The Marvin Family

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Gracie's Gotcha Day

We woke up in Beijing and relaxed until time to leave for our flight. Michael couldn't resist taking a picture of some art in the lobby! After a long wait at the ticket counter (with the dude making lots of phone calls and tearing up several tickets) we were off to Nanchang! We arrived and were met by our guide (another Helen). She brought us to our driver (didn't catch his name), who proceeded to take us on a CRAZY ride through the city (lots of honking, swerving, cutting people off,etc). No one seemed phased by this except me and Michael. At some point during all of this Helen answered a phone call and told us that Gracie would probably beat us to the hotel! We weren't even sure if we would get her on Sunday or Monday, so we were a bit shocked, excited, nervous. When we walked into the lobby, Michael immediately spotted her. She seriously is a beautiful child! We talked to her a bit, then went up to our room where the handoff occurred (see pic below). She was not a happy camper! She never completely lost it and would forget to cry at times. While Gracie and I were becoming acquainted, Michael talked to Helen about paperwork, meetings the next day, etc. We all walked to a convenience store (in the rain) to get some bottled water and juice before Helen left us to do our own thing. We had a bath, played with toys, watched some Ni Hao Kai-Lan and went to dinner. We ended the night with a Skype to Anna, Trey, Gigi and Papa. Life is good!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Teng Wang Pavilion (March 7, 2012)

Another day of seeing the sights! After skyping half of northwest Arkansas we headed out to Teng Wang pavilion. I really had no idea what this was, but Helen explained it to us the best she could on the way over. Something to do with emperors, a dynasty,etc. It was built in A.D. 650, so it is probably the oldest building I have ever seen. When we got there I told Helen it reminded me of Disney world. Apparently no one had told her this before (so I gave her a lesson on EPCOT). It really was amazing to see. It was a very cold and rainy day. Gracie was really cheesing it up with people waving and smiling and giving us lots of kisses! I went in for a fun open mouth slobbery kiss and came back with a bloody lip. That's right, she bit me HARD! We may be in trouble folks.
After the sight seeing we went to the Nanchang WalMart (that's right Uncle Steve)! It felt like home... After picking up more bananas and soy milk for our little monkey, Helen asked if we wanted to eat at Papa Johns and we said Heck Yeah!! YUM! It tasted the same as home. We bought a few souvenirs and headed back to the hotel. Gracie was sacked out (see below).
Didn't she look like a little Asian princess today. Thanks for the clothes Mary Ella!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Ni Hao!

We made it to Beijing at 5:20 pm. That's 3:20 your time, so we've been up 24 hours (except for a few naps). Feeling good! Trying to stay awake until 9 or so... We were greeted by this happy face. Her name is Helen. She was very helpful and friendly! Leave for Nanchang in the morning. We'll either get Gracie tomorrow or the next day!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday, February 26, 2012

This is a Test

Here goes nothing! I am attempting to learn to blog using my IPAD. Why you ask? Because we plan on attempting to blog daily about our trip to China and only want to take the IPAD! We are so excited to meet our Gracie girl and a little apprehensive about traveling to another country. We ask for prayers for safe travel and a smooth transition for Gracie. We already love her, but she may not appreciate us rocking her little world with a trip to Arkansas....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Gracie's Church Shower

Our wonderful church family had a shower for Gracie in January. The girls made wonderful food and decorated the fellowship hall with lots of pink! We are so blessed to have so many people who already love our little girl!

The Spread