July 8

Good morning!  It isn't morning here, but perhaps it is by you.  We are leaving in about 10 minutes to go and get supper.  We are going to McDonalds for the first time ever here in China.  We didn't go at all last time, but are going to give it a go tonight.  It is about a 20 minute walk and the price can't be beat--15 Yuan ($2.50) for a full size value meal.  That is right up our alley tonight.

We went back to the Civil Affairs office this morning to finalize our adoption here in China.  We signed many papers and answered questions like "Will you abuse this child?  Did you know about his condition before you came?  Does this child satisfy you?"

He does.

We are learning about him and he about us.  There are several surprises regarding our son, but he is ours and know that God has put us together.

(An out of order picture)
Mom gets to go swimming with her boys today.

He looks good in mom's sunglasses.

Before we go in to sign the papers.

My boys!

Signing my name!

A family photo before we sign the final documents.

After signing, I needed to dip my thumb in red ink and put my print over my signature.

Gary does her thumbprint.

Michael needs to do his full hand print.

He did two prints-one for the official papers and one to take home.

Michael then had to write his name.  We all laughed because he only wrote two parts of his name.  When asked why he didn't write the "Heng" part, he said it was too hard.  He knew how to do it, but there are so many strokes in that character.
Notice how close he is too the paper.  This is how he looks at everything.  This boy will be getting glasses as soon as we can get him to the eye doctor.  I can't wait to see what getting glasses will do for him.

Our first photo as a family outside civil affairs office.
Right after this we got into our van and had an accident.  A woman backed into us.  No one was hurt.

We stopped at a grocery store on the way home and found some necklaces.  Noel and Penny--we got one for each of you too!

Garrison poses in front of the chips.  Roasted BBQ Pork chips anyone?

Simon was thrilled to find the bullfrogs--the biggest we have ever seen.  He ordered bullfrog last night for supper and so it was cool to show them how big they have to be in order to eat them.  Of course he wanted to keep one.  I don't think it would pass customs.

Seriously over a pound a piece!

Lunch in the room.

We even got oreos!