China Baby Mei

Highlights from Big Sis's B Day

2011-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

2011-06-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun in the Hamptons!!!

2009-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Summer fun in the Hamptons! East Hampton has given us swimming, BBQ's, famiy time, fishing, niking, surfing, tennis and camp fires!

Saying good bye to Sophie "YoYo" was tuff! Tears were shed but we know that we will see her again very soon!

Who could resist helping Daddy blow out his birthday candles! It has become a tradition to take this photo every year.

Make a WISH!!!

Our bathing beauty! She is a surfer girl!

Summer has been fun, but its not over yet! We still have another week before we all start school again... including me!

Family Outing to the Sound Tigers Game!

2009-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

As a family we went to support our oldest boy who was singing with his school's advanced minstrels group. They sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the game to kick it off. The group did a great job! We were all very proud. The rest of the crew enjoyed the game- some more than others! Our 5 year old was only interested in the first few minutes and then it was off to the snack bar! And boy did he chow!!! Mei loved the game and was soo good. Her older sister sat with eyes wide open. She never missed a goal or a player getting slammed into the boards. Our singer caught up with friends and enjoy the game. It was a fun Sunday outing and even Grandma joined us!!! It was a bonus that the Sound Tiger games are heated!!! Gotta love it!

Our First Daddy Daughter Dance!!

2009-04-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see it takes me a bit to update and when I doo I do a few. The posts are not always in the correct order, but around the same time.

Daisy's sponsored a Daddy Daughter Square Dance. It was a cute night and as you can see from the photos my Cowgirl was excited!!!

American Doll trip to NYC

2009-04-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Our Mommy-Daughter Day started early with a 7:40 train! We enjoyed the ride in to GC and then headedup to American Doll. She had no problem on the crutches. Now she can walk on the hard cast, but I insist NO jumping!

We quickly raced to the 3rd floor as the doors opened to get out name on the waiting list for brunch- which started at 9:30. Isn't that breakfast? I had no idea that this was booked weeks in advanced. The brunch was alot of fun, topped by a cute chocolate dessert.

After the Cafe experience, we set out to shop! And we shopped hard! The girls had a lot of fun and an American :just Like Me " doll was chosen! After picking out clothes, riding boots and a be we set off to the photo studio.

Here we waiting to become super models. We waited in an area where we could fix our hair and clothes.

After a quick wait it was time to enter the studio.

Now you can't see the backdrop that was chosen, but guess... yes it was pink! The phots from AD came out great. Daddy joined us for the sitting. He made sure the photos and shoot were just right! Good job daddy!

My 2 lunch buddies! Because of time, we ate close at a great Mexican rest. in GC. Quick and Good!

We had a few spare moments for a photo op. In this photo you can see the cast. What you can't see is all the bags that I'm holding in the background!

She had a blast and loves her doll!The train ride home was an adventure. We sat in the back of the train thinking it was the front. Well at every stop we leap frogged up a car and inbetween we jumped cars. That wasn't liked by everyone. However, we met VERY nice people who helped us carry our packages, offered their seat, etc. People are good, sometimes they just need an opportunity to show it! :)

Our day was great and really helped us bond. Now we are planning a birthday party there with a few friends. Crazy!!!

Hope you like the long over due update!!!

I look forward to when Mei is older having a special lunch with her in the Cafe.

Happy Birthday Mei

2009-04-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

What a day! Mei was sooo excited to pick out her cupcakes for her school party and even more tickled to choose her birthday cake! Although she' not a talker, she knew EXACTLY what she wanted! Dora!!!

It was nice to have the family gather and celebrate Mei turning 3. The big day was celebrated with cake, presents, singing and balloons!

She knew what her big day was all about! Mei knew the focus was on her and she loved it! It was nice to see her enjoying herself and getting into the birthday spirit!

Happy Birthday Mei!!!

As you can see from the photos, she was sooo proud of her cake!!! The woman at the cake shop had a fun time planning the cake toppings with her!

Happy St Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a great breakfast at Gracie Mansion! What a fun St Patrick's Day! Breakfast with the Mayor of New York City! Mayor Bloomberg and Kev chattered about the day and ended with a high five. He even had a chance to rub elbows with the former Mayor of New York City, Mayor Koch. What a morning!

Hope everyone has a wonderful St Patricks Day and the leprechaun left you something good! :)

More of Our Orlando Vacation

2009-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Winter Vacation

2009-03-05T16:25:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008

2009-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Birthday Time!!!

2009-01-04T15:54:00.001-08:00

Finally An Update- Old, But Good!!!~

2009-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Hampton Classic

2008-09-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Back to School!

2008-09-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

The kids were all really excited about starting school! Three of the all started new schools and the oldest is an old pro! The boys even had Grandpa at the bus stop to see them off! What excitement. Isn't Mei cute holding Daddy's hand on the first day of school. It's a tradition that Dad apart of the first day! :)

Music on the Green and other stuff

2008-08-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Smile!

The kids and friends had fun listening to music and playing with each other. Later we did ice cream too. The gang enjoyed their glow sticks, fire flies and dancing on the green.
Casper!

Mei mei loves to help Daddy put on his sun lotion or should I say Casper Cream. Not all of us in the family tan as well as Mei Mei. :)
Merry Christmas in July!

Depending how the season goes and how crazy the holiday season gets, I think I may already have our Christmas photo. Not perfect, but the more kids you have , the harder it is to get perfection! :) Bottom line is that they all look happy, cute and having fun. With 4 it's not unually for someone to be crying. :) or atleast upset. Ha ha ha!!!

Our Family Olympics

2008-08-13T21:07:00.001-07:00

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Someone's Having a Birthday!

2008-08-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

Surfing at Atlantic Beach!

2008-08-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

We all had a great time surfing at the ocean. The waves were a bit bigger than the kids were used to, but it didn't seem to bother them. Fun was had by all! :) At the end we rushed off the beach because a storm was coming in. We just made it to the car. It's a little scarey to hear thunder and see lightening when you're on the beach.

Horse Show

2008-08-05T11:51:00.001-07:00

Fun in the Sun!!!

2008-08-03T18:17:00.001-07:00

All the kids were enjoying a cold birthday pop. The kids are with a couple of the beach buddies! It wouldn't be the same with out them!!! Even Mei gets in on all the action. How she has grown. She loves the beach. Today we all met up at the ocean and the kids had a blast boogy boarding in on the waves!It was a perfect day!!! :)

2008-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

More Photos of the family!

2008-07-31T14:49:00.001-07:00

2008-07-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

More Summer Fun!!!

2008-07-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun in the Hamptons!!!

2008-07-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend! Remembering Our True Super Heros!!!

2008-05-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend! Playing at the park, eating out, going for ice cream, walking through EH Town, but best of all was enjoying family time remembering our true super heros of the past and present at the parade! Thanks You to all the soliders who protect us and preserve our way of life! We appreciate all that you do!!!

ARI'S 2008 Fundraiser Walk

2008-05-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

We all had fun walking for a good cause! The day was beautiful and the kids had a blast. They even got to play on the playground for a while & have a picnic. It was a great turn out!

What a Performance!

2008-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

What a performance! I was so proud of our musician and all the other performers! I was very impressed with their ablility to paly so well! I'm already looking forward to next years!!!

Turning 90!!!! Wow!!!

2008-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to join in the party! Turning 90 is not something that happens to everyone! The girls had fun at the party. Mei loved socializing and Big Sister loved taking photos!!! She's a pretty good little photographer!!! Maybe she has a future in it!!! :)

Rainy Day Fun!

2008-05-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

The girls were being sill on a rainy Friday afternoon! Notice the toothless grin. Big siter is even getting bigger! Wow!!!!

Only a fe weeks left until summer Vaction! 29 Days!!!

2008-05-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Fun at a local park!

Tooth Fairy Time!

2008-04-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight the tooth Fairy will visit! We are all very excited and have been long awaiting the visit!!! Finally!!!

Our Travel Home!

2008-04-26T14:20:00.001-07:00

Our last Day- Pool Side! :) It was a BIG SPLASH!!!

2008-04-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sea World!!!! Shamu Show!!!!

2008-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our Future Pearl Diver! @ Disney

2008-04-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

While the gigger kids went on the wet & scarey rides, the girls checked out the pearl diving tank. Guess you can tell that it was a hit!:)

Sea World & Universal Fun!

2008-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Getting Wet & Staying Cool at Universal!

2008-04-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Disney!!!!

2008-04-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Disney over break with the crew! Let the pictures tell the story!!!

Our COLD Night Adventure Watching the Moon

2008-03-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Winter Break- Full of fun!

2008-02-29T18:31:00.001-08:00

School Concerts

2008-02-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Dancing around at the school concert!

Lots of hugs & Kisses on Valentine's Day!

Big hugs for our new au pair! We had a great time watching the Valentine Show at school!

All giggles!

The big guy had a music concert! Very impressive!

A Day at the Park! Finally Warm Weather! :)

2008-02-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

It was great finally getting out and letting the kids run around! We all had a great time. Even Daddy got to go for a spin! :)

Welcome Emma

2008-02-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

We welcomed Emma with a cake that the Kids made for Boy Scouts! It was a real sugar booster. The theme was Candy Land. It won a 1st prize ribbon.Yum! Emma had the help of a few nice friends to help her unpack and settle in. The kids also made her a few special cards to give her a warm greeting. All is happy & well at the G---- Zoo ( don't like to post our last name) :)

2008-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

2008-01-31T16:38:00.000-08:00

2008-01-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

2008-01-31T16:28:00.000-08:00

2008-01-31T16:23:00.000-08:00

Old Birthday Video

2008-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Now that I figured out how to get the video up I'll load a few videos on. :)

2008-01-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hockey

2008-01-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

I've taken video clips over the past year and when I go to veiw them, I can't see what it is before hand. This was a nice surprise. I was actually looking for a China video. :)

2008-01-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken at dinner in the lobby resteraunt on our first night with Mei. We only had her a few hours. Mei adjusted and Daddy looks soooo happy! I love this photo.
This photo was taken a little after we met Mei for the first time. This is the bottom layer of clothing. We peeled off 2 other thick layers. She was hot from the clothes and crying. She looked perfect! She even had new red boots for the big day and a new outfit.

Remebering a Year ago!

2008-01-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

Kevin was able to pull up some of the photo's ferom our trip to China to meet Mei. It was fun looking at them.

She cryied, but life was good after she found her thumb. She only sucks it when ahe goes to be now, it used to be all the time. Everyone has settled in nicely from day 1. PS Did you notice all the layers? Still one more layer to go. :)

Gottcha Day Celebration!

2008-01-28T17:21:00.001-08:00

"Gottcha" Day!

2008-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Remeber a year ago? 1year ago today, the Chinese officials placed a sobbing baby girl in our arms! Mei cried from fear and we cried tears of joy. The lond anticipations was final over and we were about to be Mei's mom & Dad. She has brought the whole family so much joy and has blossumed this past year. Tonight we will celebrate with a cake about becoming a forever family. I still can't believe it has been a year! In this short time with us she has learned how to : sit up, walk, run, scream, laugh, talk, giggle, play pick a boo, hug, kiss, stack blocks, cuddle, love Barney, clim stairs, eat w/ a fork & spoo, point to body parts and get our attention! This is just the beginning. Mei is already signed up for the fall for a 2 day morning class. Where has the time gon? Our baby is almost a toddler. I wish everyone happiness remebering their"Gottcha" Day from our group. I can still remeber standing next to Genivie pointing to the girls trying to match them to their referral photos and the tears we all had and the Dad scurring for the best camera angle. What a moment in time that we will al remember and share together- what a special bond! I have many special events in my life that I will never forget, but that moment and those 3 weeks in China will always be with Kevin & I. Give the girls a big kiss from us. PS I didn't forget the Christmas card, they just haven't gone out yet to Mei's Chinese sisters. Consider the Chinese New Year cards now. LOL

Sunday morning Breakfast !

2008-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a nice treat! The table was all set for breakfast.
There was even a display of cerals to choose from. How thoughtful!
Bella loves to nibble earlobes!
Morning bedhead! :)

Bella can now jump out of her run whenever she pleases. Byebye run! She's doing well with houde breaking, but we still find a few presents.

GIfts fom Canada!

2008-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Mei is hugging her dolly & puppy! Very Cute.
This is Mei's big smile for the camera! What a Ham!
Puppy love! She does loves her new puppy. She calls her , her daughter. Very cute. I'm a lucky Grandma. :)
The girl are playing with their new computer!
A special Father Daughter moment!

Big squeeze for her toys!
"The Twins" in their new shirts. People keep asking me if they are twins. I should just say yes because they act the same . Very cute picture.
The big guy loves his wolf shirt and book! He's a real nature lover!
He loves his army shirt and truck! He told me the other day he wants to be a policeman!
Thumbs up! He had to turn his hat sideways for the photo. I have 2 Hams in the family!

Thank You Nanny Marion & Grampy Jim for all the fun and great gifts! Everyone really enjoyed them.

Bowling and Dinner in the Hamptons

2008-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

We had a fun time as a family bowling. It was waaaay tooooo cold to go out to the park, and no kid movies were playing either. The kids had a great time and even Mei enjoyed herself. It was a great weekend... :)

They love taking a picture next to the shark! We have to do it everytime we go there!

Everyone's trying to get in on the picture before dinner! Cute.

Finding fun is where you go! Originally we were going to have a meal at Sam's in East Hampton. If you have kids... don't go. We have gone many time, but never again. The Hostess was not nice and scolded the group( all the people waiting for the retersunt to open in the bitter cold... and as usual they opened late) and our kids. The four year old was standing near the door which was locked and banged on the door and was jumping up to see in the window. I asked him to stop and he went off and did something else. It wasn't a nice thing to do, but appropriate for a 4 year old and really it was nothing major or crazy and out of control. Now kids are kids and they were being good. We were talking to the other people waiting. If they weren't I'd be the first to correct them and that's my job, not the hostess. She came to the door and yelled at the whole group and lectured us on how not to kick the door. You think someone was trying to break it down? Thjat was not the case. It could of been a knock for all she knew. She was so crabby that the couple behind us refused to be seated and left. The women even gave the hostess a good tongue lashing. Well done and thank you stranger. She went on to complement us on what well behaved and lovely kids we have and complemented us on not eating at the resteraunt and standing up for our kids. We were nice about the whole situation but I told the hostess not to be crabby toward my kids just because she was having a bad day. We made a family decision to ride out to a fun family reteraunt to watch the sharks & fish being fed- The Crow's Nest. The kids had a blast and I was so proud of them how they handled themselves and the whole situation at Sam's. It was a good life lesson that they should think highly of themselves and not let anyone treat them rudely. They recovered quickly and we all had a fun time. The food was great and the owner even let the kids help him feed the fish. Nice man!

Testing out our new camera! See how Mei mei has grown!

2008-01-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe we were all facing the camera and no one was crying.
Daddy's girl!
Sisterly love!
Bath time is over.
Riding Butteerscotch the pony!

Very cut! What smiles!
Feeding her pony!
The girls with the new puppy!
The gang!

Daddy and his Princesses!

2008-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Good Luck to our San Diego Girl!!!!Keep Checking the blog Jess!Love to see a few photos! We'll keep you updates on Mei Mei and the gang!
:)

2008-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

Fun with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.The Boys did a great job cheering them on!. Way to go.

2008-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Swimming Day!!! Parents were able to come and watch their guppies have learned!

2007-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Such a ladies man! He has a few girlfriends!!!
Always goofy!
What can I say? That's my boy!

Holding his breath!

Barbell time!
Future Beach Bum! What a handsome smile!
Showing off his kicking! He can swim the width of the pool without help! :)
Goggles make a big difference! What a cute smile!
The Backfloat! Well Done!

Christmas Time in the City

2007-11-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

A future Rocket!
We look cold, but it was pretty warm.
Lots of skaters on the ice. A few of the kids wanted to go skating. Maybe next time! :)

Cute!

Fun in the City!

2007-11-17T09:44:00.001-08:00

Waitng for the show to start! What a cute toy!

The gang trying to stay warm, Sunday was nice in the city. After the show we walked around for a little. Mei mei was at home with Grandma playing.
Can you tell he's excited? The 3-D part of the show was cool. We all loved this part!
This was the beginning of the trip. However, when the train doors opened there was NO room for anyone... even the people already on the train. We drove in and had a little of time. Luckily we didn't hit any traffic. Everyone must have been on the trains!
Notice the little guy in the back. Yhis was the calm before the storm. Onece he found out we weren't making the train... well lets say it was a good tantrum.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We are so excited as a family to be sharing our 1st Thanksgiving with Mei. We are truly blessed!

I will be sure to add a few photos from the big turkey day and hopefully the paprad this weekend! My camera broke a kiddie birthday party and I have replaced it yet. Hopefully Sunday isn't too cold or snowy and we can enjoy the parade! J-

Halloween

2007-11-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treating

2007-11-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Fun Times In The Fall

2007-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Decorating Pumpkins for Halloween!
Mei was a real help at the halloween store! She loved those glasses!
Mei loves to read and play on the floor!
Big brother loves to read with Mei!

Fun at the hockey rink!

New pictures of Mei Mei from the summer

2007-10-08T07:24:00.001-07:00

Fun At The Farm

2007-10-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Farmer girl had a good time with friends picking a few veggies. She really got it it!
The crew enjoyed exploroing the farm and learning about how different crops grew and needed to be picked. Mei Mei even enjoyed it too!

It was a fun, hot summer day. A little water refueling! Thanks to out friends that invited us! It was a great !

Birthday Celebration!

2007-10-07T18:18:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun in The Hamptons 2007! What Fun we had!!!

2007-10-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

TURNING 4

2007-06-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

TURNING 4 IS HARD WORK. WE HAD MANY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK DURING THE LITTLE GUYS BIRTHDAY. THESE PHOTOS ARE FROM OUR FAVORITE RESTERAUNT, A PARTY WITH BATMAN AS A SPECIAL SURPRISE GUEST . WE ALSO HAD ONE AT HOME, BUT I DIDN'T POST THEM BECAUSE THE BIRTHDAY BOY HAD HIS NAME ON HIS HAT AND I DON'T LIKE TO POST THAT KIND OF STUFF.:) ENJOY!!!

Memorial Day Parade in the Hamptons

2007-06-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE PARADE. THE KIDS THOUGHT IT WAS A LITTLE SUNNY AT TIMES. HERE THEY ARE TRYING TO COVER THEIR EYES. DADDY AND MEI SMILING FOR THE CAMERA WAITING FOR THE PARADE TO START.
ANOTHER CUTE SNUGGLE SHOT! MEI REALLY ENJOYS BEING WITH HER DADDY!

JESS AND HER SHADOW HAVING A BIT OF FUN ON THE SIDE LINES! JESS WE MISS YOU! HURRY BACK!
WOW! THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER AND ALMOST ALL OF US LOOKING AT THE CAMERA AND ANOTHER DOING SOMETHING SILLY. I WONDER IF THOSE PEOPLE BEHIND US ARE TALKING ABOUT US? WE ARE A FUNNY SITE TO SEE WHEN WE GO OUT. I FEEL LIKE WE CAN NEVER GO ANY WHERE QUIETLY OR EVER BE SEATTED IN A RESTERAUNT WITH OUT EVERYONE THINKING WE'RE PART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT.
HAPPY BABY MEI LOVES HER STROLLER, BUT NOT MORE THAN A RITZ CRACKER.

The Latest News Flash

2007-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Mei is up and about! Cruising, crawling, dragging or rolling, she finds a way to move about and she is fast! Her top teeth have come in and boy are they leaving a mark on her poor thumb that she suckes every time she's sleepy or annoyed. :) She is doing great and is still enjoying her yum yums! We have said goodbye to the formula, but not given up the bottle. She understands everything and nods, but at times chooses not to use her words. She loves pointing to her tummy & nose. She is happy and enjoying her brothers and sister!

Backyard Fun! Spring is Here!

2007-04-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

A Few More Party Moments!

2007-04-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

Birthday Party! Lets Celebrate!

2007-04-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

All Dressed Up for My Big Day!!! Turning One !

2007-04-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Fun time with the girl's and Uncle Dennis

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Mei dresses up too!

2007-03-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Mei is really enjoying herself with her big sister!

What a cutie!

Playing "Chinese"

2007-03-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Big sister loves to dress up and play "Chinese".
She is so proud of her new sister from China!
She loves her new fan that Mei brought her back from the trip.
What a cutie!
The two girls together! What a great pair of sisters! May they have a long friendship together and a special bond that sisters have!

Celebrate with Balloons

2007-03-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Balloons always make every party a little more festive!
Happy girl having fun at her party!

Everyone wants to get in on the action. That's what big brothers are for.

Mei meets the Fawcetts!

2007-03-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Mei meets Emily. I know why Mei likes Emily so much...she spoils her. Every little girl needs a bit of that!
What a big smoochie! Mei and Sharon looks great together!
Smile!!!! This one's for Jess!!!

Jess we were thinking of you when we were posing! Sorry I got it on a little too late. But finally! It was a great time and Mei got to meet everyone! Now she's just waiting for you.

Bus Stop Shuffle

2007-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

The kids are happy we are home with their new baby sister. Now back to the stuffle of backpacks, lunches, sports, etc. It's great to all be home!
Mei on her first trip to the bus stop. It's said that we haven't made it there lately. Usually I drive them. We just can't get up in time.. or I should as I should say- get our act together!
Sibling Happiness...at least at this moment during the day!

Meeting the family!

2007-02-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

All smiles for Grandpa! The kids barley kissed us hello and couldn't wait to meet their new baby sister. They ran to the door and huged her.
Mei enjoying a good meal! Very happy girl!
Big brother playing with his new Chinese hat and entertaining Mei.
Happiness is in the air!!! Big brother adores Mei and can't get enough of her!!!!
Mei and Grandma enjoying some bonding time! What a great welcoming home!!!!

Headed Home!!!

2007-02-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

An early start to a long flight home! 15 hours....
Kevin and Mei snuggling for a long sleep! Hoefully! Mei did sleep for most of the trip. She had a bit of a cold. I couldn't believe how much she slept! Daddy makes the best bottles...Mom's are ok.
Down the hatch...and back up again about 15 minutes later. Home is in sight! What a great feeling especially after such a long flight!!!

I LOVE RIBS!!!

2007-02-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

Fun was had by all!The ribs were yummy!!!
What about dessert?
After a fun and filling meal, we were headed home! But how to go? walk? train? taxi?....we took a taxi and we were sad to see the night and trip end. It's time to bring the girls home to the rest of the family!

Hong Kong Saga- The I Love Ribs Bug

2007-02-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

The tourist figured out the correct stop because a friendly passer -by guided them. Once out on the train platform there was another problem!!! Which way to go?

They started following the crowds hoping it would bring them to the exit. I don't know how smart this plan worked, but what other option was there? Some one in the group saw an exit sign in Chinese down a long hallway. In reality I think it said bathroom. Oops!!! Or was it something else?

Moments before they open the door a voice from the crowd said, "Are you lost? Do you need Help?") I wonder what gave it away??? Thank goodness our white knight came out of the parting crowd to our rescue!!! We were just about to open an emergy exit! OUCH!!!That wouldn't have been good for us in another country! Who's bright idea was that. They should get their money back from their Chinese Language class!!! I hat to admit it may have been mine!!
Steve was our hero!!! He actually walked us to the resteraunt! I guess he didn't have much faith in us after the emergency exit problem!!!
It turned out that he lived in the states for a while on LI and in CT. What a small world!!! Practically neighbors and we meet in Hong Kong. He was a really nice guy! Our savior! I don't think our stomachs could have held out much longer. We asked him to join us for dinner, but he was off to teach a language class. Maybe that's the one I should have signed up for!
After a great meal and good conversation with friends, everyone was all smiles!!!! The girls look soooo cute.It's amazing what a little food can do!
It can do even more for others!!! Kevin was soo excited about having ribs that the ecitement was contagious!!! He really was getting ready to eat some good ribs!!!

Stay tune for who else got the "I Love Ribs Bug"...

The Adventure Continues...

2007-02-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

The families traveled down dark & crowded streets. The locals were all very friendly and willing to help lost travelers.
It was beautiful to see the city all lite up!!!They saw many different things...
Many that they couldn't understand...
But finally they found the train station. Addison and her parents were troopers. The crowded train car didn't scare them off. They held on tight!!! All the time they kept smiling! (great smile!!! you're glowing- proud new Mom)
This is a real close up! Do we know the girl in the background? I think she was the nice lady who offered Mei a tissue. She had a little 8 month cutie at home too.

Everyone was happy because food was close! But when to get off? Would the group know where to go?

Stay tune for the next chapter in Hong Kong...

Hong Kong Adventure

2007-02-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time their were two families that traveled to China to meet their beautiful daughters. At the end of their trip they decided to travel to Hong Kong before returning home to the cold & snowy USA. The Dads had fun and posed with their new baby girls for a few photos to remember their journey.
Photo shoots are hard work! All of a sudden their tummies started to growl...what to do?...
An idea? Lets get some food. They searched high and low for the best supper in Hong Kong. (Remember this is a story and not all facts are true :) ) They asked for directions! The Dads did a better job of finding the local train staion than this local. I think the map confused him a bit.
They all discussed the plan... how do the find the train to get to the resteraunt.
The over pass and the mall that they had to walk through was very, very crowded. But they managed to control their hunger and pressed on threw the people.

To Be continued...

Highlights of Mei!

2007-02-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Mei gives the best drooly smoochers!!! Mei is showing off her new two little teeth!
How far she has come!!! On gotcha day she wasn't sitting up- now look at her! What a cutie!
Mei's working on a few more teeth. The faucet is really on!!!
Cuddle time with Daddy!

Last Day in Guangzhou

2007-02-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

While Kevin, Mei and I were having lunch in the hotel this boat sailed by . Very interesting.
I thought this sign was interesting. In China you pay to use the public rest rooms. They have a person sitting outside who takes the $ and cares for the bathroom. Most places we went had their own bathrooms and it really wasn't a problem.
Everyone hangs their laundry outside on the terrace. When we dropped off our clothes to get washed I was wondering if I would see our clothes hanging out to dry on someone's porch when we went for our afternoon stroll. I'm glad we didn't.When we went for a stroll we stopped for a drink at this outdoor cafe/bar. It was great to sit , chat, relax and google at Mei for a bit. It felt like a vacation at times.
The Chinese day starts early and for the most part ended at a normal time. The shops were still open and food places. It was amazing to see so many people biking home from work. In much of China where we were people bike , walk or take the bus or taxi. The traffic is soooooooo bad. It could take an hour in rush hour to go a few blocks. The best way is by bike. At times you can see mom, dad, baby & sister all on on mo-ped. Some have gone as far as inclosing their mo-ped with a shell or attaching a flat bed to the back. Pretty much anything goes, even while driving. It's normal for buses & cars to come with in inches of each other while traveling. I just accepted it. The drivers we had were pretty good. We were always in buses because of our large group, but I'm sure I would have been a little white knucked if I was in a cab. One day Kev & a few others had to take a taxi for some gov. paper work. The all said it was an experience after the claimed to have a whole in their throats from the pollution in Nanchang. On a side note, I loved the people in Nanchang. They were soooo nice & friendly. We felt like celebraties.

Fun Photos from the White Swan Hotel Area

2007-02-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

I love this shot! I borrowed the head dress from one of the Families. I almost bought one, and I am sorry I didn't. Mei has mastered the art of thumb sucking & smiling at the same time.
This photo was taken when we were dinning out for lunch in the hotel. The view was beautiful of the water. The company was ever better.
Late in the afternoon in the park a big group of kids were having skating lessons. It must have lasted 2 hours. All the kids were so well behaved and payed attention to the teacher. Back home the teacher would be lucky if 1/2 the kids were getting it at this age. Very impressive!
I know the photo is out of focus - camera problems! The trees near the park were huge!!! I couldn't tell you how old. The Chinese had some very interesting supports to help the trees survive.
Some of the buildings in the area had a French flair. This was a French Church a few blocks from the White Swan Hotel. Kevin & I really enjoyed taking walks with Mei around the park and lunch at Lucy's.

Our Last Day! The Famous Red Couch

2007-02-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

The Red Couch Photo Shoot! Look at all those beauties!!!
All dressed up for her special photo day with her Chinese Gadney sisters! Too bad she had a cold! She hides it well!
A bunch of the Moms with the kids! Lots of fun!
Mei in a Chinese dress hat! Too cute! She loves that thumb!

Now that the Dads took a few photos they joined the picture! What a great feeling to see so many beautiful families!