One Week

Today is one week since we have had Audra with us.  It seems as though the time has gone so quickly but it also seems as though we have always had her with us!  She has changed so much from the very first moment we met her and it has been amazing to watch her become "herself". 

from this...

 

to this...

Today was a free day for us...with no appointments or tours on our schedule.  So, we slept in a bit and had a late breakfast.  After breakfast we walked the girls around the beautiful garden area behind the hotel.  They loved looking at the Koi fish. 

Then the girls had some playtime in our hotel room.  Audra played nicely with Charlotte.  Charlotte loves to color and Audra tried to imitate her.  Even though Audra is the "bossy" one, she definitely watches all that Charlotte does and tries to imitate her.  Charlotte is only 6 weeks older than Audra but she is much more advanced developmentally.

After a nice long nap we all went shopping with Ann from Red Thread Gifts.  She is the one who helped us get the care packages to the girls while they were in orphanage.  And she was able to get so many priceless pictures, videos and updates on the girls while we were waiting to travel.  It was wonderful to meet her in person and thank her. 

Our shopping experience was great.  We were able to get so many of the things we wanted to make sure we brought home with us....
traditional Chinese outfits for the girls (in many sizes)
silk scarves
tea sets
chopstick sets
scroll artwork
embroidered pillow covers

To end the day and celebrate one week with our girls, we found an amazing Italian restaurant for dinner.  It was a TRUE Italian meal....and the very best meal we have had here in China.  It was so comforting to eat something familiar to us! 

 

Happy 1 week Familyversary girls!!! 

It's been an amazing week here in China.

We love you both and can't wait to get home with you to start our "happily ever after".