KEANNA IS FLYING HOME WITH US TODAY!!!
It's Friday morning 6am here (3pm Thursday in BC), we'll go for breakfast in an hour or two, pack our final things and head to the lobby for our ride to the airport.
As we are 15 hours ahead of you we live Friday daytime twice today, but once on the plane. We are to land in Vancouver at 11:20am, which is 2am China time for us. Hopefully no plane delays on this flight.
We'll see you all soon.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
July 17th Day before travel we took it easy
We took a walk through a different area towards directions I got to a Wallmart for plane snacks and ended up at a Wumart. It was a good supermarket for what we needed, and found the little bread snack packs another Asian lady had given Keanna that Keanna loved. Back at the hotel she ate 5 of them, and would ask for more and get excited when she saw the new pack (-: We've packed them for the plane ride along with the other snacks we picked up.
Our luggage is packed other than for our morning change of clothes before our flight. Kids are bouncing around all excited to go back.
Our luggage is packed other than for our morning change of clothes before our flight. Kids are bouncing around all excited to go back.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
July 16th The GREAT WALL - Tram and Bob sled ride!!!
We went to the Great Wall, (Mu tian yu) a different location than we've been to before as a change that is not as busy with tourists. We rented a van and driver for the day as its a 2hr drive each way. Brought the portable DVD's and a bag of local food snacks from a corner store...
We arrived at the Great Wall, took a 10 minute transfer bus ride to the base, took a tram up (ski-lift chair), and hiked up/down the wall. It was spectacular, kids loved it, even Keanna hiked up more stairs than we thought she could. It was then time for the Bob Sled ride down!
I was going to take Makena and Keanna, and Alyssa and Cheryl were going to go together. As Alyssa wanted to go with someone. It was a long run down, 5 minutes about. When our turn they said no, to Alyssa and Cheryl going together, so they stuck Alyssa in a single and gave her a push . Alyssa ended up going first! Not the plan, but she did great. Alyssa had no choice but loved it. Cheryl and Makena went, then myself and Keanna.
We negotiated a price for a souvenir at the bottom to take home, and head back to the hotel for a swim.
We arrived at the Great Wall, took a 10 minute transfer bus ride to the base, took a tram up (ski-lift chair), and hiked up/down the wall. It was spectacular, kids loved it, even Keanna hiked up more stairs than we thought she could. It was then time for the Bob Sled ride down!
I was going to take Makena and Keanna, and Alyssa and Cheryl were going to go together. As Alyssa wanted to go with someone. It was a long run down, 5 minutes about. When our turn they said no, to Alyssa and Cheryl going together, so they stuck Alyssa in a single and gave her a push . Alyssa ended up going first! Not the plan, but she did great. Alyssa had no choice but loved it. Cheryl and Makena went, then myself and Keanna.
We negotiated a price for a souvenir at the bottom to take home, and head back to the hotel for a swim.
July 15th - Beijing Zoo
We visited the Beijing Zoo, we took a taxi from the hotel to the zoo and checked out the panda's polar bears, did a crazy motor boat drive up the canal (w/o Keanna and mom).
We had some food, other than Cheryl as she's been suffering with some food stomach issues the last few days )-: It's been tough on her.
On the way out of the zoo we went to get a cab, not so easy... No cab wanted to take us as traffic was supposedly bad to where our hotel was. After about 30 minutes I got an "empty" cab to pull over who turned us away, so I said how much, he said a price and we got in (about 3x the cost of our trip to the zoo). Keanna started to cry on the way back as she had to pee, and so far had not gone in her pull up (not even on the 6hr plane ride), but this time she was only in underwear, no pull up. Keanna held it till we got the hotel!
We had some food, other than Cheryl as she's been suffering with some food stomach issues the last few days )-: It's been tough on her.
On the way out of the zoo we went to get a cab, not so easy... No cab wanted to take us as traffic was supposedly bad to where our hotel was. After about 30 minutes I got an "empty" cab to pull over who turned us away, so I said how much, he said a price and we got in (about 3x the cost of our trip to the zoo). Keanna started to cry on the way back as she had to pee, and so far had not gone in her pull up (not even on the 6hr plane ride), but this time she was only in underwear, no pull up. Keanna held it till we got the hotel!
July 14th - Canadian Embassy
We went to the Embassy for Keanna's visa process but were not allowed inside. We had to stay outside in the heat and wait for about 1.5 hours. We spent our time whacking mosquito's that were giving Alyssa and Makena big hives and making them itch.
It was a rough first few days in Beijing but it greatly improved after that.
It was a rough first few days in Beijing but it greatly improved after that.
July 13th switching hotels )-:
We woke up in the morning, the hotel we were in was not making anyone happy. Corridors were dark and kinda run down, shower flooded the bathroom floor as the base leaked, we had no Wifi for internet connection on the floor they put us on, there were no shops/stores next to the hotel to grab food/snacks, NO POOL for kids... they were devastated as we now had some free days waiting for our visa, with nothing for the kids.
Our agency got us another hotel, it cost us an extra night fee in the one we left even though we were out before check-out time, but it was worth it!
The hotel we got into had a nice pool with shallow warm kids pool Keanna spent hours in it, and kids had lots of laughs and needed exercise out of the heat.
We had markets, mall, and tourist attraction within walking distance, including a pizza hut the kids loved.
Our agency got us another hotel, it cost us an extra night fee in the one we left even though we were out before check-out time, but it was worth it!
The hotel we got into had a nice pool with shallow warm kids pool Keanna spent hours in it, and kids had lots of laughs and needed exercise out of the heat.
We had markets, mall, and tourist attraction within walking distance, including a pizza hut the kids loved.
July 12th to Beijing and getting a hotel
Our plane journey started with a tight check-in on arrival, followed by Cheryl's and my passports not valid. Eventually we figured out we had been booked on our old passport numbers used off documents before we had our new passports. Fortunately Cheryl had them.
Then we boarded the plane and waited for take off as we taxied around and then watched the plane park along a fence? Just over 3 hours later sitting on the tarmac due to weather delay we took off. After being on the plane for just over 6 hours, we finally landed.
We did not prepare for 6 hours on the plane, and I scared Keanna by flushing the loud Vacu-flush airplane toilet and she did not want to go. Lots of tears and crying. Cheryl eventually got her to go, thank goodness as we only had on spare pull-up, that never got used (-:
We got to our hotel after collecting luggage and a 1 hour drive, it was 9:30 pm and we had not yet ate dinner, kids were hungry and grumpy. Our guide met us in the lobby and helped us to our room. She wanted to do our Visa paperwork right away before we ate... We did, but Cheryl or I could barely focus and the kids saying I'm hungry... We eventually got food, another challenge...
Bed time
Then we boarded the plane and waited for take off as we taxied around and then watched the plane park along a fence? Just over 3 hours later sitting on the tarmac due to weather delay we took off. After being on the plane for just over 6 hours, we finally landed.
We did not prepare for 6 hours on the plane, and I scared Keanna by flushing the loud Vacu-flush airplane toilet and she did not want to go. Lots of tears and crying. Cheryl eventually got her to go, thank goodness as we only had on spare pull-up, that never got used (-:
We got to our hotel after collecting luggage and a 1 hour drive, it was 9:30 pm and we had not yet ate dinner, kids were hungry and grumpy. Our guide met us in the lobby and helped us to our room. She wanted to do our Visa paperwork right away before we ate... We did, but Cheryl or I could barely focus and the kids saying I'm hungry... We eventually got food, another challenge...
Bed time
Friday, July 11, 2014
Saturday July 12th, traveling to Beijing
We have a 3.5 hour flight plus driving hotel to airport...
Kids will be tired, but we're looking forward to our last leg of the trip in China before heading back to Vancouver!!!
We started more paper work yesterday to submit in Beijing, and went to get Keanna's Citizenship photo done.
We'll be leaving shortly now to start our trip across China.
Kids will be tired, but we're looking forward to our last leg of the trip in China before heading back to Vancouver!!!
We started more paper work yesterday to submit in Beijing, and went to get Keanna's Citizenship photo done.
We'll be leaving shortly now to start our trip across China.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
July 10th Orphanage visit
We were nervous how our new little Keanna would react, but it went great!
We had an early start, woke everyone up, had a quick breakfast, then a 2 hour drive to the Orphanage.
At the orphanage we first saw a typical place where she lived as an infant, which is like an apartment with several children and male and female nannies so more like a family environment. We were able to interact with the children a little bit (-:
This orphanage has 840 children of varying age.
We then moved on to where her current living area/building was. We went up a flight of stairs where there was a nice open area and play room decorated for kids.
Down a hallway we saw her bedroom shared with several other kids. Keanna ran into a classroom with the other kids, this made Makena upset, scared she was loosing her new little sister. We got a picture of Keanna her in her own bunk bed, so cute. We then went into her classroom where she had her own labeled chair, she knew which one it was and sat in it. We got photos of her with her nannies, as well as the director. The nannies redid her hair in a cute style that she came to us in on Monday, They then gave us the tool they used to flip her pony inside itself. So cute. We will continue this hairstyle as its very cute on her.
We saw her small kids sized squatty potty washroom which Keanna went to and used, then washed her hands in a pail of water in a large sink.
They had all the kids toothbrushes ready in blue and pink plastic cups in a long stainless steel sink.
The nannies brought milk for the kids and they all ran into their classroom and sat in their labeled chair to have some, including our little Keanna amongst them.
We then chatted with the director for awhile, met the nannie who bought and gave Keanna the cute little shoes she loves so much, and then went and played in their outdoor playground.
Keanna was very happy to see everyone and gave them kisses, waves and hugs. She spoke to them in Mandarine and said goodbye. She was brave and did not cry when we left. She was happy to come with us. They gave both of us their business cards with their e mail so we can send pictures and keep in touch. Amazing.
FINDING SITE:
We drove to Keanna's finding site and took photos, and spent some time there.
We then took the long drive back, all kids slept. When we arrived our guide took us for a celebration lunch at a local Malaysian cuisine restaurant as we were all hungry.
Then we ended the day with a swim which is so good for bonding, dumplings for dinner and bed. Keanna fell asleep sucking her thumb which she does when tired (-:
A precious day that will be forever in our memories.
We had an early start, woke everyone up, had a quick breakfast, then a 2 hour drive to the Orphanage.
At the orphanage we first saw a typical place where she lived as an infant, which is like an apartment with several children and male and female nannies so more like a family environment. We were able to interact with the children a little bit (-:
This orphanage has 840 children of varying age.
We then moved on to where her current living area/building was. We went up a flight of stairs where there was a nice open area and play room decorated for kids.
Down a hallway we saw her bedroom shared with several other kids. Keanna ran into a classroom with the other kids, this made Makena upset, scared she was loosing her new little sister. We got a picture of Keanna her in her own bunk bed, so cute. We then went into her classroom where she had her own labeled chair, she knew which one it was and sat in it. We got photos of her with her nannies, as well as the director. The nannies redid her hair in a cute style that she came to us in on Monday, They then gave us the tool they used to flip her pony inside itself. So cute. We will continue this hairstyle as its very cute on her.
We saw her small kids sized squatty potty washroom which Keanna went to and used, then washed her hands in a pail of water in a large sink.
They had all the kids toothbrushes ready in blue and pink plastic cups in a long stainless steel sink.
The nannies brought milk for the kids and they all ran into their classroom and sat in their labeled chair to have some, including our little Keanna amongst them.
We then chatted with the director for awhile, met the nannie who bought and gave Keanna the cute little shoes she loves so much, and then went and played in their outdoor playground.
Keanna was very happy to see everyone and gave them kisses, waves and hugs. She spoke to them in Mandarine and said goodbye. She was brave and did not cry when we left. She was happy to come with us. They gave both of us their business cards with their e mail so we can send pictures and keep in touch. Amazing.
FINDING SITE:
We drove to Keanna's finding site and took photos, and spent some time there.
We then took the long drive back, all kids slept. When we arrived our guide took us for a celebration lunch at a local Malaysian cuisine restaurant as we were all hungry.
Then we ended the day with a swim which is so good for bonding, dumplings for dinner and bed. Keanna fell asleep sucking her thumb which she does when tired (-:
A precious day that will be forever in our memories.
Monday, July 7, 2014
WE HAVE HER!!!
It’s going well, some teary
eyes till Makena goes goofy, which makes her laugh and Alyssa holds her to comfort her. She loves her big Sisters. She is smart, goes potty on her own, can wash her hands, eat on her own, put on her velcro shoes...She did really well her first several hours with us awake, and right now is still sleeping for about 10hrs straight.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sunday July 6th - We're in Guangzhou
We're here, we receive Keanna tomorrow around 2pm (18 hrs from now). We've been getting our paper work etc organized and need to make some photocopies using their paper size in the morning plus a few other things before getting into the van to the Provincial adoption centre.
We'll try and sneak in a breakfast if we can get to sleep and wake up in time!
Saturday, July 5, 2014
July 5th last day in Hong Kong
We took it easy Saturday (July 5th). Kids slept in, I caught up on my work emails, we strolled through a water front mall and local streets, went for a swim in the outdoor pool, and packed for our trip in the morning by train to where we'll receive Keanna on Monday in Guangzhou.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Sound asleep with her new turtle stuffy.
Makena sound asleep with her new turtle stuffy. She must be tired out from her singing performance on the bus from ocean park that was making people look and smile. She got a compliment when we were getting off.
Another day gone and closer to our Keanna!
We finished the day off with a swim in the hotel pool, and had some Canadian food for dinner. McDonalds with how to train your dragon toys, and a Pizza Hut pizza. All fell asleep fast after today.
We needed an umbrella for shade like the locals used.
Our Dogs while we're away
Here's Kyra with her head on her stuffy toy (typical resting position), hanging out at her friends place Ria's who's sleeping behind her. Chezy (our Shi-Tzu Chester) is hanging out a Grandmas.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Disney Space mountain ride was a hit
That's us in the photo, got a keychain pic as souvenirs as the kids favorite ride.
Hong Kong Disney pics
Hong Kong Disney!!!
Cool Down time, ice cream melted fast in the heat, and little birds came up to our feet begging us to share.
We're settled in Hong Kong
July 1st Canda Day - Travel Day:
Our friend Gary dropped us off at the airport, thanks Gary!
The 2.5 hr wait to fly followed by the 13 hour flight was long with the kids only sleeping 2-3 hours at the tail end of the flight. Thanks to the individual TV/Movie monitors per seat and Cheryl's kids plane activities she brought sure helped pass time.
With little sleep we were settled into our hotel evening time Hong Kong (July 2nd), and all slept till about 4am local time.
July 3rd:
We decided to do a Disney day trip since rested and all up early. Subway was a fun experience, and Alyssa said "squishy". Kids loved Disney of course, even in the heat and humidity. When we saw condensation on the ticket booth windows, dripping out of air conditioning grilles on your head, and cotton candy getting wet and melting before you could eat it all, we knew it was hot and humid!
July 4th:
3 MORE DAYS to receiving our precious new little girl!!!
We're all excited and having more butterflies with the time to meet her her getting so close, YEH!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Enjoy following our blessed JOURNEY TO KEANNA (-:
As we travel to meet our new beautiful little daughter in China!!!
As we travel to meet our new beautiful little daughter in China!!!
Xiu Zhen Wang!!! Soon to be Keanna
currently living in Guangdong Province
DongGuan city SWI
We will keep you posted once we're on route, but we have had only several days to get ready. That is flights, travel visa's, packing, supplies…. We're so excited and nervous to meet her. We were fortunate to be able to leave a few weeks earlier than we had thought so were not prepared, but the long to do list made time fly.
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