Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

OUR TRIP TO CHINA

......................................................
Here it is September and we are just getting around to uudating our blog. The twins have us quite busy. We are soooooo happy. We are finally a family!!! Our trip to China was awesome. We visited Hong Kong about a week before picking up the twins in Nanning. Hong Kong is fabulous. Edwin and I just loved it. It is an Asian New York City. We then visited Beijing. Need I say that the history there blows you away. The Great Wall was spectacular. We were just in awe. We were, like, "pinch me." Are we really in China climbing the Great Wall? We had Peking Duck -- twice! Loved it. Then off to Nanning to pick up the twins. The twins were a little confused and frightened when we first met them. They came down with terrible colds and that didn't help matters any. But in a few days they attached themselves to Mama and after a few more days, then to Baba (Daddy). Baba is what they call Edwin. We then visited Guangzhou where the American Consulate is located to get their visas to return to the United States. We stayed at the White Swan Hotel which is quite beautiful. This hotel caters to families adopting from China. Mattel has a playroom for the babies and the girls just loved it there. Then we took a train to Hong Kong where we caught our flight home to Newark, New Jersey. Once the twins passports were stamped by immigration, they automatically became United States Citizens. God Bless America!!!! Oh, and did I mention the shopping in China and Hong Kong??? Let's just say I'd fly another 16 hours to go shopping again!!!

ARABELLA GRACE YUN & ARIANNA ELISE XIA

Well, finally it is Tuesday, May 26th and FedEx delivered our official documents and colored photographs of our precious girls. Arianna is on the left and Arabella is on the right in the photo at the top of our blog. Edwin and I keep saying to each other how truly blessed we are. I know my Dad had his hand in this miracle. Thank you, Daddy. I love you.

DOUBLE HAPPINESS - TWINS!!!!

We are overjoyed to announce our referral from the People's Republic of China. Edwin and I are blessed with twin two-year old girls. The twins are currenty in foster care in the Guangxi Province of China. Their names are Jian Yun and Jian Xia. They were born on June 3, 2007. We received the call on Thursday, May 21st, at 4:30 pm. Our adoption agency is fedexing the twins' pictures today, Saturday, May 23rd. We will post their pictures as soon as possibe. Today is my birthday and it is, without a doubt, the best one I have ever had. Edwin and I are on Cloud 9!!!!

Arabella's 100 Good Wishes Quilt

Here are some pictures of Arabella's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. The quilt is simply beautiful. I want to thank my dear friend, Barbara, for all the work she did on it. You've outdone yourself, Barb!!!

Baby Broer

Our niece, Tati and nephew, Broer, had a perfect baby boy on April 8, 2009. We would like to introduce our new nephew; his name is Broer David Linblad, V. Isn't he just precious?

Papa Has Gone to Heaven

Papa has now gone to Heaven after having fought so bravely for four months. I could never ever try to put into words his love for his family and our love for him. Papa was an extraordinary man. His virtues are innumerable. I cherish every memory I have of him. My dad was so excited and proud to be getting his little "China baby" granddaughter; he would tell everyone he came in contact with. I believe he is in Heaven looking down on Arabella in China and protecting her until we go to receive her. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support during Papa's illness and recent passing. He was our angel on earth and now has gone home. God Bless.

Our Sixth Wedding Anniversary

Edwin and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on August 23, 2008. We had a great day. We had a barbecue with Nanny, Papa, Donna, Al & Ashley. Later in the evening, Tati, Romi and Vlado joined us. Frieda, Frank and Felicia were at Harrah's and came to see us. We had an anniversary cake and I surpised Edwin with a little cake in the face!!! Romi & Vlado's baby, Isabella, was here too. She is just the cutest little chubber there is. Here's a picture of her. Thanks to everyone for making our day a special one!!!

2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS - BEIJING, CHINA

I saw this cute little gymnast's picture online and thought it would be
appropriate to add to Arabella's blog since someday our little China baby may

1. be a gymnast -- the Chinese seem to have a natural talent for the sport of gymnastics. The Olympic Games were held this month in Beijing, China. We recorded the events and then watched them after work each night. The opening ceremony was just awesome. Edwin and I love watching the gymnastics. Another favorite of ours is the synchronized swimming. Those girls are just amazing. We are so proud of the U.S. Team. Way to go USA!!! !

Para Los Hispano - Parlantes que no entienden Ingles

Yvonne vio esta foto de esta chinita gimnasta y pensamos que hubiese quedado bien en este blog de Arabella ya que a lo mejor la nuestra sea tambien una atleta olimpica como el pap☺ o campeona en malgastamiento del dinero (categoria mujeres) como la mama. Todas las noches grabamos los juegos y los vemos despues del trabajo a Yvonne y a mi nos encanta ver especialmente la gimnasia y tambien disfrutamos de la medalla de plata del Jeff com o le dicen los gringos. Mierando a las gimnastas chinas siempre nos hace so�ar con el dia en que le tengamos a nuestra hija y ojala que venga con muchas medallas.