Christmas 2010 is almost here

Well it has been since Oct that I last posted, mainly because it has been crazy busy around the Peacock household. Thanksgiving saw us in Knoxville at Deanna's parents house. Good times had by all. December has seen us all buys. I have been all over the state with my work, and we stay buys taking the girls to martial arts classes and other activities. Top that off with getting ready for Christmas. Both girls are literally bouncing off the walls with excitement. I would go into more detail but will write a more in depth rundown of the holidays maybe sometime next week. Here is a Christmas pic of the girls. Until the Merry Christmas to all!

October Updates from Gene

Well it has been almost two months since my last post and alot has been going on. Between school and work all four of the Peacocks have been busy, Deanna and myself with work and the girls, Emma with school, martial arts and her modeling and Sadie,,, well being Sadie. She is a force to reckon with and I predict by the time she is in kindergarten I will have to have a conference within the first month of school. Lets just say she is intelligent, strong willed and outspoken, which gets her in time-out every once in awhile! Funny Sadie moment here to insert. I was walking down the hall the other day and she had an unused paint roller pretending it was a microphone. As I passed by she was singing held it out to me and sings, sing it Daddy! I just laughed as she was on her 'Stage" and in the moment.

Emma had her 13th birthday early in the month. She was very excited but did not want big party, just family at her request. We went and ate at a very good local Chinese place for a good sit down lunch and then at home it was cake and presents. She did pretty good but she got the Ipod and the flat iron she had been wanting. Those long with all of the other presents from grandparents aunts and uncles made her day. In other news she had her first mrtial arts test and did great. She has not been at the school long enough to test for a belt but has done so well her instructor gave her 4 black stripes for her white belt. She can test again in December and will get a belt then. She is a natural and has told me she took kung fu in China for several years so she has fallen right in step and is quite advanced for her rank but she has to go through the steps. It is her thing and her choice and she loves it. Better than video games and sitting around so I am glad she is a very active young lady. Although at school a boy challenged her to see who could kick the highest and do the best split. She won. Sadie has been taking in a little kids class for over a year so she has a test coming up soon. While not at Em's level it is amazing how it has helped Sadies coordination and out goingness.

Halloween is almost here as well. Both girls are keyed up. Apparently in China Emma knew about Halloween but to her it is the holiday where all the kids get candy. Which seems to ring true!. We have a big event at the park I work at so the girls will be there for trunk or treat and a hayride. Should be fun. I will post more pics of this and some other stuff in a few days. Until then.

Thanh Hoa 3 Get Together

Here are a couple of pics of Sadie (one with Emma) and her two Vietnamese "sisters". All had a blast and the porch swing is always a hit. The blue mouth btw is due to just finishing a blue ringpop!

Emma First Photo Shoot

She had a blast doing this and it was all her. She wanted to do this. I told her you don't have to but she says yes that way I can be in movies with Jackie Chan! So you can probably figure out she is a huge fan of his and we have loads of his movies now. Apparently she watched his movies in her foster home quite often in China. My the way in China he is known as Chun Long.

School has Started!

So a new school year is upon us. Deanna has started back teaching at two different schools. Makes for a tough day but she loves being able to teach a wide range of kids. Emma has started 6th Grade. She is at the middle school her mom teaches at so that is turning out to be fun. We will see how it goes when she has her mom for art during the second semester! Emma has started off the school year with a bang. She has popped off 3 100's on three test this past week. A 105 on a Science test and 100 and 101 on spelling and definition tests. She study hard all week, and it may have had something to do with a deal I made that if she made A's on 2 out of 3 I would take her to eat crablegs, which she loves!

Sadie is still her wide open self! Full speed full time is the way it goes. She is in "school" also she says. It is in a way. We considered putting her in Pre K/3 yr olds but decided to let her get another year with her Gaga. My mother is a retired elementary school teacher and she essentially works and teaches Sadie during the week in small doses. She is counting to 10 sometimes to 20, working on ABC's and can say most of them when she feels like it. Has learned to write her name and loves to draw.

What else, Emma caught the eye of a talent scout and was asked to do some modeling pics for a local agency. We let her decide and she really wanted to so she had her first real photo shoot two weeks ago. We have some of the proofs and I will post a few to see as well as a couple of photos from our recent get together with Sadie's two Thanh Hoa "sisters". As all three girls are less than a couple of weeks apart, all from the same place and all adopted at the same time, we try and get together a couple of times a year. It works out as all of us live in central NC sort of.

Summer is coming to an end!

well summer is almost over and the family is doing great. Emma is starting 6th grade next week and is excited. She met her new teachers this week and thinks it will be a good year. She s dreading her rt class some however, Why? Her mother will be her art teacher! I almost for sorry for her. Ms Sadie is still a mess if there ever was one. She is turning into quite the character. She also is ready for school, although it is really her gaga teaching her to read count etc. Both girls are in martial arts classes and they love it. Emma says it is fun to kick on boys! Sadie just likes to scream hiyaa!!!1 as loud as she can. So photos and more as we get a chance.

Photo Update

Not going to do a long post about how things are. It is all good. Emma and Sadie are enjoying the summer with their Mom. We have traveled a little but mostly just enjoyed being a family. Here are a few pics from the spring and summer.

New Blog

Well, I have been getting loads of questions about adoption and adoption travel over the past couple of years. I have started a blog dedicated to that. This blog mainly documents my family adventures, the new one is morespecifically about travel and travel issues. Feel free to read it, comment etc. And like this blog, not all agree with what I may say or type and that is certainly cool with me. My views are always mine and I know that to each his own. I will update this one occasionally but the otehr blog will be far less personal and more informative.
Thanks

oh here is the link

http://adopteddad.blogspot.com/

May. Mothers Day and Summer Approaching

Well first off, I have been bad about posting new pics for folks,, just have not gotten around to downloading the loads we have. For the life of the Peacock family,, here we go!

it has been about a month and the girls are doing great. Both Dee and myself have been really tired lately but more so due to work related stuff than anything. She is a school teacher and this time of the year is crazy, me I am in state parks and we are gearing up for the summer season.

Emma at school is doing great. She does very well in math and science and as her English improves her social studies is getting better. She is reading a couple of levels below grade level but is improving and doing well on her AR test. Emma and Sadie are two peas in a pod. If Emma does something you can be assured that Sadie will be doing it, eating it or saying it! Emma has several dvd's from china, she along with the videos is even teaching Sadie Chinese.

Mothers day was pretty exciting. Once Emma got the gist of what the day was about, I took the two girls to Old navy so each could pick out something for their mother. It took a while but I convinced them that Dee does not necessarily want a pink shirt and pink pants. Oh and when they found the things they started laughing and asking to get that. Sadie was even proclaiming loudly that she wanted one. A couple of ladies looked at us, I explained mothers day shopping and no we were not buying things and they laughed and said how sweet. Anyway I finally convinced them and we had our purchases. Mothers Day they were both so excited to give Dee her presents, which also included jde earrings I bought in China.

So life goes on and summer is approaching. The girls have a swing set and has already been used so much. My mother bought a giant waterslide thing and it is in her backyard so when the girls go over there, loads of chaos happens. All in all pretty good, looking for some summer fun and getting Emma ready for middle school.

Thoughts in General 2 months home

Well 2 months home, almost three with Emma and things are pretty much standard family things. She has fit in remarkably well in the family and at school. Went on a field trip with her school class last week and well there are two boys who follow her around like puppy dogs and it was quite funny. They would even come over to me and raise their eyebrows and look over at her. I just shook my head. Things I will worry about in another 3 years or so, but for now just funny.

Had alot of emails from folks traveling soon to China asking about Guangzhou. Well we loved it, but alot of questions have been about Shamain Island and why I seem to not like it. I have even had some folks get nasty with me via email about how great it is. You know I do have my own opinion and to me the Island while ok is not any place we would choose to stay even if it was not under construction as is now. It really strikes me as a nife safe haven for westerners(which is what it's original intention was.) Our family really enjoyed where we stayed and prefer that kind of experience, to each his own really.

Anyway things are good at home. Emma had her first trip to Deanna's mothers and father and loved the mountains but was a little in awe about it all. She has fallen in love with her Papa, especially since he gave her a dollar to sit in his lap. But after that she was all about him and really was before. He is the only person she will literally hang on, kiss their cheek and follow everywhere. It tickles him to death as well. I do have pics from the trip and will get some up as I get a chance.

A pic of the Cousins

Ok Sadie Emma Nic and Nathan

2 Months with Emma

Well Emma has been with us for two months and home in the US for about a month and a half. I have to say and not just because she is our daughter, but she is a remarkable young lady. I have traveled and lived over seas twice (UK and Mexico) and been to many countries, so I know how strange it can be with language, customs, food etc. Well she is one heck of a kid. Her and Sadie have really fallen into the role of being sisters. She does not let their Mom really dress or do Sadie's hair anymore, she does it and with pleasure, sometimes they each change clothes several times a day,,, like sister dress up party! Emma has also fallen in good with relatives, loves playing with her cousins Nic and Nathan, although Nic(6 yrs old) is very enamored with her and is dying to kiss her. She always tells him NO and she will bop him! By the way Nic would kiss any older girl he meets, he is a ladies man!LOL! She loves my sister Jamie and her huby Bruce and is all about Gaga(my mother.) She only spent day or two with Deanna's parents before they went home to Tennessee but we are headed up for a week at Easter and she is very excited. When I told her it would be a 7 hour drive through mountains she said Oh My God! Then asked if we would stop to use the bathroom. I told her no, and Deanna got on me !LOL Emma and I have really taken to picking and teasing each other. We joke alot and she plays tricks on me. Mom is the comfort zone and homework helper, Dad is the fun one. Her and Sadie have even figured out f they team up Dad is a softie and they can get what they want.

School wise she has adapted remarkably well. Several girls in the class have become close friends with her. She likes school food(no idea why!) and enjoys her classes. She excels in Math, and her English has improved at a very very rapid pace. She read 15-20 mins of English out loud a night to myself or Deanna and we have even seen her reading some of Sadie's kids books to her. Her AR reading level tested at about mid 2nd grade for English, In Chinese she reads everything a typical teen would read and then some. A friend of hers who is in a local Chinese Language school has had Emma help her on homework. She said it was 7 and 8th grade level and Emma said oh 3rd grade in China! They help each other on Sunday afternoons when we get together. Emma even has 5 different boys competing to be her boyfriend but she tells me she says no to all of them, just what a father needs to hear!

Food wise, we still eat lots of noodles and hit one of the several Chinese places in town at least once a week. However, she likes sushi alot, spicier the better, hot wings(as hot as you can get them, so good for me!), Bojangles chicken., fajitas, spaghetti and hot dogs.Also lots of broccoli, peppers, onions etc. Munchos potato chips are a hit but we try and limit sweets and junk food. She is willing to at least try things, really only melted cheese is the only thing she has detested.

So going pretty good, I am sure there will be bumps in the road. We have had metltdowns and crying spells, but you expect that. It happened every day or two at first and now almost never. She says if she ever goes back to China to live we have to live with her and when I asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up and finished school,,,, live with us or either Gaga! SO Sadie and Emma have become as tight as sisters can be,,, we have a happy 12 year old who is a big big bundle of energy and growing like a weed and a 3 year old who has to do and be just like her big sister.(even down to trying to speak Chinese, which makes us all laugh)

One Month Home

Well Emma has been a part of our family since Feb 1 and we have been home for a month. She is an amazing child and very strong spirited. We are so lucky to have her as our daughter. So Emma has been in school for two weeks and loves it. She is up and ready to go and is very good about coming home and doing homework. Math is her favorite so she gets help from Mama as I stink at math. Her reading is coming along well and as she gets more comfortable we are realizing how much English she not only understands but can speak. I have had several lengthy conversations with her about her life in China, when she found out about us and when she knew we were coming over. She wants to go back to visit China in 3 years she says nd only wants to visit, says she is much happier here.

Emma and Sadie get along like sisters. You would think they have always been together from the way they act. 99% of the time they love each other, 1% of the time cannot stand each other. Sadie got in trouble the other day for biting Emma and she was punished(lecture and time out that led to tears). Emma asked us for Sadie's punishment to be over as she said she was ok. Other times they both want to be left alone but overall they are doing great and will team up together to cause trouble.

As Emma gets more comfortable at school I have been told that everyone loves her. They kids in her class have decided she has the best smile in class and a few boys have argued over if she would be their girlfriend. She always says no to them, which is just fine by me! She has fit in remarkably well overall at school and hopefully this will be a trend that continues. Sadie on the other hand, I predict I will be at school for a conference within 2weeks once she starts school!

Well it is a birthday weekend her as Sadie is turning 3 so pics and updates after the big day.

Day one of school down

Well Emma had her first day of school and we made it through it. I took her to school and went to class with her and told her I would stay as long as she wanted me to. By the way started her in 5th Grade. So I stayed for 1st period and second period , which was music. After her teacher came and got the class I asked her if she wanted me to stay she said no i am ok go. So I did. Resisted the urge to stay and just hand back and left as she asked me to do. Picked her up at 3pm sharp, she was outside with teachers and other students from class nd hopped into the car and was ready to go to Mama's school so she could go with her to pick up little sister. Essentially after I left she was fine. Did not talk much but smiled and laughed and was ok. Did her homework promptly later in the evening and was up and ready to go at 7am this morning. Got her to school just before 8 and asked if she wanted me to stay,,, no back at 3. Today is PE day and she is pumped about that. LOL Anyway also wanted money to buy milk at lunch(she has decided she likes milk alot). We know it will be rough at times, but she likes being with kids her age and even the teachers realized she knew quite a bit of English, just will take some time to warm up to folks.

The Two Sisters and Gaga

Well we have been home for two weeks and things are going well. You would think Emma and Sadie had been together forever. 99% of the time the love each other and are attached at the hip. Sit in a chair together, watch movies, share candy etc. 1% I don't like you and I don't like you. To be expected eh! Anyway here is a picture at home of the two of them on a couch with my mother, Gaga as she is called trying to get them to show their faces for the camera as neither wanted to. As time goes more and more of Emma's amazing personality comes out. She understands probably 75 to 80% of what we ask her and is speaking more and more English. Food wise she likes Bojangles chicken. We have been to a local Chinese restaurant 3 times in 2 weeks but that is ok. Chili's was ok, she liked the french fries but not the shrimp.

Emma starts to school tomorrow in 5th grade. She is excited she says and ready but you can also tell the nerves are there. Will post in a few days after the initial shock of school.

Looking Back on China

Wow so many things I could say about our trip to China. Probably the best thing in the entire trip is our new daughter Emma Yunwen. She is an amazing young lady who is very strong. I will post more about her and pics of the trip later, for now I am going to post mainly about China the sights people etc.

Ok China itself, more specifically Guangzhou. We spent our entire two weeks in that city and it is a great city. It has about 12 million people and is a cultural and financial hub in China. The World Trade Center organization is there and loads and loads of international businesses. People wise it is a very international city with people from all over the world visiting and living there. Because of this it is very much a melting pot type city. You see faces from all over the world and cuisines of all types are available. Cost wise it is a little more than smaller cities in China but still cheaper than the states. It was overall a very clean city and safe. I heard some complaints about traffic and crossing the street, but crossing the road in china has nothing on Vietnamese cities. Taxi rides,, our ride from JFK to LaGuardia when we got home was much much more insane. Overall getting taxis to and from in China is easy and fairly inexpensive. If you get ripped off ,, so what you spent maybe an extra 2$. Almost everyone we met was friendly and accommodating. In some cases I struck out alone and ended up where zero English was spoken. So what,,, we all worked though it and had a good laugh. That is part of the fun of traveling internationally.

Food wise,, here is a list of my favorites. Some I cannot remember the names so I will give location as best as possible.

Banana Leaf THai Restaurant. World Trade Center Tower across the street from garden Hotel. It is fusion Chinese Thai food. And all of it is excellent. Our family of 3 ate with starters veggie, rice and an entree with dessert for about 20$ Everything I had was great, menus in English and Chinese and most wait staff speaks both.

Chinese Restaurant upstairs from banana Leaf. It is an atmosphere place only. A little pricey and food soso. Went to take out places far better.

Take out behind Garden Hotel. Cannot remember the name but directly in back of Garden Hotel across from Japanese Consulate. It is authentic Chinese take out. No English but does have menu translated sort of. Just go and dive in. Emma speaks Cantonese so we had an advantage. Had dumplings, fried rice dishes, congee, spicy noodles and more. Everything here is amazing and all 3 ate for less than 6$

Lemon Tree. Down street from Garden Hotel. Serves mostly Vietnamese food but also Chinese dishes. Nothing in this place is bad Took some families with us and they found things they like. Menu in English and Chinese, very little English spoken. So what point at something and go for it. The soups are great their lemongrass dishes are amazing as are the springrools. It is all good.

Malaysian Restaurant in mall across form Garden Hotel. Good but not as good as Lemon Tree. Very good satay and rice dishes. noodle dishes not as flavorful but still not bad at all.

We ate at 2 places on Shamain Island(more on the island in a minute) Both Chinese places. Did not go to the much mentioned Lucy's. Looked at the menu and well frankly did not need pseudo American food as to many better choices around. Tried some take out Lucy's and frankly hated it. probably single worst thing I ate in China. It is comfort food for Westerns. Two Chinese places across from White swan. The one with the gold statues out front is great, one next door just ok. The better of the two we let Emma order. Had Tarot root and sea cucumber soup in coconut milk, chicken satay, pork, and seasonal veggies. All of it was amazing. This was probably the single best place we ate at the entire time.

Pizza Hut China. Nothing like in the USA. I would highly recommend it. The seafood pizza with crab shrimp and octopus was great as were the panko shrimp starters. If it was like this at home I would go more often. But alas stateside it is greasy nasty pizza.

Ate alot of stuff at little stalls There was a little meat shack that sold kabobs sausages etc I went to some and it was quite tasty. Nver knew what it was did not care as it was damn good!

Ok areas in Guangzhou. I was mainly around the Garden Hotel. Loads of shopping food etc and it is an safe easy are to get around. Metro station right there and you can take the subway anywhere. It is easy to use flow the maps and just buy a ticket. instructions in English as well.

Shamain Island. All I can say is I am glad we did not stay there. It was all torn up and loads closed down. Personally if it ws not like that still would not want to be there,, seems like a little haven for westerners in the middle of the city. I would much rather have a more fun and real experience than cater to my eastern tastes. I know others love it and more power to them,,, us we will stay away as we plan to come back for visits and even then have no intentions of going there. Went twice for medical and TB test,, opted out of a third day s well it sucks I think.


You just have to go and experience China. It is a force of nature and a civilization that has been around that long has done a few things right. we are very proud and honored to have China as a part of our lives and our family and feel as much a part of China now as Emma is American. I just feel proud of our family and my wife and girls. I feel we have a true melting pot, American Vietnamese and Chinese. Well more later and pics. As always comments and opinions are my own and if it offends sorry just my thoughts.

Home

Ok I have been lazy about posting pics and updates the last week of our stay in China. I will do a couple of detailed posts on things to do places to eat etc this week. Also loads of pics. Just wanted to let everyone know we made it home safely. My sister and brother in law picked us up at the airport and everyone was waiting at the house when we got home. Emma fell right into playing with her cousins and little sister and was comfortable enough with them to ride to dinner in their car. All is good so far and check back fr more in a day or so after jet lag wears off.

GZ Zoo pics

Weenend and Monday

Well it is late Sunday afternoon in China as I write this. It has been a good weekend. We do miss Sadie
alot. We are not skyping home to see her as I think she is starting to
miss us alot as well so it is just easier on her if we don't.

So
what happened in china over the weekend. We yesterday as I mention was
Shamain Island,, shopping TB test check etc. Sunday was group picture
day. Emma dressed up in her tradition Chinese outfit and Dee wore a
dress che bought over here. When she walk down stairs she got oohhs and
ahhs from American and Chinese alike,, some who do not know her. One
lady asked if she had it made or did she bring from home,, no bought of
the rack here and all the folks are like,,, wow off the rock and in
China, wish I could do that. Anyway we told Emma a few pics and then
off to the jade/pearl market. I took two pics and she was ready to
change,,, I mean this was one of the uncool things her parents made her
do but she as well as all of the other kids looked great for the photo.

Afterwards to Linwa market and Dee and Emma bought all kinds of
stuff. Alot of jewelry in particular pearls. Lot of jade as well but
Dee did not find anything she liked. We gave Emma 100CNY about 15 US
dollars, which goes along way over here in markets. She spent it all in
30 minutes but bought absolutely nothing for herself. She bought gifts
for both grandmas, her mother, her sister and something special for her
Mama. I just followed her and she did it on her own,, and as she speaks
Cantonese she got great deals. We ht an art/craft shop for some Chinese
treasures and Emma wanted a little purse and coin bag. Well she spent
all her m oney but after what she did and bought I most certainly
bought it for her. Our guide Rebecca comments how sweet she is and she
really is a great kid. Gets very excited at times but over all is
incredibly thoughtful of others. We then bought a skirt and sweater
and hit MickyD's for a quick lunch. On the way there we passed a
head band store, she has been wanting one for days and we keep telling
her to wait. So she got her headband finally! Anyway back to the hotel
it is rainy here today so naps and tv, just relaxing really. Eating
with the group tonight at a Malaysian place, and I cannot wait. Overall
we have a great group of folks,,, willing to head out and just
experience things for what they area. All wonderful families with
adorable children. Well more later, we love it here but home and the
rest of teh family will be nice to be with again. 6 days.

Monday we went Tian He Shopping Mall. One of the 10 largest in the world. We bought stuff for Chinese New Years, gifts, some clothes for Emma. Stuff like that. It is the cheapest place to get things like his and a great deal. The place is 7 stories high with each level a different focus. 6th floor was all games. Picture a fair midway indoors and everything in Chinese(of course) Emma and I played a Barbie dress up video game, yes I did it. Then we played a sort of what is missing type game. Spent about 10 CNY all together but had a blast. They had the game where you throw a pingpong ball into a bowl, but not goldfish here, stuffed animals. Emma did it and had me throw for her as well. Got her a pin rabbit stuffed animal. We hit the 7th floor for lunch she(Emma) picked Pizza Hut. Unlike home, I will eat here anytime. We had spicy waffle fries, some herbed shrimp and a seafood pizza with a little cheese, shrimp octopus and crab with wasabi sauce. It was
delicous. Toped all off with Mango shakes. Game back to the room and we essentially just crashed for the afternoon. No idea what is on tap tonight but tomorrow the zoo.

Two Ladies all Dresse Up

More weekend pics

Emma at 5 rams temple looking around,,, you can see some other families behind her. This is a hill in downtown Guangzhou where legend is 5 angles or spirits came down on celestial rams and founded the city. The rams mark the spot of this. Really beautiful area.

Weekend Pics

One picture is Emma with Rebecca our in country guide, She is now her Auntie Rebecca and loves her to death.
Other is Sun Yat Sen Memorial, her was the founder and first president of modern China in the ealry 20th Century. Amazing building

Well Friday was a good day here in GZ but also bittersweet. We went
sightseeing and saw Dr Sun Yat Sen's Memorial. he was the first
president of modern Chna in the 1920s after the last emperor fell. It
is an amazing complex. Deanna and Emma and Dee had a great time at a
couple of craft shops in the complex also. Took loads of pictures as
well. Afterward we went to 5 ram temple which is the spot where legend
says 5 celestial beings came down on 5 rams and the city of Guangzhou was founded on that spot. They left the rams and a statue and temple
commemorates the spot. it is an absolutely beautiful park. From there
headed back to the hotel and napped the afternoon away. Dinner at the
Bana Leaf cafe again and Emma's request. Afterwards hit the friendship
store where she bought a plaid skirt and a Betty Boops shirt to go with
it. Home a shower and she tried it on. Looks cute as can be on her. We
ended the nite skyping home. It was good to see evryone and
especially Sadie but I think it is starting to hit her the hardest. We
have been gone one week plus and this is the longest she has been away
from either of us. She has started to really miss us and was crying I
miss you mommy the whole time. Really tough to see her like this but
she is welled cared for. We only have one week left so it won't be
long. Mimi is coming this week so that should be a change of pace. I
know this is tough on her and it is on us but all will be ok in the
end. Well back to Shamain Island for TB test reading, and should be no
issue as you can hardly tell where Emma had hers two days ago. More
shopping and probably just resting rest of the day.

sat. was back to the island to have Emma's TB test checked was was fine and the doctor gave her a quick check as she has had a bi f drainage and cold causing a cough in the mornings. They gave her a herbal tea prescription, smells horrible but I sipped it and not to bad of a taste. It seemed to help her alot. Slept with almost no coughing. Anyway on the island had lunch of fried noodles, a chicken dish and some seasonal veggis. All pretty good ut not as tatsy as the place we ate at earlier in the week where Emma ordered. We have managed to avoid Lucy's which is completely ok with us. I know some folks thrive on it as it is pseudo American food ( I say based on the menu as we did not eat). Personally if I want a burger I can get it at McD's for way cheaper and better I imagine. But to each his own, just I prefer to try so much of the other varieties around than have that. Then shopping, Dee and Emma were in fine form,,, once store they went into overload
and started placing things on the counter. Lady said 1800yuen, which was about 250$ US. Lot of stuff, including several pieces of art but uhuh. We haggled and I ended up paying about 100$ US for everything, including really nice papercutouts, scrollwork, tshirts, toys ifts fans etc etc. We filled a large walmart style bag so pretty good deal all in all, at least I felt like but se the lady was happy also. Dinner was Italian, Dee and myself like it aot. Emma does not like Italian. She liked Pizza Hut pizza but not this place at all, but she tried it. Ate a piece of her pizza and her moms and one bread starter. Afterwards she wanted an ice cream cone from 7-11 and we grabbed that walked around and then crashed for the evening. Shopping(go figure) in a market tomorrow. so bye for now.

Hmm A few more updates on the week.

So Weds. was medical day and Emma was stressed all morning about it. She was wringing her hands all morning and fretting in general. On the ride over she sat on her hands and would not ackowldge anybody in Chinese or English. Physical went well may need to get eyes checked when we get home. Afterwards time for shots and TB tests. This was the big fear I think, and had a whimper and a tear but it was over. Once over we had a couple of hours of free time to ourselves so we explored the island and shopped.

Anyway just for folks coming in, the island was really torn up today. Could not even hardly get to the clinic and noway if you have strollers as a big hole inthe sidewalk. Personally we were really unimpressed with the island, even the non torn up areas and are glad to be where we are. Mind you we tend to be a little more adventurous than most. Also alot of shops have closed down in the
area. Hey Emma Yunwen even handled ordering lunch, we ended up with a sea cucumber and tarot root coconut soup, some type of Chinese kelp veggie and custard. Said hey she ordered it we eat it. Low and behold it was delicious. As
was everything else she ordered. We slipped money to her under that table and when the waitress brought me the bill told her to give to Emma, she grinned as all the businessmen just stopped and watched! Afterwards shopped where I was wrangled into a tug of war event for Chinese New Year. Sort of became a minor celebrity for a bit and qite funny. Anyway once back at the hotel we hit Pizza Hut for dinner, Emma's choice. Well Pizza Hut in China blows away what is in the States. I mean it is essentially a fine dining place, even serves escargot, veal lamb etc. We had a spicy chicken pizza and a shirmp starter, all was very very good. Anyway very good afternoon considering the morning was rough but day ended up good and more later.

One pic is of a 110 year old lady we met and I chatted with via interpreter. She was excited I wanted her pic and I showed her afterwards and got a hug. Othe rtwo pics are of Ms Emma and in one se is walking around the other a man was making figures out of a rice clay and every kid there was on him like a magnet watching.

More GZ Thursdayish

Random GZ Pics Set 1

Think one of these is already posted but oh well. Other is three of us with me in a tree at Xian Jiang village. I s approx. 150 banyan tree, so I climbed it

day 2 was a good day!

Well day two started off with a skip and a hop, literally. Emma is skipping around the room, doing stretches this morning with her mom and just in general in a great mood. Breakfast she filed her plate up at the hotel buffet with fruits, dumplings, waffles(with chocolate syrup and whipped cream and several chicken sausages. She cleaned the plate. We walked around and looked at the koi pond and then got ready to go back to CCAA to finalize her adoption. she knew why we were going and said she was very ready. Once there we got our family photo taken and interviewed. After that a notary asked a few questions and asked Emma some. Emma read what was written down by the notary when asked why we wanted to adopt her, she started to cry and hugged her mom. She told the notary this was one of the happiest times ever for her. All in all it took about and hour and half and we were done. very informal for the most part but very special none the less. Emma likes the
digital camera and took pictures here as well as in the htel all morning. I am going to post loads for her maybe on flickr when we get home. Afterwards we went to the Guangzhou book store, 5 stories of books and book related stuff. All three of us loved it. Emma bought a Barbie magazine(she loves Barbie by the way,,,alot), a pack of three books in English and Chinese, a comic book and a jump rope. We then hit KFC, again her choice. we all shared a large combo of spicy chicken wings, which I have to say I think I could become addicted to if they had them back home. Just a little fried mini wing but spicy in the crust and reaaaalllllly good. We had 2 or 3 each some fries and a drink. Ok don't knock us but she wanted an iced coffee with ic cream, no worries. Anyway afterwards back to the hotel, where we all read for awhile then I showed Emma the mahjong on the laptop. She played for about an hour an dis now reading again. She has fit right in, warmed up
to me greatly, likes to tease and is all about her mom. If Dee goes somewhere she is right there. Well no pics today just an update. Tomorrow is the medical and a visit to Shamain island so probably pics there. Tonight dinner at Banana Leaf Cafe for Thai food and watching the Spring Festival lights. Funny thig been in China now 4 days and yet to eat at a Chinese restaurant! And I really want to. had Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and KFC and McD's. Had plenty of Dim Sum at breakfast buffet every morning and it is tasty. The garden hotel dimsum is rated in top 100 in town. I will have plenty soon, afterall I pay!

Day 1 with Emma Yunwen

Well the some pics from day 1 posted but here is a recap. We left at 2pm and headed to the CCAA office where we would meet her. Went with two other families, one getting a 6 year old and one a 17 month old. Once there is was all pretty quick and informal. There were about 30 other families there from all over getting children so it was completely crazy. We sat on a couch for about 5 minutes, got called up and there she was, happened that fast. We stayed about 1 hour. While there Yunwen was very quite and visibly tense, who could blame her at all. We took some photos and shared a lemonade and a chocolate. She clung to the teddy vear her sister Sadie sent over for her. Fr te most part she just sat there. Eventually our in country facilitator and the lady from Yunwens orphanage came over and we talked with her. She did not want anymore chocolate as she did not want to look like me!(but she did smile when she said it.) She was scared but also very excited,
she had know about us since September and said she wanted us to come then but understood we had to wait. I think now that the moment was here and the reality of it hot her it was touch, I know we annot imagine but she stayed strong all afternoon there, She all she had that we had bought via redthread or sent to her was the lovely bag Ann made for her(which turns out has been well used and she kept with her all of the time. She also had our photo book we sent and the coat we bought for her. In her bad she had pictures of her foster family, all of her school achievement certificates, her school grades from his year and a few other items. Clotheswise, a pair of new boots, leggings and a pink shirt with a sweater on over that. We found out she gave all of the lothes we sent her to her foster brothers and sisters as gifts upon her leaving so they don't forget her. From what we gather she is an amazing young lady. Anyway she was now upset she had nothing, so
we fixed that after we left. She really started bonding with her mother and I think a round at a shopping mall spending daddy's money helped alot. We bought her two pair of shoes, black patent leather and a pair of tennis shoes. Got underclothes, a pair of pants and a shirt and she was very excited. Then the ladies went to a store and bought hair brushes combs etc. She held Deanna's hand the entire time and by the end was very cheerful. Even got a thank you in English. We also told her more stuff at the hotel and we would buy her more. At the room she was very reserved told her to look around and well the bathroom was what she needed. After that it was all good! She has informed us that she wants to go only by her new name Emma, completely her choice. In the room more gifts, loved the Barbie Doll, more clothes which she started really smiling alot , some pens and drawing material also brought a big smile. I had to leave to do paperwork for tomorrow and
get more money changed so Deanna and Emma could spend it! LOL When I got back they were sitting together on the couch, she had brought gifts for us and had given them to Deanna. According to Dee, Emma showered and they tried on all of the clothes. She settled on her new shirt, a pair of pants we brought for her, sweat jacket from her MIMI and her new black shoes(which will have to be broken in it seems). Off to McDonalds for dinner, again Emma's choice although I called this one before the trip. In actuality it was not bad. fries and burgers tasted the same. She then wanted to walk around and see things so we just walked for awhile. Back in the room we skyped home and Emma and Sadie saw each other for the first time. Emma had a huge grin on her face seeing all of her family in the US. She said hello to them all, counted to 10 in English and just started smiled and waved alot all very excited. We then called Mimi and talked but no video. Emma sat in
Dee's lap the entire time and listened and said hello several times as well as bye bye. She and I then played on the laptop on a Cantonese/English website where you click a button and says the phrase in Cantonese. we also played with the Ipod,,, she did not like Guns n Roses but liked Bob Marley alot!. The night ended up with a much much much more cheerful 12 year old then we met. She was very bouncy and excited when she put on her new pj's Climbed in bed waved at me with a big grin and said good night. Dee informed me this morning she snores as much as I do lol! So day one is down we will write more later.

Emma Yunwen is now our daughter!

Here are pics of the day (Feb1) that Tian Yun Wen became Emma Yunwen Peacock. Pics are at the CCAA office and one at a Spring Festival exhibit.

Hotel Set 2

The sitting room/office of our business suite. Oh yes and we are getting a great rate on it. Last shot is he view of Downtown Guangzhou outside our Dee is and was exhausted so it was here, easy and pretty good. She had Malaysian rice with kabobs and I had a Japanese style Udon with pork and miso soup. Was good and hit the spot. From here on more adventurous as far as I am concerned. Well lets see. we have our schedule of things, we get to meet YunWen at 2pm monday. After that she is one of us(oh my!) going to be a busy week but also some fun mixed in, visit to the zoo, several local historical spots nd much more. I wil try and post every night or two.
No idea what they look like on my log but oh well.

Hotel set 1

Views of the bathroom and bedroom at Garden Hotel. We have two beds as we will have a 12 year old wih s n Monday and she can have one They are sort of between a twin and a double back in the states so Dee and YunWen may share leaving me with a bed all to myself!

We are in Guangzhou

Well folks we have made it to china. Lilly one of the in country agency folks met us at the airport and brought us to our hotel . The Garden Hoetl in Downtown Guangzhou, and it is very very nice. Spending today just unpacking, taking much needed showers and just resting. We will probably go out and fin a nearby noodle shop for dinner and just take it easy. Will shoot some pics for everybody later today. So 36 hours straight of travel, 3 flights 3 different countries, temp change from oh 50s in NC freezing in NYC and Seoul and now close to 70 here now.

Nice

Well looks favorable weather wise for travel in the sates Thursday(keep fingers crossed) and into China. All next week in Guangzhou forecast calls for highs in the low to mid 70s with lows in the upper 50s. Oh that is going to be such a shame but we will suck it up and enjoy the warm weather. Last minute things to do but all is going well. Thanks for all of the support and well wishes both here and on message boards, we appreciate it very much!

Countdown Continues

Well just a few days before we leave for China and loads of last minute things to do. We are packed pretty much , airfares confirmed and just little things. Looks like we are flying form NC into JFK in New York. From there onto Korea and into Guangzhou. All told from the time we leave NC until China is 29 hours of travel. We get to China at noon their time on the 30th so we will stay awake and try and get to bed at our normal time. I sleep on planes pretty good and Korean Air has good room and service in economy so hopefully not too bad a leg from JFK to Seoul(14 hours). Hey we did a 17 hour leg in 2007 to get Sadie! Anyway We get YunWen on Feb 1 go through all of the China proceedings week one with it ending with her physical on Saturday. our consulate appoint is Feb.10 and we should get her final visa on the 12th. So wish us good travels, I will post from China as I can and have time. Next post will be from somewhere in route or in China!

Last set for now! Enjoy

Bowling with Nic and dancing with gaga at Chucky Cheese

set 3

At Disney on Ice

set 2

pis set 1

Christmas Pics and others from that time of the Year!

So here are several pictures from the Christmas Season. We had our nephew Nic's birthday party at ChuckyCheese where Sadie and Gaga danced with Chucky, went bowling, traveled to Knoxville to see MIMI, helped her bake cookies for Santa and had Santa come to Knoxville and leave presents. And teh snow! Played in the snow!

test 2

test for pics! and why we are going!

test

Ok so I am sending a test email from an account to my blog to make sure it will load properly while we are in China. This is a test, it is only a test, in the event of an actual posting ........you would have more information and maybe a photo!

We are headed to China

We got our travel approval this past Monday and our consulate appointment set. We leave next week and get YunWen on Monday Feb.1 and go through the process in China and come home Feb.13 Very excited and apologies if I don't post a whole lot, loads to do.

Just waiting on TA

Well we know all of our I800 info was cabled to the US consulate in guangzhou before christmas. We also know that the US consulate has approved everything and sen word to CCAA before the end of 2009. Well now we are just waiting our travel approval which hoefully willc ome in the next 3 weeks from Jan1. Please keep fingers crossed and pray we get this notice soon so we can travel get YunWen and get home before Chinese new Year9feb 14)