Merry Christmas!!!

We are in the car, headed to Florence for one night, to celebrate Christmas with my family. I know I've left the blog hanging, but let's face it- I have three kids under three. I barely get showered each day, and choose to sleep at night rather than blog. The only reason I'm able to blog right now is bc all three kids are passed out in the back seat. We have all had an amazing Christmas.

We had an uneventful trip back to the US. Tessa slept about three hours, and played the rest. We were beyond happy to hug our boys and finally have our family complete and together. The first couple days home were pretty rough with no sleep, but it was Drake and Eli not sleeping. Everyone is adjusted now and we are as rested as two busy parents can be. The kids fight all day long. We are working very hard to teach Tessa what is expected and acceptable behavior in a family. The joys of toddlers! Well, they are waking up, so gotta go!

Hong Kong

There aren't pictures right now from Wednesday, but some will be coming once I upload pics from my phone. We packed up, did some shopping, and checked out at 2:30. A quick stop at the consulate to pick up Tessa's package for immigration, and we were on our way. We were at the train station by 4, and left on the train by 5pm. We ended up in a completely illegal taxi, but made it to our hotel by 8pm. We are at the JW Marriott, and it is gorgeous! It's just as nice, if not nicer than the one in Beijing.

Check out the view from our window. Not too bad!

This morning we walked through Hong Kong Park on our way to the Peak tram. This is by far the funniest picture from the day. Although it doesn't look like it here, Tessa loved riding on Eric's back.
We could see our destination through the trees.
We passed a pond on the way.




Her brow furrows when she is concentrating.




We had an early lunch snack at Bubba Gump's, and she loved Eric's blueberry smoothie!

There were footprints pointing different directions. We were only 12,979 kilometers from New York:-)



This little girl loves to give kisses. And this picture melts my heart a million times over. I've waited over half my life for this!

(She's learned to kiss, wave bye, and high five in the week and a half we've had her!)




You can see where we ate, it's the restaurant under the viewing deck.
The red neon sign is Bubba Gump's.

Pictures not making the photo album.
She was over having her picture taken!
Time to go back down.
We went back to Hong Kong park and found the playground. This slide was awesome, and Tessa LOVED it. She is scared of nothing!
We don't think she'd been in a swing before. She laughed hysterically, and couldn't stop. When she sees the playset in her back yard, she is gonna flip.

There was also an aviary in the park. Which was quite cool in the middle of the city.

You can see Tessa trying to climb off Eric's shoulders to get to the birds!
She usually covers his eyes:-)



She enjoyed a nice stroll home. Stopping at every fountain, and anything else of interest. She knew nap time was coming, so she took her time.
Touching every fence post.
We enjoyed these statues in front of a nearby hotel.


Tessa took a nice long nap, and I got all caught up on blogging. I'm getting ready to shut down the computer and pack it away. We have to get up at 5am to get ready, packed, and eat breakfast- then leave by 7am for the airport. We should be checked in by 8 am for our 11am flight. Can't wait to see our boys tomorrow!!!

We wake up to start our travels at what will be 4pm Thursday evening for everyone back home. Please pray for smooth and safe travels!

Goodnight from across the world, for the last time!!!!!!!

GZ Day 4

Day four in GZ was very early, 7:15! We had to be at the Consulate for an 8:30am appointment. We made it, but were all sleepy.

Tessa of course had a patriotic dress and hair bow. I mean, doesn't every girl?

I think they were both falling asleep in the van.

Tessa and Eric had a nice afternoon nap, and I went back to the island for more shopping. LOTS more shopping. No pics from the rest of the day. Sorry!