The new normal

Jet lag is real.  There is a reason the blog has been silent.  We are just plain tired and adjusting to our "new normal"  Life is busy, life is exhausting, but life is GOOD.   This post is more of a picture post.  Enjoy.

This was the van ride to Hong Kong.  The beginning of our travel day back to the US. 

Michael did really well considering it was 6 am. 

We arrived without any issues at the Hong Kong airport and had about 4 hours to wait before we left for San Francisco    Our pajama boy loved checking out the big planes. 

Snoozing with Daddy on the international flight.

Waiting in the San Francisco airport for our flight to Denver.   He is now officially a US citizen. 

Michael loves his snacks. 

He was ready to go.

Michael decided to nap for the ENTIRE 2 1/2 hour flight home.  Mommy was thankful because she did the same. 

This was our welcoming committee.  Our family rocks!

 

 

This picture was the first one of my FOUR kids.  Words cannot express how wonderful it felt for them to all be together and for us to be home. 

 

 

Big Sis Rachel.   She is such a great helper!

 

 

After 24 hours of travel, 6 flights to, within, and from China.  We are home.  God is good. 

 

 

First time in a carseat.

Not sure if he's a fan yet.   He still prefers the China method, sitting on mommy's lap. 

Sorry buddy.

 

 

Welcome home Michael.

This is one of my favorite pictures.  This represents our new life with a busy toddler who likes to throw everything within his reach.  I had just sat down with an ice cold glass of vanilla diet coke.  He decided to throw the cell phone and it landed right in the middle of the glass, shattering it.   Here we go!
 

 

He found the Tupperware cabinet.  He is the most lovely, normal 16 month old around.   How do you learn about your new environment?  Take it apart and put it back together.   Not sure he knows the "put it back together" part.  We'll get there.  Love this kid.

 

And  yes, the gates are up. 

Grandma Junge sneaking in a quick squeeze.  Grandma Junge took over homeschooling for Chris while we were gone and stayed with the kids for the first days of our trip.   Couldn't have done this trip without the support of the Grandmas. 

 

 

 

 

Great Grandma offering a treat to Michael.  With newly adopted kiddos, there is a general rule that Mom and Dad should be the only ones feeding, providing for the child.  We are following that for the most part.  We made an exception for the 3 days we were blessed to have Great Grandma here.   We don't know how many, if any more trips will be made by  her to Colorado.   Travel is hard.  This trip was hard on her.  Hospital stay, ride in an ambulance, physical weakness.   This woman has brought joy to every life she has touched.  Michael is blessed with this sweet woman and we wanted her to experience some of the joy she so lovingly gives to us. 

 

This picture melts my heart.  Those who know how much I love her, know why. 

 

 

 

Grandma Sandy had to get in on the action too.  She was nurse, mom, taxi, house cleaner, cook, and the list goes on.  I love you mom.   

 

 

 

This picture speaks for itself.  I love these kids.  I love the fact that God has trusted us with these blessings.  Adam and I have said to each other several times since being home...These kids rock. 

 

We are hoping to post an update on the blog weekly as our journey continues.  Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged, and loved on us during this process and while we were gone.  We felt every prayer. To our friends and family, We love you.