A visit to the zoo (Thursday, March 31)

Let's go find some Panda Bears!

There's that Panda!

Whoa! Mom and Dad you wore us out!

Yesterday we went to a zoo here in Guangzhou.   We were there for about three hours.  Luckily our hotel had strollers we could rent, so we got two for the day.   Both girls still have a cold and some allergy-like symptoms, but each night their sleeping seems to get better. 

So far, we haven't went to the breakfast buffet here at the hotel and instead have been eating in our room.  Today will be our first attempt at taking the girls out with us to eat breakfast.  We do not have any big plans today. There is another park close by that we might visit today. 

New Pictures of the Girls

Getting checked out at the doctor!

Peace!

Proud mom and dad!

Sweet little Allens! 

Thursday, March 31 Post (China time!)

Last night (Wed, Mar. 30) the girls slept better.    They are such happy girls and very loving.   We were gone yesterday with the group from 1-5 and they were great!    The medical exam was very simple and they were not fussy at all.  Rachel is now the same length as Reagan, but still 3 pounds lighter.  We were at the police station for a very long time waiting to get their pictures taken for their passports.   While the people were trying to take Rachel's picture, she kept sticking out her tongue.  It was quite humorous and the photographers were laughing about it.  Reagan has such a sweet grin and loves to try to stand up while you hold her hands.  We are going to the zoo this morning and then have the rest of the afternoon free.

Night 2 as parents!

Jenny asked me to please edit for the "tired mamma!"  ;-)

Last night was a little better with the girls sleeping.  Rachel slept much better than Reagan.   Yesterday they became officailly ours through the paperwork.  Today we will go for medical exams and pictures for passports/visas.   We are going to Pizza Hut this afternoon with our travel group.   There is a national park across the street that is truly beautiful.   Our guides are taking wonderful care of us and it continues to be an fabulous experience.    Near our hotel there is a Starbucks, McDonalds, and 7-11.   7-11 is one of the only places to find a Coke Zero.    (thank goodnes, since I am not a coffee drinker)  We can not get on Facebook, but are able to read others comments through Yahoo.   It truly keeps us connected to home.   We can't wait for you to meet the girls. 

It's Official!!!

We got the girls yesterday afternoon around 2:00pm and they are officially ours today.   They came to us pretty well.  Reagan cried for a few minutes, but other than that, it was great.  The director of the orphange was really sweet and truly cared for them  She shared her e-mail address with us, so we could keep in contact.   Last night they were up most of the night.  Definitely when one cries, the other cries.    Reagan entertains herself well, but Rachel loves to be held all of the time.  When we have been on trips, they have been great.

The Proud Dad

The Proud mom!

 

Sunday, March 27th

Great Wall of China

This morning we went to a Jade Factory and purchased jade bracelets for the girls.  We plan to give them the bracelets when we get older.    We also went to the Great Wall of China.   What an amazing sight!    We learned that the wall is 4500 miles long.  Glen and I walked a very small section and felt totally out of shape.  It is extremely steep and the steps are uneven.   We saw more of where the Beijing 2008 Olympics were today.  We have to be ready to leave our hotel at 5:30am to go to the airport.  Hopefully by midday we will meet the girls.    It's hard to believe the time is actually here. 

The Forbidden City

Fresh Fish Meal

Jenny and Glen

Saturday March 26, 2011

We had a really busy day on Saturday.  We left our hotel at 8:30am and returned back at 8:00 pm.   Our day included visiting the Forbidden City,  Tiananmen Square, the Pearl Factory, Silk Factory,  Dr. Tea Store, Summer Palace, and some 2008 Beijing Olympic buildings.   We purchased some memory gifts for the girls for their future.  Some gifts included a set of pearls, tea set and silk pillows that turn into baby blankets.   It  is a very busy city and it reminds me a lot of NYC with street vendors and lots of cars.    The pictures I am posting include Glen and I at the Forbidden City and one of the buildings inside the city.   The other is a picture of a  fish we had for lunch.     It had a sweet and sour taste to it.  Another tasting included Duck, which also tasted good.     Tomorrow we will go to the Great Wall of China and then on Monday we fly to meet Reagan and Rachel.

We are here!

From Jenny @ 8:14 pm, Friday, March 25th- Although her email started as, Good Morning...  (they are 12 hours ahead of us!)...We are here safely and getting ready to go to the Forbidden City.    Tomorrow we are going to the Great Wall of China.    One family we have met is from Balitmore and another family is from Charlottesville.    I am currently looking for a charger that will fit a 3 prong for my computer.  Last night, we went to a grocery store like Walmart.  It is neat how most things are written in English and Chinese.  For example:  Dove soap, Lays Chips. 

We are in China!

Jenny contacted me (Jennifer) this morning, her Blog is "blocked" in China so she is unable to post news. This was her one way to stay in touch with friends, family and coworkers while in China, so she has asked me to post for her!  I am honored and happy to take care of sharing in the news as Jenny and Glen continue their exciting, life changing trip!  As per Jenny, they arrived in China fine, but a little tired.   The turbulance at the end of the flight was really rough. While is it 7:41 AM here on Friday monring, It is 7:41 in the evening there.   They just went to the grocery store and saw things in english/chinese written.   They are planning to visit the Forbidden City in the morning and the Great Wall on Sunday.  

Last minute packing

Today I will add the final things to our luggage.   We will head to Richmond this evening and have to be at the airport at 4:30am Thursday morning.  Our flight departs at 7:30 am to New Jersey.   We are excited but a little nervous at the same time.  

Rachel Yu Lei Allen

Reagan Yu Juan Allen



Just testing

Okay....I made this website over a year ago, but could never get it to work. So I am trying it again, before we travel to China to get Reagan and Rachel.