Things To Do:

We must be IN CHINA by August 19th!  My list of Things to Do continues to grow !  Everytime I cross something off the list I remember something else and add it. ( 2 steps forward, 2 steps back).

 We are continuing to look into travel flights and are hoping the prices come down a bit- we do not need to make flight arrangements and book anything until our liason gives us our actual in country itinerary.  However, we are on our own during our time in Hong Kong so we are looking at places we want to stay and explore during our time there. 

Leah's birthday is July 1!  Please pray for her on her birthday- we were so hoping we'd have her home before that time.  We did send her a little care package so she could get a photo album, a present, and a birthday cake on her birthday.  Hopefully, our liason will be able to get new pictures of her when she delivers her gifts. 

The girls are super excited that we have now come to the time when we can actually buy things for Leah.  I have held off purchasing anything so far and I have nothing for her!  Well, she has a bed, and a family- but no clothes or toys.  It has been awhile since I've looked at clothes for little girls so this will be fun!

The logistics of care for the boys while we are gone has been semi coordinated and the care for the menagerie of pets continues.  I also need to make sure everyone has school supplies at the ready since we will literally be returning right when school starts. I need to schedule Dr. appointments  and an eye exam so I can see while I'm there- and try to figure out how to pack lightly. 

I also need to find the following items-

voltage adapter ( I had one when I was in Europe but can't find it now)
neck wallet
travel pillow
extra carry-on (preferably one with the zipped compartment for your computer)

If you have any of these things I could borrow let me know!

Travel Approval has Arrived!!!!!

Today we received word that our travel approval arrived! 

We have chosen 5 dates in which we would like to travel and should hear back by the end of the week when our consolate appointment is and when our travel date is set!  We are praying they accept our first choice of August 15th. (July travel is not an option as the flights are double the price).  Mid-August gets us in and back before the start of the school year.

In the meantime, we continue to request updated info. on Leah.  Her orphanage is not as forthcoming with information as some of the others.  We only know she is healthy.  We have not chosen a middle name for her yet- we have been waiting to hear what they call her in China.  She has a Chinese name but we were told that she is not called that- she has a nickname but they will not tell us what it is. FRUSTRATING!  We'd love an updated picture of her and a list of some of her favorite toys, foods and activities, and sizes?  I've held off buying anything for her . I will need to start doing that soon.