Alison's First Birthday

Sept 3rd was Alison's first birthday - funny it only feels like a couple months! It was a double celebration as Ross turned 50 on Sept 4th. We enjoyed the company of the Lawson/Arnish family (with Beckett and Alison's Chinese sister McKenna) and the Keebles.

Now that we are home

Wow - what a difference a few weeks make.

Alison is settling in beautifully. She sleeps through the night (albeit a very light sleeper). Eats things that Duncan won't touch in a million years (tofu, avocado, eggs) and is a happy, smiling, giggling baby. Mostly she loves to spend time with her Dad and big brother.

Duncan is adjusting to his new role and is now happy in his new bedroom with a big bunk bed. We just need a picture of a dragon-fly for his room too. Even the dogs are happy - due the the sudden increase in exercise!

Thanks for following our journey.

So this is a little out of order ...

But here are some photos we took prior to Gotcha Day while in Shanghai. We loved this city, however 4 days was enough.

Tourist in Beijing

So now we are just killing time - but at least there are some beautiful and poigent places in this amazing city - The Summer Palace and Tianamen Square.

Last Stop Beijing

By the time we arrived in Beijing (July 8th) we were all ready to go home. But first we had to climb the Great Wall and Alison needed a medical at the international clinic in order to get her entry visa to Canada.

Ross (carrying Alison - who does not appreciate the grandeur of the moment), Jason, his sister Shannon and I made it to the top. It was hot and smoggy but worth the climb - definitely a "pinch me" moment.

More Pics

These photos were taken at Alison's Orphanage in Guiping and her finding place. We rented a bus, drove for 4 hours (each way) just to see where our daughters began their lives. The orphanage director meet us for lunch. Alison was found on the day of her birth at Qiu Liu Pavillion (a pagoda surrounded by the banana plants). She was taken to Guiping Social Welfare Institute that day - and began her journey to join our family.

Proud Parents

July 3rd our adoption is final. Alison is now officially a member of our family. She still seems a little sceptical, but were are sure she will come around.