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