Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Gotcha Day Reunion

We were so lucky to travel to China with the most wonderful 4 families. Sharing such an intimate moment as your first moments as a new parents builds bonds that we didn't expect but we are SO thankful for. We have been blessed that each year,around Gotcha Day, we have been able to get together. Of course, it wasn't complete because Doddlebug and her family couldn't make it all the way from Texas but we hope to see them next year!

The weekend started out a bit rocky. Sam had been gone all week in California and got home just hours before everyone arrived. It made alot of work for me to get ready but I was so excited, I didn't mind. I slipped into the shower about 15 minutes before arrival and my shower came to an abrupt end when the shower water was pouring out of the light fixture on the first first floor.

An emergency call to the plumber and we were assured we would have water for the big weekend just no master shower. That was ok. I was too busy to primp to much!!

Friday night was spent reconnecting with everyone. Everyone enjoyed the nice weather and played outside and chatted it up on the deck. I got a special cake made with the American and Chinese flag. I was a little disappointed that the flags decoration was mostly on the side of the cake but it was one of a kind, none the less.






Saturday morning we all met over at Bluebird Gap Farm for some fun together.

The foursome at the Wishing Well





Sam's job was to keep the pet food coming!! They all enjoyed feeding the animals.





Our four beauties!


The Baba's and the Gie-Gie's

Our Extended Family (minus the O's :))

After Bluebird, the K family had to head out. We will miss you Jilly!! We went back to our house for lunch and then headed to Buckroe Beach for some beach time fun.

The girls follow big brother M into the water!

The rest of the time was spent running, digging and laughing!


Big brother MT was a great sport about making it a weekend for the under 6 crowd.



The S mama and baba

The T mama and baba


It seems like there might be a plan hatching!

Just before we were chased home by the raindrops!

For dinner we made Frogmore Stew. The ladies were inside preparing the food and table while sipping a little vino while the men folk were out under cover boiling water and keeping time. It was a great dinner and everyone seemed to enjoy the eating off of newspaper!!

Menfolk hard at work watching water boil and their watches at the same time!

Yummo!


All that was left of that big pile!

After dinner there was more playtime. They disappeared into E's room where "no boys were allowed". They were up there for over an hour and quiet as church mice. They came down with "makeups" and dress up clothes on and performed a dance for everyone. It was wonderful to see them work together as a team. Sunday morning everyone came back (well the T family just came in from the driveway, they were staying in our camper) and we had a final breakfast together. Conversation quickly turned to next year's plans. We are so lucky to have each other on this journey as our girls grow and their questions change. They are so lucky to have each other. Someone else who situation is about as close to their own as they will find.
May god bless each of these "China Sisters" with a life of love, togetherness, and happiness. We love all of you!