What a great time we had during our trip to St. Louis! We were able to visit with 3 other families who traveled with us to Hunan in May, 2006. We were also able to visit with several other families who who traveled to China with us, but who went to other provinces to get their babies. It was so amazing to see everyone again, and to watch how the girls have blossomed and adjusted to their new lives in the United States. It is truly unbelievable.
There are many memories of our trip to China, but one stands out so vividly. As our bus pulled up to the Civil Affairs Office in Changsha, Hunan (after our flight from Beijing was delayed 2 hours and we only had 10 minutes to check into our hotel before going to meet our babies), we noticed two babies being held by two women in a second story window, waving to us. I remember Matt pointing it out, saying "look, honey, there are two babies in that window!" I told him to get the camera out and take a pic before they were gone, so he did. After we got our babies and returned to the hotel, I decided to update our blog and post some pics. Lo and behold, one of those babies in the pic was our Alina Jayne-the other is the daughter of a family that we see every year at the reunion and stay in touch with throughout the year. It has given us a real sense of connection. I have posted the pic of them from 2006 and one from 2008. The only difference is that Alina Jayne is on the right in 2006 and the left in 2008.
On Friday we went to the Magic House (http://www.magichouse.org) with two other families-the kids had a great time. The place was very busy, but there was so much for them to do there. Afterward we went to dinner and then the girls had ice cream in the food court at the mall. They burned off a LOT of energy playing-and even managed to chase some obviously not very kid-accustomed people away from where we were sitting! Too bad they could not see the beauty in the moment!
Saturday was the CHI Reunion Picnic. The kids got to visit again-and burn off more energy! After the reunion was over, another group of families went to the local butterfly house and playground and then to dinner. This weekend was definitely an 'Asian Invasion" wherever we went! So many China Beauties in one place!
We left for home on Sunday and some how ended downtown. We literally happened upon the Budweiser Brewery and decided to see if they were open. They were, so we browsed the lobby and the gift shop-we had tickets for a tour, but 2 of the other Hunan families had decided that maybe we should do a brewery tour next year, so we decided to wait and tour it then. Ironically, the day after we were there, they were sold to ImBev, so we'll be touring a Swedish-owned brewery next year!
Looking forward to next year's reunion already!
BY THE WAY-does everyone know you can click on the pics to view them full-size? I know I have a lot of technologically-challenged friends and family reading this blog!
Check back again soon!
The St. Louis Arch
China Window Babies 2006
China Window Babies 2008
Magic House Water Room
Magic House Library
Magic House Puppet Show
Ice Cream in the Food Court on Friday
Climbing on Poor Liza!
More Mall Clowning
Reunion Fun
Did I eat that stuff???
Butterfly House
Dinner on Saturday
The King of Beers!
Daddy & Alina Jayne
Mama & Alina Jayne
