Our journey started with a 4:30am wake-up call on Friday morning. We headed to the airport at 6am with one other family. We flew from Guangzhou to Tokyo, Japan. Micah did really well on that flight. He enjoyed watching the on-demand cartoons. We had a 2 1/2 hour layover in Japan. Micah enjoyed playing in the airport playroom and eating McDonald's...again.
Ready to leave China!
When we boarded our plane for Chicago, we quickly noticed that it had no in-seat screens. Say what?! How are we going to entertain him?! Gratefully, we managed. He did not sleep for any extended period of time, but he sat in his chair much better than we had anticipated. He even left his seat belt on. We landed in Chicago and spent a good amount of time going through immigration and customs. Then, finally, Micah was a U.S. Citizen!!! After our last security scan, we were able to walk through the doors to our family. We had quite the welcoming crew!
Our family! They are the best!
Nathan informed us he cried happy tears for the first time in his life when he saw his brother. Both "ge ge" (big brother) and "mei mei" (little sister) are over the moon!
First photo as a family of 5!
After the airport excitement, we headed to Carly (Deanna's sister) and Dan's house to PARTY! We enjoyed good food (Italian beef and pasta by our request), fun and family. The kids loved playing outside with water guns and bubble guns. There was also a fun game of beach volleyball using the shrubs in the back yard as the net. While there, we also celebrated Deanna's grandfather's 80th birthday. It was a great night! We are so thankful to our family who came to the airport and to dinner to celebrate Micah.
Happy 80th Birthday Great Grandpa Fred!
Some of their Chinese loot :)
We ended up staying overnight in Chicago to catch up on some sleep. We headed back to Peoria on Saturday afternoon after a swim in Papa's pool. Since Micah's homecoming, we have been beating jet lag, bonding, having fun and loving our new addition. We are thankful that Matt has this week off work. He does not like to sit at home, so he has been keeping the family busy with activities. All three kids are loving every minute of it.
He LOVES to swim!
Cousin Lainey chillin' poolside.
A packed car ready to head home to Peoria. Micah did great with the 5-point harness and "mother hen" Claire loves helping him get situated.
Thank you Pepperell Family!
Showing Micah his new home
Seeing his room for the first time
We also wanted to share that Matt and the kids were welcomed home by our church family this past Sunday. Deanna had a migraine, so she stayed home. Our church family has been a huge part of this adoption journey. We cannot fully express our gratitude towards everyone who has supported us through donations and prayers. After church we received a GREAT blessing! Groceries were delivered! We aren't just talking eggs, milk and bread. Pretty much anything you can think of was in overflowing bags on our kitchen floor. A HUGE thank you to a fellow adoptive family for that wonderful gift. We are humbled by your generosity.
"Matt's Summer Camp" Pictures:
CAT Visitors Center
Riverfront fountains
Farm Park
Nature walk
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21
Can't express how happy I am for you guys! Miss you! Thank you for sharing!
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