tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65830306568400313562024-02-18T23:53:43.156-08:00cheeseburgers & chopsticksJennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-10483803359789846932013-06-14T07:34:00.002-07:002013-06-14T07:34:46.286-07:00HomecomingWe have been home 2 weeks tomorrow! I really can't believe it. I also can't believe I haven't posted yet about our fabulous homecoming! With re-entry, we also had the last few days of school and then summertime so it's possible I have been busy!! I will post a few pictures today and again soon. Since I didn't have my camera, I am relying on my family and friends to send me the pictures they took at the airport. HINT, HINT!! I know there were lots of flashes going off so come on friends! <br />
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Our little superstar arrived in style with so many people excited to see her. There were some friends that didn't make it because Eric and I surprised everyone and flew in 3 hours early! Sadly we missed them but we were thrilled to be home early. All of that travel just seems like a distant dream now. Thank goodness!<br />
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Ella is an amazing little creature. She has adjusted beautifully to this crazy lifestyle and she is bonding with her brothers. Just like siblings, the boys love her and brag on her, then get annoyed by her! I love it because that is just "normal"!<br />
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Connor and Ella</div>
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Connor & Grayson </div>
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first family of 6 photo-wow. that seems like so many people!</div>
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our American citizen</div>
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group photo-cracks me up. because this is true life with a bunch of kids and most of them boys!</div>
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We are blessed by so many people that love us and celebrated our girl. Besides the above people, we had more friends that brought meals and came to meet Miss Ella. There are more waiting for the dust to settle. She is one LOVED orphan no more!</div>
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This weekend we will host our family for our annual Father's Day weekend and golf tourney tradition. I am excited for the rest of my family to get to know Ella. I mentioned before that we chose her middle name for the joy that I hoped she would bring our family after we lost our precious nephew, Clayton. She has definetely brought us joy and she is easing the pain of missing him-especially on this special weekend. The day after we came home my brother told me we named her perfectly. In my jetlag state I didn't understand what he meant. Then he told me "she is full of joy and laughter". It is true, her heart if full of joy and she is filling our hearts with joy. Perfect name for a perfect girl.</div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-68083030870730542682013-05-30T23:52:00.000-07:002013-05-30T23:56:29.166-07:00LAST post from China!!! I can't believe this is our last day. The two weeks have gone by slow and fast at the same time. We dreaded being gone from the boys for so long. We dreaded traveling 3 different places, and flying on 7 different flights. It is almost behind us! We our packed up, waiting for Ella's visa, and then we head to the airport for our flight to Beijing. There, we will be in our hotel room to sleep for about 5 hours before we go to the airport one last time in China. We found out yesterday our flights were upgraded to business class. Thank you so much Robb &Lori for helping us book our flights and upgrading us! We were on the wait list for our return trip and Robb checked with AA several times during the last 2 1/2 weeks until we were finally upgraded. It has taken so much pressure off knowing that we will be more comfortable on the way home with little miss. It's still 17 hours on airplanes, but at least we will have lots of room! (and a reclining seat and movies and great meals and so on...)<br />
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THANKFUL:<br />
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So so many things we are thankful for. God has answered so many of our prayers regarding our travel, Ella's adjustment and attachment, and for our boys at home. We are blessed to have a HUGE support group that has made this much easier. The boys have been spoiled rotten by friends and family and while they have missed us, there time without us was fun and went by faster! I am thankful for everyone making this time better for them. Also, thanks to my special small group of family and friends that was with me every tiny step of this journey. From the beginning when we were praying about adoption, and then thru all of the ups and downs. We could not have done this without all of their prayers and support! I am lucky to have connected with a group of women that did this before me. They were my rocks and helped me along the way by answering questions and getting excited over details that only they could understand. These connections led us to our girl and we are forever grateful for their friendships. I can't wait to get all of our China girls together! <br />
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Our friendships made in China. We will always share a bond unlike no other. Especially thankful that Dan & Jodi were with us in Beijing. We spent every minute we could with them and it made our time here alot of fun. They left this morning and we've been lost! Good thing we start home tonight!<br />
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My sister in law, Peggy. Oh how I am thankful for her. She stepped into my life for 2 1/2 weeks and managed our house, pets, boys, and everything that came with it. Because she was there, I was able to let go and be 100% in China, where I was needed most. It was not easy I am sure, but she handled it perfectly and she and our boys will have a special bond because of these days together. Thankful my brother "let her go" and handled their menagerie of animals so she could be on our homefront. Our kids are lucky to have them. Pretty sure my friends and their kids have attached themselves to "Aunt Peggy"! I've been told by several of them that "everyone needs an Aunt Peggy!"!! <br />
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Eric and I have had a wonderful time in China and bonding with our daughter. We have enjoyed some much needed down time, we have found adventure in some things that weren't so fun! We have survived the travel and the stress-it has not been easy! However, because we are best friends, we were able to make it fun and there was a lot of laughter along the way. We made it as easy as possible!<br />
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We are most thankful for the blessing of sweet Ella Joy. She has adjusted beautifully and loves us more than we could have ever expected in such a short time. We are amazed at the spirit of this little girl. It truly is like she has been with us her entire life. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her. I hope that she remains an example of what love and a family can do in the life of a child that just needs a chance. <br />
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Thank you for following our blog and all of our adventures in China getting our girl! I appreciate all of your comments here and on facebook! Thank you for praying for us! I couldn't reply to them but I read them all and we could feel all of your support and your joy in watching our Ella emerge into a happy, secure, little girl.<br />
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We are so ready to share this little girl with all of you!<br />
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I will leave you with these-our last breakfast in Guangzho and the last post until we hit TEXAS!!!<br />
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GOOD BYE CHINA!</div>
<br />Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-87762631290071270842013-05-30T04:58:00.000-07:002013-05-30T04:58:19.759-07:00Consulate AppointmentWe survived the consulate appointment! We had Ella all dressed in her red, white, and blue for American day but alas, no photos. We swore under oath to take good care of our soon to be newest American citizen. You aren't allowed to take cameras inside and our guide kept our camera to get a pic when we came out but mama was done. Ella was great and it only lasted about an hour, but we had another family with us and honestly, I was just ready to get back to the hotel! The wheels were falling off of their bus and it wasn't looking like a great day for them! It's ok-I have lots of pictures from the last two weeks! So now we just wait for her visa to get delivered tomorrow afternoon and we begin our long journey toward home. We are soooo ready to hug our boys! I know they are ready too. I'm pretty sure they're ready to get their hands on little sis-she's the only one they want to face time with when we call!<br />
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Jodi & I left the kids with the dads and went back to Shamain island for a few more gifts. It was a nice get away and I wrapped up my shopping. As were leaving a store, the owner of the store asked us to please go back to America and tell our friends that there are so many orphans that need a family. She thanked us for adopting the children and again asked for us to please use the internet to let people know the kids need homes. Broke my heart. She said she would love to help a child but it is very hard in China to have more than one child, and she has a 9 year old boy. We take for granted all of our priveleges in America. The Chinese people have very little control over their lives. I just can't imagine living the way they do. Eric and I have learned so much while we've been here. We soaked in as much as we could so that we can share it with Ella one day when she asks. As for today, I am just thankful to be bringing her home to a family and a better life. I am thankful that she will have the oppurtunity to make her own choices and be anything she wants to be. I am so very thankful that she will worship God. Not many gods. <br />
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Now look out family and friends at home-because sister is a little Mongolian FIRECRACKER!<br />
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<em>her favorite party trick-one of many-hope she outgrows it! lol</em></div>
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<em>she loves to pack things in bags-this kept her entertained for about 20 minutes!</em></div>
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<em>before our consulate appointment-half dressed without a bow-have no idea where it was! her orneriness probably took it out when she saw the camera!</em> </div>
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<em>look out world!</em></div>
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<em>she poses for the camera now-she actually points to the camera and then herself so I will take her picture! I'm telling you-we are in trouble with this one!</em></div>
Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-48385050069868388002013-05-29T04:58:00.003-07:002013-05-29T04:58:34.541-07:00Another Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we visited another temple. It had some really cool carvings made of wood, stone, and ivory. However, I am done touring! I just want to get finished and come home! 48 hours from now, we will have Ella's visa and we will be on a plane to Beijing to spend the night, and then on an American Airlines flight home! Tomorrow morning is our American Consulate appointment and that is our last official meeting for the adoption. Yay!<br />
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The 4 of us set out to find the Mexican restaurant, Tequila. When we asked the hotel concierge for directions, this is the card she gave us. Cracks me up. Even funnier that we had to use it about 4 times before we found our destination. Except when the hostess led us to the restaurant on the 3rd floor, it was The Italian Restuarant. Hmmm, Takila or Italian Restaurant. Yep, that looks like the same word on paper. Anyhow-Italian for the 3rd night! It was delicious though! <br />
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<em>Little miss loves to play in her suitcase. Today she got her purse and these pink shoes. She's coordinating at least!</em></div>
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<em>Digging more stuff out...</em></div>
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<em>Carrying her bows over to me so she can choose one-except it was almost bedtime. She probably thought I'd let her stay up later if we put a bow in her hair!</em></div>
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<em>She loves her daddy now just as much as mama</em></div>
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<em>Sweet girl</em></div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-52926060691974923752013-05-28T05:16:00.002-07:002013-05-28T05:16:26.210-07:00PearlsWe went with shopping today with Ann from Red Thread. She lives in Guangzho, and she is very popular with American families. When we sent packages to Ella while she was in the orphanage, we sent them thru Ann and she would be able to get updated pictures of her. She took us to buy silk dresses and wedding pearls for Ella. We chose the pearls we wanted and the ladies strung them while we waited. They tied a knot in the string between each pearl, and then attached a clasp. It was so interesting to watch!<br />
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<em>Ann is selecting wedding quality pearls</em></div>
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<em>Stringing the pearls</em></div>
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<em>Ready to go out again!</em> </div>
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<em>happy, happy, happy</em> </div>
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<em>Ann picked out a necklace that Ella can wear now. Yes, it's real pearls, but lesser quality than her wedding pearls. $8 US Dollars! Crazy what the mark up is in the US for pearls!</em></div>
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<em>another semi-successful dinner with two kids one week out of the orphanage!!</em></div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-58213377546580340242013-05-28T01:41:00.004-07:002013-05-28T01:42:02.374-07:00One More Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Ella has learned "one more time!" She uses it alot!</em></div>
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Loo<em>k at this sweetness! This cup was fun until she learned how to take the straw in & out!</em></div>
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<em>She started the evening with a pink bow on her dress and the pink headband. When she got mad at me, she would chew on the pink bow & try to rip it off of her dress. So I took it off and we were left with just a plain, simple, yellow and white chevron. :))</em></div>
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<em>"one more time"</em></div>
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<em>This is what she does when we have to carry the stroller up or down the stairs-she knows I'm going to grab the front of it so she moves her legs!</em></div>
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<em>The gang headed out to an Italian dinner-it was delicious! We may go again tonight!</em></div>
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<em>Eric checking out the competition!</em> </div>
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<em>Yeah! Happy girl!</em></div>
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<em>Just to keep it real-we may have seen this face a few times!</em></div>
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<br />Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-23815146114455662982013-05-27T05:18:00.004-07:002013-05-27T06:07:28.479-07:00Shamain Island & Squeaky Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Today was a trip to Pearl River and Shamain Island. It was gorgeous! Still hot, but beautiful and quiet. There were so many photoshoots taking place. Here the bride and groom take their photos like we do bridal portraits. I was cracking up because the grooms had the same look on their faces as American grooms would. Like "it's hot and I'm dressed in a tux-how much longer???!". We did a little souvenier shopping, grabbed a Coke for lunch, and then came back to the hotel to hang. We also tested the benadryl today-worked like a charm. I wanted to make sure before the 14 hour flight in a few days that it doesn't work the opposite on little miss. Today we've had Ella for one week. It seems like so much longer than a week! She is doing amazingly well. Last night at dinner she decided to get picky and refused the rice we had ordered for her! I'd say she's very comfortable with us! We have seen so many amazing things, I just can't put all of the pictures on the blog. It would take HOURS. We miss our boys terribly, but thankfully we are enjoying our time in China too.</div>
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<em>Inside the mall at Pearl River Market</em></div>
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<em>A bride & groom I think-love the balloons</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCw5o3h2VFItE88qCiD9F23nDU3jIsSS-I2Z3PKx0rOBpsIumzOVRMXkEleMw5WVMeLzQAQ38JoTmOG__knpeX7_DmVCjxBjTR0kzktml_8uz2xZXz-xkdf9GrD0HTvMcz6kXKcJ7Qq3J/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCw5o3h2VFItE88qCiD9F23nDU3jIsSS-I2Z3PKx0rOBpsIumzOVRMXkEleMw5WVMeLzQAQ38JoTmOG__knpeX7_DmVCjxBjTR0kzktml_8uz2xZXz-xkdf9GrD0HTvMcz6kXKcJ7Qq3J/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>A local artist, Mr. Wang, making Ella's "chop", a stamp with her name in English & Chinese characters. They use these for their signatures.</em> </div>
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<em>Another ADA approved ramp. See the shop owner helping? lol</em></div>
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<em>Ella's chop. It has a rabbit on top because she was born in the year of the rabbit.</em></div>
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<em>Squeaky shoe mecca. This lady has been working here for 23 years. She gave me the price and told me there is a discount for adoptive families. We both said "how'd you know??"! Eric actually said "how'd you know I was adopted?" haha. They loved little princess. The squeaky shoes in America come from their factory. So thankful I found them because Ella needed some sandals & I haven't been able to get her in any I brought. Her pink ruffly socks were getting smelly! haha!!</em></div>
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<em>She was so excited when Eric walked her in and she saw all of the shoes. She started taking hers off!</em></div>
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<em>Of course she won them over. They kept telling us how beautiful she is.</em></div>
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<em>Isn't this beautiful?</em></div>
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<em>Really...does this need explaining?????</em></div>
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<em>Not sure what kind of shoot this is, but I thought she was so pretty. There was a professional shoot going on too. We could tell with all of the vans, wardrobe changes, and the video monitor to check the shots. I'll be looking for those guys in Vogue magazine...</em></div>
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<em>The famuous Pearl River</em></div>
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<em>Shamain Island</em></div>
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<em>Thank the Lord we found a show she will watch!!!!</em></div>
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<em>Not sure where she learned what a cell phone is all about but sister's got it! She walked around for a good 30 minutes talking to someone!</em></div>
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<em>More phone time</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLQyAYXqpz146U8r3Gz4dtHEoeY5_BJsV9OE6CmvGHL3GS2ZDbCVUkIhR3u_KjjD8QOSRwFh-KQI08ks9t2T_md0UbMRQiMtb8ddZW8DneGp4RkxGbzVqdbXHOpXxuBqP_TjPLrZZn97B/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLQyAYXqpz146U8r3Gz4dtHEoeY5_BJsV9OE6CmvGHL3GS2ZDbCVUkIhR3u_KjjD8QOSRwFh-KQI08ks9t2T_md0UbMRQiMtb8ddZW8DneGp4RkxGbzVqdbXHOpXxuBqP_TjPLrZZn97B/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>So a big tour group gets off of their bus, this guy heads straight to Eric and asks him where he's from. Do y'all even have a clue what it's like traveling with Mr. & Miss Draws Attention??? haha! Cracks ME UP. Turns out, this guy is from Poland! He said "aww, cowboy hats!!!" when Eric told him he's from Texas. He'll probably go tell his friends he met a true </em><em>Texan. Another funny thing about today-our guide, Richard, had a tshirt on that said "cow tippin' in Oklahoma"!</em></div>
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<br />Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-84944127564755074572013-05-27T00:18:00.004-07:002013-05-27T00:18:53.206-07:00ADA and Signs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There doesn't seem to be any ADA regulations in China. The ramps (if we're lucky enough to find one), are STEEP. It's hysterical. </div>
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<em>7-Eleven right outside of our hotel!</em></div>
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<em>Steep-but at least it's an escalator. Longest escalator I've ever seen</em>.</div>
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<em>Love it when they try to use the English language.</em></div>
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<em>My FAVORITE-I'm thinking David Letterman worthy</em></div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-14507294604053496742013-05-26T07:02:00.002-07:002013-05-26T07:31:18.927-07:00Safari Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">Today was fun! We went to Safari Park with our group. It's an amazing zoo but this Texas girl was HOT. Ella had a great day again today. Every day is better and better. She wakes up so excited to see us and she has attached to us both. We still see the occasional fit but she is 2 after all! I wanted to throw a fit after a day at the safari park in 150 degree heat! Ok, maybe it wasn't that hot. Sure felt like it.</span></div>
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Ella found a way to be cooler...</a><br />
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<em>She's been watching us eat with chopsticks so she wanted to give it a try-no, she did not know how to use them when we got her. Now she wants to use them at every meal.</em> </div>
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<em>Feeding the giraffe</em></div>
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<em>Monkeys were swinging all over the park above our heads-pretty sure our buddy, Dan, got pegged in the head by something one of them threw down! Of course I couldn't stop laughing!</em></div>
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<em>No bow today. Too stinkin' hot. I had mercy and took it off before we ever went thru the park.</em></div>
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<em>Daddy's girl and so happy to be out of the stroller!</em></div>
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<em>See the baby wrapped up in mama koala bear's arms?</em></div>
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<em>lunch time</em></div>
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<em>I don't know how she slept in the heat. For real-100x more humid and hot than Houston!</em> </div>
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<em>Zach and I about to take a ride on the elephant!</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8_TWq6k2f-5hkkOzKVB0PYU3hXcfjT2uBDnpIQvKHlxUZq76t9-v04cbha4o9RcV8k_bQAWxNTfcjDOFiYezcQDReHL4dj5SFTe9wIifF5Z5qzAP7TFI4dK2oK0FwDBPOPUTYlBaIwso/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>My favorite part of the day was riding the elephant with Zach. We were on the way to feed the baby tiger but got sidetracked by the elephants. The excitement on his face and Zach's giggles during the entire elephant ride was the best. It was worth giving up the baby tiger! No language barrier here. Just a sweet child with a huge smile on his face and the best laughter I have heard on this entire trip. Well. From a child anyway. We've had quite a few laughs with our friends, Dan & Jodi. Zach doesn't speak any English yet (except thank you), but he has the happiest disposition. He was so happy to be at the safari park and I loved watching him and his first experience at a zoo. Most of these kids will not remember their lives before getting a family. Zach will. You can see how excited he is to be with his new dad and the opportunity to be a part of a real family. He is a little treasure. </div>
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<em>Even Ella knew it was bathtime when we got back to the hotel. Did I mention it was HOT?</em></div>
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S<em>he poses AND she points to the camera and then herself so I will take her picture!</em></div>
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<em>Look at this sweet face! Love Love Love HER!</em></div>
<br />Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-74039117338152464752013-05-26T04:45:00.000-07:002013-05-26T04:45:02.409-07:00Shopping I didn't get time to post yesterday afternoon's events. Richard took all of us to Trust-Mart (owned by Walmart), to buy any supplies we needed. Eric NEVER goes to Walmart on a Saturday. One thing we learned-Walmart on Saturday in China is the same as Walmart on Saturday at home. Oh-there are a few minor differences. Like chicken flavord Pringles. Yuck! The baskets roll sideways too-not sure why?? Anyway, pictures are worth a thousand words...<br />
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<em>ok I could go on but that's enough-you get it!</em></div>
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<em>Meanwhile next door...beautiful little ballerinas</em></div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-57621926652856771672013-05-25T00:50:00.000-07:002013-05-25T04:42:15.399-07:00Girly GirlYesterday was a looong day. We traveled from Hohhot to Guangzho, and it was only a 3 hour flight, but....a flight with a 2 year old that has never been in a seat belt of any kind. We don't even fly with our bio kids when they're 2! When Grayson was a baby Eric made the rule that the Newberry clan would never fly again until everyone could pull their own carry on. Spring break 2012 was the first we took them all on a flight. Because they could all pull their rolling backpacks. We're also traveling with lots of bags. I only have to pack up the house one more time though!!<br />
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Ella was actually pretty good on the flight. Only a few fits. Some things just are not negotiable. Like a seatbelt on a very turbulent flight. She is figuring out that I do have some boundaries! Thankfully she fell asleep for 1 1/2 hours. We landed and our guide met us at the airport. This is the guide that has been responsible for planning our entire trip. He handles all of the documentation here during the process before we arrive and while we are here. Richard also found Ella for us when she had been moved from the orphanage to foster. He speaks very good English and he's been doing this for so long that he just "gets" it. I wanted to kiss him I was so happy to see him! <br />
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Our hotel is amazing again. It's very westernized in Guangzho and there is alot to do here. We have a starbucks and pizza hut across the street too! There are several restaurants and shopping-I think we'll survive the last week! Guangzho is where all of the American families come to do the US paperwork so there are alot of families here in the same boat we're in. The best part? Our friends from Beijing are here and they have the same guide as we do (Richard works for 2 agencies, ours and theirs). Yay!! We were so happy to see them and meet their little boy, Isaac. We met other families too-one from Flower Mound, TX-but Dan and Jodi became family! God definitely put us 4 together because it has made the trip so much better! We will have so much fun this week and it will help pass the time. I miss my babies at home!<br />
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This morning was Ella's medical exam. The US requires the exam before leaving China. It's a bit of a joke but it works. Actually, it was very well run and we were in and out in an hour. There were 2 other families in our group. One of them adopted 22 month old twin girls! Yikes! The news team showed up with their cameras on gotcha day. Apparently they were a big deal here when they were abandoned 12 weeks preemie. The family had no idea until that day everything that had transpired with these little ones. There is a mom here adopting a 10 year old with CP. She is traveling alone and this is her 6th adoption from China. I am so happy there are people that can open up their lives that much to do this multiple times and with older, more serious special needs. Her daughter is precious. During her medical exam she had a seizure so we were there about an extra hour until they would release her. Richard and Eric helped carry her to the van and we'll all be checking up on her. I admire her-I would be freaking out by now-I know my limits.<br />
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Ella did so good at the medical exam. They took her to another room to do a blood draw for the TB test and she came out without a tear. She even smiled at me when they handed her back to me. Other kids came out screaming and screamed for a while. Sadly, she is probably used to being poked and prodded.<br />
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She is attaching to Eric now. She reaches for him and wants his kisses and hugs him tight like she does with me. I, again, am so thankful. A few families we've seen today are having some serious attachement issues and I know it must be so sad for them. Overall, we are so so blessed with Ella and how well she is doing. We've only had her 6 days and it seems like she's been with us so much longer than that. When the boys facetime her, she lifts her shirt to show her tummy EVERY time, and she blows kisses or kisses the screen. She said "Connor" yesterday for the first time. He is so happy that he's the first name she learned other than mama and daddy. She knows his voice. She wakes up with a big happy smile and she is sucking her thumb less and less. It is very clear that she is comfortable with us and happy to be with us both. She is saying new English words every day but a few times she's let Eric had it in her native tongue! I'm teaching her to say "hey y'all!". We don't say it but it sounds so cute with an Asian twist!<br />
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Last but not least-the full girly girl has emerged. She is loving all of her bows and her shoes and we don't have any more issues getting dressed every day. She's excited when I pull out an outfit every morning! You'll probably see a few outfits a day this week because it is HOT. Steamy, humid, hot like Houston. Good thing I packed plenty. :))<br />
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<em>looking out of our window at the city of Hohhot</em></div>
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<em>the stair case she liked to climb in Shangri La hotel, Hohhot</em></div>
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<em>in front of the medical exam office</em></div>
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<em>love</em> <em>the nurses hat</em>...</div>
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<em>why don't we have these in the U.S.?</em></div>
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<em>should have seen all the parents trying to use the vending machine of wine after the medical exam!</em></div>
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<em>streets of Guangzho-reminds me of Dallas</em></div>
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<em>she found her tutu and wanted it to put it on</em></div>
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See what happens when I skip a day? Many more pics! </div>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-59137322204152316312013-05-23T08:24:00.000-07:002013-05-23T08:24:10.561-07:00No More Turquoise Bow!Well we've lost the turquoise bow AND the favorite white flower. Today she started with a yellow bow, wore a hot pink bow all day, and ended with a light pink. All of these were her choices. Girly girl just wants to be in charge. Every morning we start with the shoes-she will choose one of her two pair of squeakies-then the bow, and I scramble to find something that can kind of tie it all together. Today was easy because she happened to pick the pink shoes instead of the green ones, and she picked a matching pink bow. Tomorrow will possibly be a challenge because she found the turquoise shoes in the suitcase....<br />
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We were able to visit the Temple of Hohhot today. It was very interesting and it was our lucky day because the monks had gathered in the temple to pray. About 30 of them lined the floor and we were able to go in but I couldn't take any pictures. They were chanting and praying and people were walking thru them (I'm assuming for blessings?). I don't know. It was interesting but really gave me the creeps. We cut the visit short and got out of there. I did manage to buy Ella a traditional Mongolian dress and hat. It's so cute!<br />
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This afternoon we went to pick up Ella's passport. It was some type of government building with security guards. She was very quiet the entire time-I really think she was nervous. As much as I hate for her to feel that way, I am glad because that is another sign of attachment. She has definetely attached to me-it gets stronger every day. She's still making Daddy work a little bit harder for her love! She'll get there though-the main thing is that she has attached to one of us! I bet it's a complete different story by the end of next week.<br />
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Little princess peanut is a girly girl. She watches everything I do and wants to do the same. Chapstick, make-up, lotion. It's very interesting considering she hasn't seen women do these things before. She is really starting to blossom-today she was a little more challenging, but I can only imagine everything she is feeling. Have I said she's smart?? haha! Scary smart. Like the kind of smart that we are going to have to keep 5 steps ahead of her! <br />
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Here are the random pics of her today-I'll try to blog tomorrow but I'll have to see how the day goes. We're flying to Guangzho and I may be done after a 3 hr flight on a little bitty plane! I just pray sister sleeps most of it!<br />
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And then there's this-</a><br />
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Ella didn't see my buy this today and I really bought it thinking of the future-I wanted to show her someday something traditional from her birth place. When we came back to the room she saw the hat thru the bag and wanted to put it on. Then she saw the dress and brought it to me. I asked her if she wanted to wear it and she started taking off her clothes and rubbed her belly. Apparently that was her yes! So we dressed her up and she was so proud of herself. She kept looking at herself in the mirror and when she walked around she lifted the skirt so she wouldn't step on it. Again, interesting. We paraded around the hotel for a while and let her show it off. How cute is she?</div>
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She discovered the suitcase today. Turquoise shoes (not squeaky), yellow bow, and pajama bottoms. There are no words needed.</div>
Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-76669424794859507092013-05-22T06:09:00.003-07:002013-05-22T06:11:57.382-07:00the many faces of Ella JoyToday Ella woke up with a big happy smile on her face. Eric put her in our bed and she laughed and played with us both. She is definetely preferring me at nap and bedtime, but she will play with Eric and let him do things for her the rest of the day. It's normal for her to attach to one of us at a time. It's really good that she is preferring one of us over the other and it won't take her long to be closer to Eric too. If it doesn't happen here, it will happen when we're back home and she figures out he's the fun one!!<br />
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We had to work a little harder for smiles today. Our guide and driver took us to the museum today and she was CRAZY in the van. Every time she has been in a car, big changes have taken place. I'm sure she was not sure what was happening today. She was great at the museum and fell asleep in my lap on the way home-did I mention no car seats here? She slept a little while longer when we got back to our room and when she woke up she was very quiet for the afternoon. Let's be honest-she has to be bored with us by now! She is used to playing with lots of kids every day and we're just not that fun with the same toys and the same 4 walls every day! We have one more day here and then we're off to Guangzho. It'll be good for her to see that she goes with us when we leave.<br />
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Eric played with her this afternoon and I have to share some of the faces he was able to get out of her. Sister is a MESS. The report said she likes to play games and I'm starting to understand what they meant by play games. Ella is a firecracker-and it's only day 3. She was almost asleep when the boys face timed us. She sat up and grinned when she heard their voices and then she showed them her tummy. Because that's what she does with her brothers! She finally took her baby doll and elephant lovey to bed with her and she covered the baby with the elephant lovey. She is SMART. <br />
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Ella is a pistol and she did regress a little bit today but overall, she is doing amazingly well. She is adorable and full of personality and she loves laughter. Joy was the perfect name to give her because she is definetely full of joy. We are so thankful for this little peanut. I can't help but think about her birth mother and the joy that she will miss raising this precious girl. I believe in my heart that she couldn't afford her medical care and abandoned her outside the orphange walls hoping for a chance at life. I have asked our guides questions regarding the orphans and one child policy and I have learned so much more than I already knew. It's a life that I can't even fathom and yet, they feel their lives are good because it is better than it was 5 years ago and their parents lives were so much harder. I am just thankful to live in America and have the freedom of choice. I am even more thankful that Ella Joy will be able to grow up in the United States with a family that cherishes her and that she will have endless opportunies. One less orphan. <br />
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-64536008332617938852013-05-21T23:10:00.000-07:002013-05-21T23:20:04.049-07:00Random #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y8HRhPcnj1K5-txlj1gQ9Brnh7Q-o_BpZF6uzQonyPFAQUuzqGLisW-RfOcBpah16rfOss8uRtJSSjWXVrTptTtZevdiWrXio77pKkvTw-TqWbOpth-cKTPDLtyFfkTswgRXqYCfuaXO/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y8HRhPcnj1K5-txlj1gQ9Brnh7Q-o_BpZF6uzQonyPFAQUuzqGLisW-RfOcBpah16rfOss8uRtJSSjWXVrTptTtZevdiWrXio77pKkvTw-TqWbOpth-cKTPDLtyFfkTswgRXqYCfuaXO/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" /></a><br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HOTfkzxwWBzuYal4BMHCc3WH89N6HEjCWSr2ajh6_DqjSZ4iMKMPZ7LgU9Z6Xqo7Ni9kGJMlAt4OqPkvlLyaw6P0aktQXsYDF27RoR8tRYf-u9aeP_Cj0i_qsyHaw8qt-hE4QZkL5-HB/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HOTfkzxwWBzuYal4BMHCc3WH89N6HEjCWSr2ajh6_DqjSZ4iMKMPZ7LgU9Z6Xqo7Ni9kGJMlAt4OqPkvlLyaw6P0aktQXsYDF27RoR8tRYf-u9aeP_Cj0i_qsyHaw8qt-hE4QZkL5-HB/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQYVIuwnvbkNMKXthz5hzFCQ-Je0ymxmcOlcoOObwyCG-1dr7KFVUW-HIU0SrncTS7DicxwSGU7ALy7C2BkBM5K-HR8RESJs4vPohmY2aEYooUMYTjVQi6ER7_Kbs9fuobgdCR0Sl91Nh/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQYVIuwnvbkNMKXthz5hzFCQ-Je0ymxmcOlcoOObwyCG-1dr7KFVUW-HIU0SrncTS7DicxwSGU7ALy7C2BkBM5K-HR8RESJs4vPohmY2aEYooUMYTjVQi6ER7_Kbs9fuobgdCR0Sl91Nh/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" /></a><br/>
<i>this guy asked Eric to take a picture with him</i><br/>
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It is Wednesday here and I know everyone only wants to see Ella, but I have some other cool pics to post! Don't worry-I'll post later in the day with lots of Miss Ella!<br/>
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We are in Hohhot which is located in Inner Mongolia. Inner Mongolia is part of China, but their customs are a bit different. On our gotcha day, 2 beautiful young girls dressed in traditional Mongolian attire came into our hotel lobby. Apparently someone important was coming to the hotel and they were here to greet them. Eric was holding Ella and she was so intrigued, we asked if they would hold her for a picture. They were so sweet and kissed her before handing her back. I am so excited that we will be able to show her these pictures someday!<br/>
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Yesterday we were in the lobby at the perfect time again. A wedding was taking place! In China, on their wedding day, the groom picks up his bride and they drive around town with the wedding party following behind. After he shows off his bride, they return for the wedding ceremony and party. Only the wealthy have weddings in the hotels, the common people have their ceremony in restaurants. Their guests do not bring gifts, they give money in red envelopes. They keep record of the exact amount given and it will be returned to them on their wedding day. I stepped outside to take pictures and I noticed alot of cameras and video cameras. Our hotel manager explained that the wedding was a huge event because the couple used bicycles instead of cars. The news teams were here to do a story for the local news because of the bikes. They looked like they were having so much fun! Can you imagine our wedding parties riding around downtown Dallas on bikes so the groom can show off his bride? The bride was gorgeous! <br/>
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Eric is still drawing attention. People are very confused when they look at the 3 of us. You can tell they are trying to figure out if Ella is our daughter and how that happened! I can't say enough about the hotel. They brought Ella a birthday cake last night. We are becoming so spoiled-I really don't want to leave! The maid wrote a note for us today and left extra water so that we can stay hydrated because it is so dry here! We are very close to the Gobi dessert and Russia. Inner Mongolia is famuous for their grasslands and every picture I see looks so amazing. I wish we could visit but our time is running out here and it's a 2 hour drive! Maybe if we weren't traveling with a 2 year old, but I believe we'll skip it. The 30 minutes to the museum with no carseat was enough for me!<br/>
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Tomorrow we will visit the temple and pick up Ella's passport. Then we will leave Friday morning for Guangzho to complete the American side of things. More on Ella later-I know that's the real reason y'all are checking this blog!!! Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-43817910282782849882013-05-21T06:26:00.002-07:002013-05-21T06:33:11.125-07:00Ella's Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzeSM61BdPFSgMoXWyKUsSF5EB47D-z8BWl724UXt4XU0FZE58m3aKtdAwrlapGGJk5qrNDc1dqXDGTxiwXffdsvaPRK0gmY9gTMvU6gswTegawJST-7vhxdIMRWbSNuIqYyJyEM91lxh/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzeSM61BdPFSgMoXWyKUsSF5EB47D-z8BWl724UXt4XU0FZE58m3aKtdAwrlapGGJk5qrNDc1dqXDGTxiwXffdsvaPRK0gmY9gTMvU6gswTegawJST-7vhxdIMRWbSNuIqYyJyEM91lxh/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a>
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Today was Ella's 2nd birthday! It was also adoption day-she officially became Ella Joy Newberry today! It was a busy morning signing our documents. I was worried about her reaction when the nanny from yesterday would return this morning. No doubt she was happy to see her, but the 3 of us sat in the floor and Ella went back and forth between us. When it was time to go to the conference room, Ella chose to go with me. I am amazed at how quickly she is bonding with BOTH of us. After we promised the civil affairs officer that we would love her and give her the same education as our bio kids, it was time to say good-bye to the nanny. She is a lovely woman and as I watched her this morning it was obvious how much she loves our girl. We exchanged emails and she asked me to send pictures and she took several more pics today of all of us together and of herself with Xiao Mei. She presented us with a book from the orphanage, a necklace with a rabbit (Ella's birth year), and a red threaded ribbon that hung over her crib. It represents good luck. Again, we have had a very unique process this week. I wish everyone's Gotcha could be as great as ours as been. We were blesssed that Ella experienced such love in her short little life. It is apparant that she was taken care of to the best of their ability. I also wish all of the orphans waiting for a family could have the same experience that Ella has had. <br/>
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She had another great day. She cried just a few minutes when we came back to the room but it didn't take long before she was playing games with us! She is a smart little cookie! It was written in her records that she is smart but she is shockingly smart. We have just watched in awe how quickly she gets things. She is saying several words now. Today she added Mama and Daddy. She loves attention and she tries to make us laugh at her. <br/>
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So no tears today regarding clothing. She wasn't a fan of shoes again but I pulled out the big guns...squeaky shoes. They're a little big but she wore them all day and I'm pretty sure they'll be on again tomorrow. They brought a huge smile to her face! Bows?? Little stink has figured it out. I have not pushed the bows but I had 3 laying on the table that could coordinate with her dress. She pointed to the bows one at a time, picked them up while looking at me, and waited for me to ask her if she wanted to wear it. Then she laughed and shook her head no! Then proceeded to grab the turquoise bow again! As the day wore on, she went thru all of her bows and flowers and picked up a small white flower. She wanted to wear it, but only with the turquoise bow. So she wore two all day. Sometimes side by side, sometimes one on each side. (Notice her dress is NOT white or turquoise?? Cream, navy, or pink would have been beautiful but no. White and turquoise.) Hysterical! At the end of the day, she was left with only the new white flower. I have a feeling that she wants to wear them, but it is a fun game for her. She also found her sunglasses and that was a riot! She put them on and walked around the room moving her head like Stevie Wonder. Who knows what she was thinking?<br/>
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Lunch today was the first real meal we've had since we got her. We were shocked when she used a spoon perfectly! Little miss has some rockin' table manners. She's very dainty and tidy at mealtime. I still can't believe how well she used the spoon and didn't drop a bit. She's a great eater but does not overeat like I expected. <br/>
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We're like celebrities at our hotel. They only have 50-70 adoptions per year in Hohhot. Most of the people here are unaware that Americans come to China to adopt. We met a young man on the airplane here that was shocked. Because of this we get some strange looks! In the hotel though, they are so kind and a few people have told us thank you for being so kind and giving a child a family. Ella gets so much attention. Several people have commented on how beautiful she is. Even the civil affairs officer! <br/>
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Overall-GREAT day with her. She reached for me with arms wide open for a hug and when Eric said "hey where's my hug?", she did the same for him. Bathtime was great tonight. No tears when we undressed her and removed her shoes. At bedtime we turned the lights out and I could see her staring at me. I finally picked her up, we face timed the brothers, and I rocked her. She laid her head on my shoulder and patted my back the same way I was patting hers. It's huge that she wanted me to snuggle her up at bedtime. <br/>
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The hotel sent a birthday cake to our room for Ella. So nice! Our boys are celebrating at home with cupcakes and we were able to facetime with them before their school and our bedtime. We miss them so much and can't wait to get the whole family back together, but I am so thankful for family and friends spoiling them while we're gone! Happy Birthday Mei Mei!!!Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-76316282374815233322013-05-20T07:42:00.001-07:002013-05-20T07:42:37.871-07:00One more...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33RRM-dfYClAmJFA-L0CthyphenhyphenUT2l8x5P11KnAoTnMYBGQCZ7sFtzOVia_RZJYMk3q5bTcI5F7bBcIz044JmYLUKVT1edeN5A4V1R19VGBupdBzaGI_xbwjATeNhfIOpkj18G9F8jD4apYd/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33RRM-dfYClAmJFA-L0CthyphenhyphenUT2l8x5P11KnAoTnMYBGQCZ7sFtzOVia_RZJYMk3q5bTcI5F7bBcIz044JmYLUKVT1edeN5A4V1R19VGBupdBzaGI_xbwjATeNhfIOpkj18G9F8jD4apYd/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" /></a><br/>
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just because she's so darn cute!Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-89776174447574045622013-05-20T07:36:00.002-07:002013-05-20T07:39:30.829-07:00Gotcha Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3cetQYgOpnGn4bSiObf6jk3zLtmMrUV1a3-Zgv6ljEVl53byowZtTCYpkrfKCgz4MJqM2G2cXphcrFOlDHBQuFFMCs20Ramlj2b0gSj3Xshynq_uPDnMRpju7xCpRRw3SG13ritrwxbD/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3cetQYgOpnGn4bSiObf6jk3zLtmMrUV1a3-Zgv6ljEVl53byowZtTCYpkrfKCgz4MJqM2G2cXphcrFOlDHBQuFFMCs20Ramlj2b0gSj3Xshynq_uPDnMRpju7xCpRRw3SG13ritrwxbD/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" /></a><br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP4_0kI2gQJf-XwL_YkAxCysW42eM0KWTe4HACmKqVjDJPEIa_ZpN8m5jY7-L7D_kfw4__tboFM-7b2rFDG1Er5HKoxN_pVYowQfLBD8hLUhz4NA9noULnpjDyFBKBVtK9vvkVdRujuj9/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP4_0kI2gQJf-XwL_YkAxCysW42eM0KWTe4HACmKqVjDJPEIa_ZpN8m5jY7-L7D_kfw4__tboFM-7b2rFDG1Er5HKoxN_pVYowQfLBD8hLUhz4NA9noULnpjDyFBKBVtK9vvkVdRujuj9/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" /></a><br/>
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What a day! Little Miss Xiao Mei showed up with her orphanage director at 11:30am! I can't imagine how overwhelmed she must have felt for us, the nannies, the guide, and all onlookers in the hotel to be giving her so much attention. She warmed up after a few minutes and the next half hour was spent signing papers and taking pictures. Her nanny sat down with me and gave me so much information about her schedule and told me how much they all love her. She was the favorite in the orphanage because she is "beautiful and sweet". It was obvious to us that the nanny was sad to be leaving her but happy she has a home. The orphanage also gave me a scrapbook of pictures and her hand/footprints. This is very rare to have such a gift! She walked to the room hand in hand with her new daddy. I couldn't get a picture because I was loaded down with all of the stuff!! <br/>
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This is what we knew about Ella Joy when the day started (according to her nanny)...<br/>
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she loves music (they were playing Taylor Swift for her on an ipod), she runs FAST, she will eat anything they give her, she likes warm water, she is tidy, she likes to play games and help others.<br/>
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After a little time in our room I could tell she was sleepy so I cradled her and held her sippy and she went right to sleep sucking her thumb. When she woke up she had a smile on her face. The only time she cried today is if I tried to remove any of her clothing she was wearing when we got her. She went to sleep with her shoes and I removed them during nap. We removed the 3 layers she had on from the orphanage and gave her a bath. She never sat down but at least she stopped crying! I dressed her but now she wouldn't let us put shoes back ON her feet. Also, notice the bow? She was wearing that this morning and we absolutely can not remove it or she cries! I even tried to sneak it out and put a small white bow in its place. After about 10 minutes she reached on top of her head and discovered the difference. We may be wearing a turquoise bow for a long time regardless to the outfit! Hey at least she likes bows!<br/>
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She was very solemn so we decided to try our luck outside of the room. Sometimes kids will panic and cry when parents try to take them out of the hotel room but she did fine. There is a small play area for kids in this awesome hotel we're in. It didn't take long before the real Ella started to emerge! She is going to be a pistol! She went from quite and solemn to laughing and teasing and rolling all over us in a matter of minutes! It usually takes a few days before personalities start to shine-oh my, what are we in for? It took her about 5 hours! I should have known better when she was sticking her tongue out during the above group picture! She is the perfect addition to the Newberry clan and the boys are going to have so much fun with her! We are crazy in love with this precious little one already. She is amazing. I am so thankful that God chose her to be ours-we are the lucky ones. Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-55147279278074087242013-05-20T01:14:00.000-07:002013-05-20T01:14:03.437-07:00We have her!We have her, she's precious, and she's doing great so far! She's napping right now. I'll do a post later with pictures, but the big brothers have to FaceTime with her first! Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-83140548625532249392013-05-19T20:22:00.000-07:002013-05-20T01:12:13.058-07:00Beijing Day 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjIuVKdgQeyPVc4Zf8KgM2S9eBKeTP9oZy6NmDnf3uSPUIyrK-5D-TM7PgJYrFsU-8ihPf6c1XsKo3je1j7H1o1W-nOLC0RD6pYwnsY7SFjEW1Zrz9Y4SCQxgTREtmbJpfz4KI9JvE0YZ/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjIuVKdgQeyPVc4Zf8KgM2S9eBKeTP9oZy6NmDnf3uSPUIyrK-5D-TM7PgJYrFsU-8ihPf6c1XsKo3je1j7H1o1W-nOLC0RD6pYwnsY7SFjEW1Zrz9Y4SCQxgTREtmbJpfz4KI9JvE0YZ/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" /></a><br/>
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Yesterday we went to The Great Wall. It was so beautiful and it doesn't matter how many pictures I post, it will not do it justice. We cheated and took a cable car to the top and that was fine by me! We spent alot of time just walking the wall and taking it all in. It was our last day to be with our guide, Alice, and our new travel buddies. It was a day of laughter and excitement knowing the 4 of us were one day closer to our Gotcha Day! Alice took us to another local restaurant and it was soooo delicious! My favorite so far. I am still very cautious about dining options, but Alice took care of us and ordered meals she knew we would like.<br/>
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Right after lunch we headed to the airport. We dropped Dan and Jodie off first and Eric and I waited in the van for Alice to return. While she was inside, I realized I needed a potty break. It took her longer than expected but when she got in the van, she said our terminal was just a few minutes away. No problem. I can hold it. Well, imagine my panic when we went around the corner and the traffic was at a complete stop. Apparently a diplomat was passing thru and no cars could get by. COMPLETE STOP. People were getting out of their cars and standing on the highway! The driver kindly offered to pull over and step out of the vehicle so I wouldn't be embarrassed to "go in a plastic bag". Umm, no thank you. I can hold it. Minutes ticked by and finally I had to make a choice. Pottie in a bag?? Go on the side of the road-believe me, thought about it! These people would never see me again so why not?? The driver was finally able to exit and pull over in the median so Alice and I could run into the small hotel just a few feet away. Not even joking-it was the Norman Bates Hotel. I had to go so bad I didn't take it all in, but I did see narrow, dark hallways, low ceilings, room doors open, people smoking, etc. You get the picture. We navigated thru several hallways until we finally found the "washroom" outside at the back of the hotel. A squatty potty. Sigh. I had avoided them for days but now I was left with no choice. Alice kept me company so we are now very connected with a special bond!<br/>
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Our flights were delayed and thankfully there was one sweet girl at our gate that spoke English and she was able to tell us the new time for departure. Eric and I roamed the airport until it was finally time to get on the bus that would take us to the plane. Of course it was a tiny plane, I'm pretty sure I could hear the tiny prop ticking and it was a rough flight. As I mentioned before, not for sissies! All I could think is "HOW did we get here????". <br/>
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We were 3 hours late and it was almost midnight, but our new guide, Sandra, was there to meet us. She helped us get checked in and settled into our new home. Our hotel is AMAZING. We are so fortunate because sometimes the locations are not so great. The hotel is beautiful, the staff are very accomodating, and breakfast was very similar to the U.S. The hotel manager met us after breakfast with a welcoming gift and apologized he wasn't here when we checked in. There's even a track meet going on outside of our window. <br/>
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We are waiting patiently for the phone call that says our baby girl is downstairs. We have no clue what to expect but fortunately, the long wait is almost over. We will have her in our arms TODAY. Tomorrow is her birthday and she gets a new family for her 2nd birthday! <br/>
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I will post pictures as soon as I can-it all depends on how the day goes!Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-16699017804677934542013-05-18T10:47:00.001-07:002013-05-18T15:02:52.619-07:00Beijing Day 2Today was alot of fun! We have one other couple in our "group" and they are a perfect match for us! They're laid back and have very similar personalities. It's been so easy and fun sight seeing with them. They leave Beijing tonight too but we will meet up again in Guangzho. They'll be staying in the same hotel and our medical exam appointments are the same day too. We are looking forward to seeing them with their little boy, Isaac.<br/>
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We went to the Temple of Heaven and the park right next to it. Since it was Saturday alot of locals were enjoying the day. We saw dance lessons, people practicing their calligraphy,card games, LINE dancing! haha! Next we were able to visit the Olympic venues. So cool! <br/>
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We wrapped it up at the Summer Palace. It was a beautiful palace that sits on a lake. It's the best time to visit Beijing so it was packed! After a couple of hours we had seen enough! Another long day of touring but so worth it. We are so wiped out at night we don't even eat dinner. Good thing I packed granola bars...<br/>
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Tomorrow we will visit the Great Wall and then fly to Hohhot. Monday morning is gotcha day! We will have Ella soon!!<br/>
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Now, if you know us, it is no secret I am a Texan and Eric grew up in Oklahoma. We claim him as a Texan because he has lived in Texas almost as many years as he did in OK. He grew up an OU fan and he has made our boys OU fans as well. I grew up cheering for the Longhorns but a house divided was just too confusing and I didn't go to UT so it was easier just to join the boys. So how funny is it that we visit a home in China, and in the entry way on a tree stand is a Texas Longhorn hat??? He noticed it right away and I had to get a picture. What are the odds?? So funny! Also, it's no secret that Eric's accent is WAAAY more Texan than mine. I noticed throughout the day that people would stop and look at us but I didn't think much of it. Finally a few people were brave enough to ask him where he is from. HAHA! Apparently they are stopping to listen to him talk. Cracking me up that he is drawing so much attention. I can only imagine what it will be like when we get to Hohhot-they do not see as many Americans there like they do in Beijing.<br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwoQl_b7WntmcR9BxdU9kD6YBmmdba4cQTP0ee3LnW-8j0KSD5k1HX-14jTZKvCVeBj6XmFGuVnw8-21DkQOi3D66vT9YEiLk2a_ivZ4TFV8VkF0DWJvdOt3D4lIkcLBUD6qvsceH3S6F/s1600/DSC_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwoQl_b7WntmcR9BxdU9kD6YBmmdba4cQTP0ee3LnW-8j0KSD5k1HX-14jTZKvCVeBj6XmFGuVnw8-21DkQOi3D66vT9YEiLk2a_ivZ4TFV8VkF0DWJvdOt3D4lIkcLBUD6qvsceH3S6F/s320/DSC_0524.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5b8oPS4kjUfeebUsPLcDD-gv4D04qm_osd2i2ChUTnzdiawFeeJqY2g_-M94MAtYSTVu6w7QLKbWGAbiN8QkRqMQUPPihiXvwdghJUy-c6Fguy-EXuOKXOPK1ldkfgRvrNVm1JvKfWHT7/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5b8oPS4kjUfeebUsPLcDD-gv4D04qm_osd2i2ChUTnzdiawFeeJqY2g_-M94MAtYSTVu6w7QLKbWGAbiN8QkRqMQUPPihiXvwdghJUy-c6Fguy-EXuOKXOPK1ldkfgRvrNVm1JvKfWHT7/s320/DSC_0509.JPG" /></a>Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-36841729640419789242013-05-17T13:55:00.000-07:002013-05-17T13:55:38.618-07:00Random<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo-MkIkhzeDHfuqgW0Pxa7vL166JqUf4hDPstlATW2hNlho5Q-Ct74m775-5nMVDBIH5G04gIE1HFBb7UCHO49eE_SronMSpt6V9xb7qMmwdAl-AK0RjDP1R9SPu1ouKKMQN7qjmZGh_G/s1600/DSC_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo-MkIkhzeDHfuqgW0Pxa7vL166JqUf4hDPstlATW2hNlho5Q-Ct74m775-5nMVDBIH5G04gIE1HFBb7UCHO49eE_SronMSpt6V9xb7qMmwdAl-AK0RjDP1R9SPu1ouKKMQN7qjmZGh_G/s320/DSC_0475.JPG" /></a><br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr3c2mgk0SEr75YDVP2lRM6UdqUQ8kNge-fyIKN1qW0jGvInLbTqB6Ho_yd57nbOVuiwG_w8VclolQ1d0OYa9nmDpf9gjbULSXIB8p84202wODaqh6wiTTiHZ24_XLyuvZAE7Bdcv64HU/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr3c2mgk0SEr75YDVP2lRM6UdqUQ8kNge-fyIKN1qW0jGvInLbTqB6Ho_yd57nbOVuiwG_w8VclolQ1d0OYa9nmDpf9gjbULSXIB8p84202wODaqh6wiTTiHZ24_XLyuvZAE7Bdcv64HU/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuTqqb7mUSkv0N8UsEjMFRzMmW9JCoFLhEtuf6QcMGfsAOOTBjCDW079UkHxOgnsp-mZ07qVVWckfj_q__Zu5KKatVbXoQttGCd7fkfrLacW4FcUPpeIK08_vnvix-RfzjsiWq71N6F9B/s1600/DSC_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuTqqb7mUSkv0N8UsEjMFRzMmW9JCoFLhEtuf6QcMGfsAOOTBjCDW079UkHxOgnsp-mZ07qVVWckfj_q__Zu5KKatVbXoQttGCd7fkfrLacW4FcUPpeIK08_vnvix-RfzjsiWq71N6F9B/s320/DSC_0503.JPG" /></a><br/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1Sv2_dHy3-9bX87aX7KnZQOOsqqQSPpL9jE1otloBOqQChl43QbXASLGC9pL81YYhdcgSd92Vt1UVFNMSSSXYHrzpia52je0bowCt2TS03aH9zpVbt5X8b13hfDJKOnosB0x_KaEZxFm/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1Sv2_dHy3-9bX87aX7KnZQOOsqqQSPpL9jE1otloBOqQChl43QbXASLGC9pL81YYhdcgSd92Vt1UVFNMSSSXYHrzpia52je0bowCt2TS03aH9zpVbt5X8b13hfDJKOnosB0x_KaEZxFm/s320/DSC_0468.JPG" /></a><br/><br/>
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I will leave you with these-a few funny photos of our day...<br/>
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Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-35540252706631437272013-05-17T13:27:00.001-07:002013-05-17T13:27:56.909-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hZImc98hmnSsIS7FLO9pCGfvJ1-rK3shZp1-MIoPTrZkjx_gPRBLDVQ3WAjrTYZ2zE6cDYKMYRr8-8W1iMpNi096nqP_7X-AWU8gMIXJrfW6_q4AExUlG1jCHpeOPvdq7BzI5Ag1WP7T/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hZImc98hmnSsIS7FLO9pCGfvJ1-rK3shZp1-MIoPTrZkjx_gPRBLDVQ3WAjrTYZ2zE6cDYKMYRr8-8W1iMpNi096nqP_7X-AWU8gMIXJrfW6_q4AExUlG1jCHpeOPvdq7BzI5Ag1WP7T/s320/DSC_0540.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSqVNg7Q6tBvekDv-5YjUOqGh7YkCVnGeaC8W8ec8R6GYRq5sc2cWgssVRGU1qfwtt4PHNrL2vpeXQMh6UDdrloWWvSYvtACXcEDrBCbUSsA5tVx4QiTr0mF8LZUo9eUDwsgEQpNd0Pkr/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSqVNg7Q6tBvekDv-5YjUOqGh7YkCVnGeaC8W8ec8R6GYRq5sc2cWgssVRGU1qfwtt4PHNrL2vpeXQMh6UDdrloWWvSYvtACXcEDrBCbUSsA5tVx4QiTr0mF8LZUo9eUDwsgEQpNd0Pkr/s320/DSC_0523.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rfFtF5yfCCi1pvEefQsgVKtP7RWwtkc233N7ZM-CM_J7utPHQIvoMfiQTpX1sv3hGls1yyf0n-7J5B5r00Xt3aixS1BR9D4GRpwqxCUHURedyRkdChWo5v0UuEFxZsCi5NOKinDd0nSI/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rfFtF5yfCCi1pvEefQsgVKtP7RWwtkc233N7ZM-CM_J7utPHQIvoMfiQTpX1sv3hGls1yyf0n-7J5B5r00Xt3aixS1BR9D4GRpwqxCUHURedyRkdChWo5v0UuEFxZsCi5NOKinDd0nSI/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" /></a><br/>
Today was an amazing day! We toured the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It was so interesting to listen to our guide about their beliefs in good luck and fortune. We learned alot about the life of the emperor and all of the concubines. I honestly do not know how they keep up with all of their tradition and things to do to bring good fortune to their family. <br/>
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Next we went to a local restaurant for lunch. The food was delicious! It wasn't too different that the Chinese food we have at home. We let our guide order for us and I may have asked a few times-this is chicken, right? pork, right? I want to make sure I don't eat any pig hearts or anything (Jenn, Paige, and Diana)!<br/>
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After lunch we took a rickshaw tour of Hutong village. It was my favorite part of the day. The government has put money into the village to improve the environment. They have washrooms in their houses now (as opposed to the public washroom that all residents used to use). There is a street called "bar street" and it is just as it sounds. During the tour we were allowed to visit the home of a well known artist. The family allows visitors as part of the family's salary. We were lucky that the artist was home during our visit and he demonstrated his art work for us. Alot of the colors he uses are made from mineral stone. <br/>
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We wrapped up the day with a Chinese Acrobatic show. Again-amazing. Finally the jetlag hit and we were out by 8:00! Now it's 4am and you see I am not asleep!<br/>
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I have so many photos but they are taking forever to upload so I'm only posting a few. Also, the photos are landing whereever they want within the blog post! <br/>
Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-45656942420848499792013-05-16T18:55:00.001-07:002013-05-16T18:55:06.928-07:00We made it!
We had a great flight in business class-thankful for the friends that hooked us up with points because OH MY did it make a difference! It was kind of nice to recline, watch movies, and take naps whenever I wanted to! I'm not sure that I've had 14 straight hours to do nothing for a long time!!
We are about to meet our guide and start touring Beijing. It was late at night when we arrived so we didn't see much. Excited to see alot today. We are headed out to the Forbidden City and possibly a Chinese acrobatic show this morning.
3 more days.....Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583030656840031356.post-59874734182041497542013-05-14T21:05:00.000-07:002013-05-14T21:05:08.694-07:00On our way!The last two weeks have been up and down and jumping thru hoops and over hurdles but we are China bound! Tomorrow!!we are on our way to baby girl! Please pray for safe travels and our kiddos at home! I hope the time passes quickly for all of us! I will update more while in China. As for tonight, I am wiped out and headed to bed!
Jennifer Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12679168858270937649noreply@blogger.com6