Yippee! We finished all of the legal and paperwork processes in China. Today we received Gracie's US entry visa and government paperwork allowing Gracie to enter the USA. After we are processed by US immigration in Portland, Oregon she will have formal US citizenship.
We enjoyed one more dinner with our good friends the Sanders (it was a wonderful, authentic Italian dinner with real spaghetti!). We also went shopping with our remaining Chinese currency for some memorabilia and souveneirs. We're up at 4:30am tomorrow for our flights home. It's odd going home after being away so long. We get the pleasure of living the same day "twice" when we cross the international date line. Our departure is Wednesday at 8:20am local time, and we arrive in Portland at 8:30am local time.
Thank you again for your outpouring of love for Gracie and our travels. I very much enjoyed writing these blog entries, although I feel a bit selfish focusing so much on our activities. We can't wait to get home and speak with each of you about your lives and current events.
Here's one more picture to end the trip with. Gracie can be a bit of a "pistol" during the daytime hours, but a total sweetheart ALL the time. I am a proud father! :-)
Much love,
-steve
5 comments:
Safe travels!!!! We are so excited to see you all and to meet Gracie!!! Tyler made her a card to welcome her to our family. Let us know if you need us to have anything ready at your house for when you get home.
Hey Guys,
Just read your blog, have not been on the internet for ten days, but its great to catch up and read your blog and be apart of your jouney to get little gracie. Gracie looks amazing. Can't wait to see all of you when we get back from Germany! I will now attempt to post, though it will look nothing like yours.
I will post on MY blog now.
love you, see you later.
Matt and family
Congrats on the finalization of all your paperwork! It's official!! We will keep you in our prayers for safe travels back home. Only wish we could be in Portland w/you and the rest of the family to welcome you home & to meet Gracie, but we will be w/you all in spirit. We love you all very much! We feel so blessed to finally see you all together as a family, and enjoy settling into your regular routine at home w/Gracie. We've loved reading all the updates on your blog.
Love, the Harris fam (and k.c. and cabo too!)
Hi guys, I love your blog. This is my second look at it, but plan to catch up in the US. I cannot wait to see Gracie and you guys.
Love,
KATIA
Hi gang,
Welcome back to the States, and congratulations on your newest addition to the family - we and the kids can't wait to meet our new Niece (and Cousin) of the little ones!
You all and the boys must be so proud of Gracie!
Love,
Dan, Paige, Natalie & Luke
(P.S. even after the long flight, we bet you've still not slept a wink from all the excitement!?)
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