We Made It!

Four months ago today on March 31st 2016 Cooper became a citizen of the United States and met his new siblings. What a great day! My talented friend Amy Kroff came to the airport and captured these fantastic pictures for us. I love to look at them and remember this sweet day. It wasn't really that long ago, but everyone has been growing and changing so quickly it seems like forever ago.

 Waiting...

 Waiting...

 Waiting...

(Sneak peak of us getting off the plane.)

After traveling for 24 hours straight Cooper was in a pretty deep sleep when we got off the airplane and woke him up in SLC.

 And finally we made it!

 It was so exciting to see everyone again! Two weeks can seem like an eternity.

Nash was beyond excited and kept yelling "My Cooper!!" over and over.

 Cooper seemed pretty excited to see them too!

 I love all these pictures and don't even have words to describe all the emotions.

 Cutest little Chinese American

 These are a couple of my favorites.

Bryn never forgot to pray for Cooper the entire 11 months we were waiting for him.

 Knuckles

 High fives

 And lots of hugs!

It was the best loading everyone in the same car to head for home and our first night together!

 Some friends made us a darling sign with balloons and everything! A spring storm rolled though right before we got home and ripped it a little but Cooper didn't mind at all, he loved it!!

Together at last! It feels so good!!

Day 12 - USA or Bust

March 31 2016. We arrived in Hong Kong late last night. Our train ride was supposed to be a quick two hour ride, so every time it slowed down in Hong Kong we would think we were there but then the train would pick up speed again and we'd keep going until three or four hours later we were all the way through Hong Kong, out by the water and the airport. I wish I would have taken pictures coming through Hong Kong, it looks like an amazing place, such a giant city. Someday we'll have to come spend some time here and check it out. But for now we're all anxious to get home! Our flight leaves this morning, in 24 hours we'll be back in the same day again only this time in SLC. Can't wait for Cooper to meet the rest of his family!

Good bye Asia! It's been fabulous!

Day 11 - Packet Pick Up - Good bye Guangzhou Hello Hong Kong

Wednesday March 30th 2016. Our last day in China. Today we picked up our packet that will allow Cooper to immigrate into the US from the consulate! Then we said good-bye to Guangzhou and some of the friends we've met here and went to the train station to catch a ride into Hong Kong.

We will miss all of the beautiful trees and parks and people in China.

 But I know I won't be missing these toilets!

Our translator, Connie in Guangzhou.

So thankfully for all of her help and everyone else at Heartsent Adoptions who has helped to make this experience remarkable!

Day 10 - U.S. Consulate Day

Tuesday March 29 2016. We picked up Cooper's medical records and went to the US Consulate to have our final interview and finish up paperwork.

 We weren't allowed to bring anything but ourselves inside so we took a couple of pictures before we went in.

 There we huge long lines of people trying to get visas and things that they need to visit and/or immigrate to the United States. It was humbling to witness. We have absolutely loved China but are so thankful for the country we live in. Seeing the beautiful stars and strips flying made us a little homesick and super thankful for America. There is just nothing else like it. Truly it is the home of the free and we are so excited that Cooper gets be part of it. I just kept singing the Star Spangled Banner in my head and I kinda wanted to sing it out loud, especially the 4th verse.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I love the United States of America!

Even if we are in the middle of a crazy presidential campaign crisis.

 Love these twinners too!

 We did some shopping and got a piece of jade that our translator told us Cooper needed for good luck. We also went to the pearl market and got Bryn a fake "pearl" bracelet.

 We had another great Chinese meal. Cooper had worked up a good appetite and went to town on the noodles and curry. Maybe I should learn to make this dish.

 Before heading back to the hotel we stopped by Shamian Island.

It had a lot of western/colonial style buildings but our favorite thing was this cute little sculpture.

One more day closer to going home!