Busy Busy Busy!!!

Sorry I missed a day, but the last day in Nanning turned out to be a crazy one! We had to check out of the hotel at 3 p.m. but our flight was not until 8:20 p.m., so for 5 hours we were homeless!!! We then got to the airport and our flight was delayed, so we did not get to the Hotel until almost midnight. Mariah loved the airplane, but it was very sad because she kept saying Jie Jie (big sister Marissa) so she thought Marissa was going to be there when we got off. The translator explained that she will meet Marissa in a few days. (Note to Marissa: She looks at your picture all the time and pretends to talk to you on the phone. She says Wei (way) which means hello when you answer the phone.... Wei Jie Jie???) Now she pretends she is an airplane and says Jie Jie all the time. Hand tight Marissa, your sister is coming home! Anyways, we woke up this morning had breakfast and then it was off to take a Visa photo and Medical Exam. If anyone knows about the China adoption process, the dreaded Medical Exam is horrible for the kids. But it all went quick and Mariah did wonderful. The doctors all enjoyed talking with her in Chinese and could not believe how smart she is. (As if??) One crazy thing that happened to us today was we were standing all in a group from our agency and Chad kept looking at a couple and he said "Hey Mary, I swear that is Darren Marvin" (A guy that we went to school with). I just kept saying to stop and please dont walk up to him and embarrass me, because there is no way that we would be across the world adopting our daughter and the same time a friend from little Garrettsville Ohio would be there doing the same. Well folks, as small as the world is, it was him and we all just could not believe it. We actually graduated with his brother and him and Chad were very good friends. Isn't that incredible? They adopted a little boy. We are going to have breakfast with him and his wife in the morning. Just crazy stuff!!!!

Today after all the paperwork and appointments, we walked through many shops and Mariah got to pick out her Chinese Traditional Dress. Well, needless to say she is total girl and it took her almost 2 hours and about 10 shops. She wanted red with flowers and she needed a size 8, so you can tell that Chad is totally trying to win her heart, because he has never and I mean never shopped for on item for 2 hours! It was really fun. It is so awesome to see all of her firsts, even though she is 5. Her eyes light up with happiness and she is just so sweet your heart melts! She has turned the corner with Chad and actually got on his shoulders today with no prompts! He loved that! I can't wait for you all to meet her! All I can say is that this child giggles and giggles and giggles. She doesn't stop. She is always playing tricks on Chad and every time he goes to the bathroom she runs and turns the light off. And then of course she giggles!!!!

Well, the end of the trip is coming and we leave for Hong Kong by train on Thursday evening (Thursday morning your time). We stay overnight in Hong Kong and leave bright and early Friday morning (Thursday night your time). Our flight is due in Cleveland at 5:52 p.m. on Friday and I invite you all to the airport! I honestly think I will kiss the ground when we land. I am really aching for home and to see everyone! So if your schedule allows, then we would love to see you!!!! We are also having a Welcome Home Party for Mariah on April 18th, so if you can't make it to the airport, we would love to see you at her party! You will fall in love instantly! We sure did!!!