Thursday, December 4, 2008

Ni hao

We're in Beijing! Wow, I just can't believe I'm writing this. It still feels so surreal. I just wonder when it's going to feel real? Maybe today when we begin our touring.

So here is a recap of yesterday. We woke up around 2:30am, got ready and left for the airport around 3:45am. We left LAX at 7:30am and arrived in San Francisco around 8:30am. We had a layover, so we had breakfast, bought a couple of books and magazines and boarded our plane around 10:30am.

The flight was really easy. We upgraded to economy plus (Thank you Uncle Adolfo and Cathy) and there were only 16 of us in that whole section! We put our stuff in the row in front and back to us. We sat near a couple who was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and decided to vacation for 4 days in China. They were funny and they both talked to us, but we never saw them talk to each other. He even made the comment that that's how they stay together. :(

As many of you know my biggest concern on the plane was how many times I would be fed! Well, United Airlines did a wonderful job and fed me 3 times! Ooh and the food was good. Many of you may not know this, but I love airplane and hospital food! Below are the pictures of my meals.

The flight attendant were very nice and accommodating. They gave us a bottle of champagne when we told them why we were on our trip. They of course, gushed over Dave and gave him free beer and extra food. They gave us tips on where to shop and card of people to visit to get the best deals.

Dave and I played cards (Rummy) (I won by alot) (that's important), watched movies, listened to music, watched the map, and slept for maybe 3 non-consecutive hours.

Going through customs was easy and getting to our hotel was a breeze. The hotel is beautiful and our hotel room is really comfortable. I've heard the beds are so hard they are difficult to sleep in. Well, not for the Crivelli's. I think they are soooo comfortable, and the sheets feel good. We fell asleep around 6:30pm and woke up at 5am. I made us each a cup of our instant coffee, put a Friends DVD on and got on the computer.

We will get ready for our day around 7am. Today we will be really busy and I'll post again tonight.

Kids- We miss you soooo much! I talked to Nani last night and she said you are all being so good and you liked you gifts we left you. Have fun playing with them. Remember to finish your homework first. Have fun with Nani! I'll talk to you guys on Skype soon. We love you very much!!!







Thursday, November 27, 2008

I Am Thankful!

May you all have a Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Thanksgiving Comments

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

We're Leaving In 8 Days!

Wow! I can't believe I'm typing those words. I've waited so long and now it's time! I found out last Wednesday 11/19 our tentative travel dates and they were confirmed on Friday 11/21. Thursday I had a Daisy Scout Meeting with Kara and Friday was of course a full day of Football (James team won the Sierra League Championship and now they have CIF playoffs) By Saturday I was off running making my lists and lists and more lists of things to do. Oh and by the way by Sat. I was exhausted because I had not slept since the call.

A few things on my list were....
Plan & Reserve our Travel Plans and In country travels
Organize and make copies of adoption paperwork
Fill out and mail Visa applications
Stare at Jinjue's pictures!
Get out the suitcases and pack for...
Dave
Me
Ava
Pack General things to take
Buy needed supplies for the trip
Buy gifts for the trip
Buy a couple of outfits for the trip (I'm still looking for really comfortable sweats)
Finish Ava's room
Buy a Car Seat
Prepare Kids for our departure :(
Bribe them to make our departure easier (Whatever works! :)
Buy the kids their clothes for Polar Express
Pack for their trip to Polar
Plan for our Christmas Party, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Decorate the house
Christmas Shopping (Only buying for the kids this year so that's easy)
Shopping for Thanksgiving
Cooking for Thanksgiving
Grocery Shopping
Buy meat for the Tamales
Make Tamales ('cmon did you really think we would leave this out :)
Get my nails, and hair done. (If I have time)

Well, that's just some of the things I'm doing right now. I wake up every morning and remind myself to enjoy this time and saver every moment. I've done okay so far and everything on my list is almost checked off.

Just think in 12days I will be holding my daughter in my arms!

I just can't wait!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Our TA Has Arrived!


Our agency called about 9:15am with the news that our TA has arrived! She asked me to grab a calendar so we could plan some tentative dates. I won't post our travel dates until they are confirmed, however let me just tell you I have never been so excited to be rushed and overwhelmed. Good thing I work good under pressure! I'm so ready to go!!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Our LOA has arrived!!!



After waiting 102 long long days we received our LOA! We are just so excited and overjoyed! Our agency called at 8:55am. I was on the phone with Robin when I saw our agencies number on the caller ID. I screamed something to her and hung up. Yeah... she is still laughing at me. I clicked over and tried to gain my composure so I could hear the much anticipated news. Then Kyle and I ran into the room to wake up Dave out of what looked like a good sleep. Called my mom and cried and called Robin back to cry and laugh.

Special thanks to Dave, Mom, and Robin..... They have had to deal with me for the past 102 days and believe me many of those days weren't pretty. I would ask them everyday... Do you think tomorrow is the day? When do you think I'll hear? Will it be this week? When they didn't tell me what I wanted to hear I would get mad ask them why they were telling me that. Thanks for your patience!

Now we wait for our TA (Travel Approval) This is taking about 21 days. So that will be 21 days from next Tuesday. November 18 to be exact! So what do you think? Will it be 21 days? Ha! Just kidding... I won't start yet. I'll start on day 18. Enjoy the time off!

Wow! Can you believe it... In about 8 weeks I will be able to hold my daughter!

Tonight we celebrate!

Dave is working, the kids and I are going to James Varsity game with my Mom and my Uncle Mando.

After the game I'm thinking pie and coffee!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Still Waiting...

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Still Waiting...

For Our LOA!