Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Red Couch Chaos and Last Night in China

So sad to be leaving China tomorrow, we had such a good time here and got the most precious gift that anyone could imagine, our daughter. But we will be glad to finally be home, we are just not looking forward to that 14+ hour flight. We just hope the trip home isn't as crazy as some of the flights getting here. This will be my last post from China since we are leaving the hotel to catch our flight at 6am tomorrow morning. We first fly to Hong Kong, from Hong Kong we go to Chicago then finally home.

This morning our travel group met in the hotel lobby to take the traditional red couch photos. If you have ever tried to get an 8 month old to look at a camera you know how difficult it can be....now imagine trying to do that with 14 babies. It was just chaos....babies crying, falling over and bunch of parents trying to get it all on film.





After our red couch photos we went out one last time to finish up our shopping. Since Grace has a seat of her own for the flight home she also gets to bring home her own suitcase of loot. After shopping we had an appointment at the US Consulate for Grace's swearing in ceremony. This was our last step in the process, although she isn't a US citizen yet but she will be once we get through immigration in Chicago. They wouldn't let us bring cameras into the consulate but I was able to get one outside.

We had dinner tonight at an Italian restaurant in the hotel with a couple other new parents. It wasn't quite North End quality food but it was pretty good and we had a good time reminiscing about our time in China. Just a pic of some silliness from dinner tonight and an obligatory cute pic of Grace. See ya on the other side!!!!


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Following your website has been a saga of pain and joy. Thankfully, your family is now complete! Now as you end that awesome journey to China, you begin the real "trip of a lifetime" raising your new daughter.

Best wishes,
Debbie O'B

Anonymous said...

Wow, how exciting for you guys!
Gracie is so beautiful, sitting on the red couch! Oh my goodness, I can't even stand it, too cute! She is such a princess!
Have a safe trip/flight and hope it goes quickly and smoohtly. Can't wait to hear more updates as you arrive home.

Anonymous said...

I have logged on everyday and followed your journey with Grace, it's been awesome. So excited for you all to return home and share her with all of us! Don't forget me in the mall stores when you bring her in for a visit. I can't wait to meet her! Have a safe trip home and I can't wait to see you and Grace soon!

Kellie

Wendy said...

Just look at all those lucky little babies... Have a safe flight home...

Wendy

Anonymous said...

All the photos of Grace are just precious and just perfect. She is so adorable. Wish you the best of luck on your journey home.

Anonymous said...

I just spent HOURS reading your blog. May God continue to bless you and your family. Gracie is BEAUTIFUL and i will be watching with anticipation for the Gracie comes home pictures.

Anonymous said...

HOME!! Yipee!! The journey continues...

Liz

Anonymous said...

I am an adoptive parent-in-waiting (expedited in China) and found your blog by accident. You seem like such a wonderful couple and your daughter is simply precious. It's been so nice to hear that you enjoyed China (we live in Shanghai and love it). Congratulations again on becoming a family of three! We hope to be there soon too.

Shirley

Anonymous said...

I am sorry you will miss China so much, however everyone back at home is splitting at the seems to meet Gracie! I can only imagine how excited the new Grandparents are to see the family. Your family is so beautiful an I llove that Grace likes cats. What a perfect fit. See you soon. Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, this is Tammy M. I have to say Welcome home baby!!! Yippee!! Baby feet!! Go Gracie.. hope she won't be too hard on Lucy :) So happy you are home safe w/an angel in your arms!

Anonymous said...

WELCOME HOME KING FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!


Liz

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Steve, Jen and my beautiful neice Gracie!! I am so looking forward to seeing you all! We followed along closely while we were away in Cali. Wish we could have been there for the big arrival...but a day did not pass that I did not think of Grace!
Can't wait for the James to meet his sweet baby cousin!!
CONGRATS AGAIN. Love you all.