GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!

What a fabulous Chinese New Year we have had this year. When we were waiting for Hannah, we decided to try to find ways to celebrate her without her physically being here. Now that she is home with us, it makes this particular holiday very poignant for our family. Our paperchase began during the Chinese New Year and our referral came during this time as well. At the beginning of our paperchase, we met a wonderful couple, April and John, who went just a few short months after us to receive thier sweet daughter Julia. Last weekend, we were able to be with their travel group for a gathering. Did I get tons of pictures? Nope, I was having too much fun chatting and playing - but, I did manage to capture sweet Julia


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Emily shared about Chinese traditions in her three year old and four year old preschool classes. She chose gifts for her classmates and wanted to carry on the tradition again this year. Thursday morning, our family was invited into her kindergarten class to read several stories, share treats and answer questions. I was surprised by how interested and intrigued the children were, not only with Hannah, but with the location of her previous home, and all the details about her becoming our sister and daughter. I am so grateful for her wonderful teachers; there were some difficult questions (insert lump in throat). We chose Chinese moon cookies for treats and each child received an orange and a gift bag with several traditional toys. I even found fortune cookies with scriptures inside!



Each of our daughters received a Chinese drum for their celebration gift, they absolutely love them. Emily even wants to put hers "up high" so nothing happens to it, oh how quickly they grow!



Hannah gathered a chair quickly and settled in for the morning routine. She loved kindergarten:) She is incredibly verbal, which I will post on another time, but we are all enjoying watching this little cutie blossom. The girls finished out our weeklong celebration by having a slumber party in Hannah's room last night - very tender the love of two sisters.