sophia started crying once she realized were were not coming back. SHe was mainly upset over the fact that she would not see our guide again. So I put my arm around her in the van and she soon fell asleep.

Our ride to Hong Kong was suppose to be about 2.5 hours and it turned into 4! The traffic was horrible and the driver's foot was on/off/on/off the gas. I was really glad Sophia was not awake because this would have really made her sick. Unfortunately by the time we got to Hong Kong, it was dark so we could not really see the island. We were so glad to get to the hotel. We stayed at the Disneyland Hollywood hotel. It was great to have a little bit of back home. We ate at the buffet, which was outrageously priced, but we were tired and did not want to struggle with trying to figure out what Sophia wanted. Unfortunately, even though it had a lot of asian food, she really did not want most of it, except of course the dessert section. I think she probably tried one of everything, but I was not going to argue about it.

Our flight was not until noonish so we did not have to rush. When we got up we were amazed at our view. It was so beautiful, it seemed like we were in Hawaii. We would have loved to stay and see Hong Kong but we were ready to go home.

So we ate at a quick serve place for breakfast and requested two cabs to take us to the airport. Russ and Dominic were in one and Sophia and I the other. The rides were about 20 minutes and I got to see more of the island so that was great. What was not great was that the cabs did not stay together and we did not get dropped off at the same spot. Granted, we were on the same little strip but I thought Russ's cab was behind us, so I watched and watched, and sweated and watched. I was afraid to go inside because there were just more people to get lost in so I waited, and prayed that some how her would find me. Not 30 seconds after that prayer, Dominic came running out of the airport calling my name. They had already gone inside and were waiting at the United checkin. Dominic saw us through the window and my prayers were answered.

So through the airport we went, which was still sooo much easier than Russia, and we met up with some friends that were on the same flight.

THanksfully the flight went pretty smooth. Unfortunately on THursday, I started to get a cold, so as long as I was on meds, I did pretty good. Sophia, unfortunately had an accident on the plane, and even though I had wipes and pullups, I had NO PANTS, so that was difficult to deal with but we made it through. She stayed up until it was about 9pm China time and then slept for the rest of the trip. I had to laugh at the kids meals that we got on the plane, there was nothing ,kid like about them, in fact, they both liked our food better. Oh well.

We landed early, breezed through immigration and actually had the high hopes of catching an earlier flight home, but it was booked so we waited until 7pm for our final leg home( nwe landed around 1:30).

I have to tell you all of the bug laugh I got when we walked into the immigration section so give our papers to them. THere were several adoption families that were getting ready to leave the area as we came in. THere were also a few people that we not US citizens waiting for their paperwork. One was a family that sounded like they were from and Eastern European country based on their accent. THey had a son that was probably 5-6 ans were getting upset at the wait. He went up tot he immigration officer and was asking why all these "illegals" were able to go in front of him! Illegals? Hey buddy, we are all US CITIZENS!!!!

THe final flight home went well. Sophia slept some more. Once we landed I explained to her that when we got off the plane, she would meet Olivia, Luc and Micah. She had a very unsure look on her face so I was not sure how this would go.

It was so great to get off the plane and be home! As we walked toward security I was all smiles as I could see my three wonderful children that I have missed so much. We all hugged but Sophia just stayed very close to us. I introduced her to everyone but she was still very unsure and not too happy. It did not take too long as Olivia started to play with her for her to open up and feel comfortable.

We did not land until about 9 so it was after 10 when we finally got home. My parents stayed and the kids played until about 12:30am! SHe was a little weary of the dog but not scared like Micah was. She checked out everything and played with the kids for awhile. Olivia even was able to get Sophia to let her do her hair! Olivia has been waiting to do her little sister's hair forever!

We finally all made it to bed. I went to sleep with her for a little while but then finally got to get into my own bed!!!! Oh how I have been wanting to sleep in my own bed.

We all got a great nights sleep. Sophia did not even cry when we went to bed, I think she was just soooo tired.

Our trip to bring our little girl home is now over and we are finally a family of 7! Wow 7! I have to tell you all that as we were waiting at baggage claim and all the kids were so excited, I thought to myself, " Wow, this is a lot if kids!" Of how we are blessed.