Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Red Couch...finally!








This red couch is famous here at the White swan because for years families have taken photos of the children and their families to commemorate their adoption...not sure how the tradition started, but you know what they say about tradition...don't mess with it. So, here are the three children from Gansu Province. From the left: Lola, Ellie & Sam. Ellie and Sam are the exact same age and from the same orphanage in Huining. Sam's Chinese name is Hui Ning and Ellie's is Hui Ping...I love the picture below here, it looks like they are having a long conversation about their new parents!


We went and swore an honesty oath before the US consulate today and when our passports are stamped in LA Ellie will be an official citizen of the USA! She is celebrating by playing and jabbering on the floor in the hotel room! We went out with Kelly and Ellen (otherwise known as Sam's parents!) after the consulate appointment and had burgers at a restaurant called Lucy's...reminded me of home...


We are so excited to start our journey home tomorrow..It is unbelievable that it is nearly over. What a fantastic experience...and what a wonderful blessing our little Ellie is. All things are perfect in His time...Don't know if we will get another post in before we head home...we have loved sharing these amazing moments in our lives with all of you. love, Cassie& Shaun






9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tearing up again! Ellie is so beautiful...I'm awestruck! Can't wait to see you! Love, Robin

Anonymous said...

We've been watching the blog everyday and can't wait to see it each morning. The pictures have made our wait a little more exciting and made us a little more anxious to go. It has been wonderful to share this experience with you from half way across the world. We are looking forward to the chance to talk and learn from your journey. God's light has been shining on the three of you. Have a safe trip home.

TB said...

I can't say it enough - the three of you make an incredibly beautiful family. I wish we lived closer and all our little girls could play together. I miss you guys! Come home safely!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASSIE I KNOW ITS GOING TO BE THE BEST BIRTHDAY! EVERYONE MISSES YOU ... SEEING THE 3 OF YOU DAILY HAS BEEN GREAT ! COME HOME SAFELY! LINDA

Anonymous said...

Wow! So fun to catch up on reading your "journey". Dan and I are both home now and can't wait to see the three of you. God bless you all with a safe and comfortable trip home....and good luck with Ellie's jet lag on this end! Love you, Elaine

Anonymous said...

Hi!! Happy Birhtday Casie. We miss you a lot. I have to go now we have a very busy day. Enjoy your day, say Hi! to Shaun and Ellie.

See you soon???


Miriam

Anonymous said...

What an amazing journey and what an incredible job you did with the blog. It was so great being there with all three of you. Thank you so much for giving all your friends and relatives a wonderful ride. And now home sweet home. Boy, I wish I could be there with you, but will certainly be thinking of you as you settle in.
God bless you all - I love you, Kent

Anonymous said...

Ditto what Robin said on the "tearing up".
So,so happy for you two.
Cassie..........................
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
You obviously won't get this on your actual day, but got the "Scoop" and saw that it's your b-day today.
Getting Ellie. What a wonderful Birthday present!!! Dar

Anonymous said...

First of all, Happy Belated Anniversary! I told Darwin to tell you when he saw you at work the next day. He wonders how I remember everything. Second, Happy Birthday Cassie. I'm sure this will probably be the one you'll never forget. Thirdly, congratulations! I know this is a long time coming; it didn't surprise me when Darwin told me you were adopting a child from China as it just seemed so natural for both you and Shaun. We're excited to meet Ellie as well as re-connect after all these years now that we're back in the Valley. Ellie is a very lucky little girl as you two are the most ideal parents any child could have.

Love,

Beth, Darwin, Christopher and Taylor