From Roberta...

A HUGE THANKS...
We want to thank Kim from the bottom of our hearts for helping us with this blog. She is the mastermind and guru of this internet journal. She has figured it all out from Alabama while we sit here in China and don't really do a thing except send emails! We are blessed that she has been SO kind to take her personal time to help us.
**Kim wants Roberta and Bob to know that "thanks" are NOT necessary! It has been MY PLEASURE!!

WHAT DAY IS THIS?
Sadly, Bob and I looked at each other and asked that question this morning as we woke up in Guangzhou, China. We left Hefei, the kids provincial city, yesterday to fly to Guangzhou. We are on the last leg of this journey and boy are we happy that there is only one more flight (albeit a VERY long one)!!! All of the boys did wonderfully on the plane...no crying, vomiting, or fussing - just happy or sleeping boys...God is so great. We arrived in Guangzhou and we now realize why people are so anxious to get home at this point. We have our boys, we have been approved another several times by the Chinese people and orphanage, and we are just ready to go!!!! It is hard to get into a routine at a hotel where you cannot really unpack and get settled.

The boys seem to be adjusting well to their new family. Both of the little guys sleep like champs at night and take a nap during the day - AMEN! Alex is a star when it comes to eating - put it in front of him and he will try it. Matt is a bit more picky, but still eats really well. Sam is just an awesome big brother. He has had only a few jealous moments - which we think is pretty good considering what he has been through on this trip! The little guys just follow him around and mimic everything he does (good and bad) which is pretty comical.

We are staying at the famous White Swan Hotel...it is a huge and beautiful facility. The service is really wonderful and the breakfast buffet is awesome. We have been blessed our entire trip with our hotels. The Holiday Inn in Hefei was just fabulous...yes, the Holiday Inn...who knew? It was the nicest we have ever seen.

We have really tried hard to eat a lot of traditional Chinese food while we have been here but Bob and I are going to be hard pressed to eat any noodles or rice for awhile when we get home!!! We went to Lucy's restaurant last night which is a retro 50's joint here that serves hamburgers and fries - again - thanks be to God. Alex loves ketchup with fries and Matt loves a good burger - it is interesting to see these kids eating American food.

We had our medical appointment today which was fairly routine. Alex weighs about 22 lbs. and Matt weighs 25 lbs. according to the lady at the clinic. Big brother Sam weighs in at 42 lbs and is proud to be in the "lead" in that category! (he he) Matt is tall for his age and Alex is average to short...we could have told them that! Alex is built like a truck and Matt is long and lean. The whole thing took a total of 15 minutes once we got there...nothing like a thorough exam!

Our parents arrive here tomorrow from a side trip to Shanghai and we cannot wait! We have missed them - it has been the greatest blessing having them with us on this adventure while we settle into the routine of going from one child to three in a matter of an hour...

RED CLASS: Hefei, Anhui Province, China is where our boys are from...it is where their orphanage is located. Hefei is small city in China, population around 4 million!!! It is a lovely city with good amenities, a waterway walking area, a beautiful park and a zoo. Anhui Province is considered to be a poorer and smaller province compared to Beijing or Shanghai areas; however Anhui used to be the capitol and it was called Luzhou (spelling?) Anhui is famous for supplying peanuts to all of China - which is a big deal. Peanuts are everywhere here - even on the breakfast buffet! Anhui is also famous for having the best green tea leaves in China which can only be picked and harvested once a year. Anhui has the beautiful Yellow Mountain range in the south part of the province which is famous for its quaint villages in the foothills and spectacular sights. This is the largest mountain region in China. We look forward to coming back to China one day to show our boys where they were born. );


A BIG THANKS TO YOU ALL for posting to our blog. The comments you have posted have really touched our hearts and have really encouraged us throughout our trip. We remain amazed at\n the outpouring of prayers and love that we continue to receive. Blessings to all!