Travel Reunion- July

Ok, I know I am long overdue for a post! Sorry to those of you who have been checking faithfully. Things were crazy at the end of July. Also I have started using Photoshop for my pictures and although I do like the editing it is able to do, it's just not been easy to figure out how to use it. So I am behind on my editing and these photos are as taken.

We were priviliged to meet with 6 of the 12 families we traveled to China with for a reunion in Chicago during July. It was wonderful to see how God has transformed these families through the miracle of adoption. The girls have all grown soooo much and have adjusted soooo well. It was a great weekend. We share a bond with these families that is hard to explain. We have experienced such a range of emotions together during our adoption journeys that link us to one another in a unique way.

Our first day together, 3 of the families went to Pirate Cove Park. Here are M and A together on the playground.
Tiffany sliding down with her daughter R, and M riding down on MR's lap. MR is Tiffany's older daughter. It was a super fast slide!

The little Merry Go Round was so cute. It had minature size horses on it.

M, MR holding A and R posing on the playground.
After returning to the hotel and meeting up with the 3 other families that had arrived, the girls got reaquainted as they swam in the pool together. Later we all ordered pizza and hung out together.

The second morning we headed downtown. Here are R, Z, L, G and M waiting for the train at the station. They range in age from 2 1/2 to 4.

M and Z refusing to have any more pics taken on the train. M is sitting on Lao Lao's lap. My mom traveled with us to China and so was very happy to be able to join us for the reunion to see some of the girls again.

We took the Metra, the El, and the Subway and then hoofed it a few blocks to get to American Girl Place for lunch.

G, M R, L and Z after lunch. M was hamming it up for the cameras and totally stepped in front of R in her coupe to take center stage. One of the families along with all the men and boy folk went to check out the Sears(Willis) Tower while the ladies dined at AG.

After a walk to the Lego store to meet the other half of the group, we caught a trolley to Navy Pier. Some families rode the BIG ferris wheel. M thought the ride was pretty cool! We took the water taxi back to the train station and the last group of families made the train just in time!

Our third morning together, we were headed back downtown to Chinatown for Summerfair. First, of course we had to re-create the red couch photo from China on the pink couch at the hotel. The girls are wearing adorable panda jumpers created by Tiffany, R's mama. Tiffany was kind enough to send me a fabric swatch and some ric rac so I could create matching bows to accompany the dresses. The girls were really squished on the couch, but no one complained!

L and M in Chinatown playing with a silk umbrella. All the families were able to enjoy a group lunch together in a Chinatown restaurant. We also had plenty of time to shop all the vendors lining Wentworth street.

Opps! this one is out of order. This is the last evening together. The girls were playing London Bridges and really enjoyng it. Here M is being "locked up" by L and her big sister A.

One last group shot in Chinatown before getting on the train to head back. Do they look like they are tired of getting their pictures taken yet?????? R was crying due to being woken up for the photo. M is trying to comfort her by holding her hand. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to help poor little R.

We had such a great time with all the families. M is still talking about all her friends. We can't wait until next year when we plan to have a reunion in the Smokey Mountains! Fortunately we will have an opportunity to see some of the families before next year.