Home, thankfully.

Yeah!!
Made it home. Our last two days were started early at the US Embassy in China for application for Drew's Visa, a swearing ceremony and leaving all the papers we have worked on for many months towards getting Drew to immigrate into the US as an adoptee. Once she touched US soil she became a citizen, but she couldn't touch soil until she was granted a Visa. Anyway, that was Wed. We shopped a little (big mistake, Drew wasn't into it in any way) had a last dinner with our friends the Rolfs, at "Tekila's" a local Mexican place that was actually good. The next day was spent waiting for Drew's new Chinese passport, complete with said Visa to be delivered. The littles and I went to Shamian Island to have lunch with the Rolf ladies and we played at their place and the playground there. Great fun for the older girls and good for Drew to run around and wear herself out. We barely made it back to the hotel in time to meet up with Ron, Cory and Jamie (shopped some more) threw the last of the clothes into suitcases, and grabbed the shuttle to the airport. Drew started to explore the room at the hotel more, waved bye-bye, and was really enjoying playing with Kelly, great to see.
Our trip home was really very good in the big picture. Drew had a hard time at the airport, threw one nuclear-level fit just before boarding, just to make EVERYone waiting for our plane really, really nervous about where they were sitting in realation to us, then was really very good the rest of the flight. She was restless on the plane and we all counted the hours till landing, but all in all it was a great flight considering the level of "aweful" it could've reached.
We made it home, collapsed at home, and tried to sleep through the night. Drew was up at 3:00, but fell back asleep later. Saturday went better than hoped, she loved the freedom of the house and all the toys. Was playing and moving all over and exploring like a normal 2 year old: wonderful!!! Only fly in the ointment is the poor dogs. She is TERRIFIED of them, screams bloody murder if they come within 6 feet, so poor things have been banished from the house if she's up. They are so sad and pathatic, but with all the other adjustments going on, they'll just have to tough it out for a bit.
Tomorrow night will be our Christmas Eve and Kelly is excited. Can't wait to do all that, should be a kick.
Lastly for tonight, I want to rave about my family. First off: Cory spent the whole trip being my personal "Sherpa". She carried, fetched, found, whatever I needed. The most common words out of her mouth were "I'm here to help, what do you need Mom?" Amazing huh? And boy did she help. Jamie was our trip photographer. She also lugged the pack full (and I mean full) of the electronics all over China, along with lifting, carrying and taking care of the luggage. Both girls took over the duties of minding, and entertaing Kelly, who loved the big girl time. Kelly was "big sister extrodinare" to Drew and was a great traveler. All three girls had hardly any entertainment available, and the two olders were spending their precious, short, break with us, not their friends, and we really appreciate it. Not only were they a huge help, but it was special to spend time with them and the only way for them to really bond with Drew. I also want to sing my husband's praises. How many men would answer their wife's question of: "what would you think about adopting again?" when they are 50, working like crazy to put 3 girls through college and still retire, with "I was wondering when you'd ask. Sure."? Amazing.
Anyway, we are thrilled to be home. It's a tough 14 days, very tough, but as we have found, very well worth it.
I'll post some pictures tomorrow, promise.