We had a wonderful trip to "The South" and enjoyed every minute seeing so many great friends and spending time with Gary's family for such a special occasion. Our trip started with a wonderful day reuniting with friends from our China trip in 2007. We spent the day with Nicole and Chris and their two beautiful children Makenna and Tommy. Tommy and Hanna shared the life changing experience of joining their forever family in China. Everyone had so much fun. It was like we didn't miss a beat and picked right up where we left off. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family to share such a wonderful experience. We can't wait to follow along as they travel to China for the third time to bring home another little Davis boy. Best wishes Chris, Nicole, Mackenna and Tommy! We spent a couple of days in Carrollton, GA, on the west side of Atlanta with great friends Kevin and Kim. It was fun to reconnect after our sun filled days in Mexico. They have a beautiful home and were the most gracious hosts. Hailey has decided that she would rather live with them than here. Way to go Kim! You have the spoiling thing down! They were officially declared Aunt Kim and Uncle Kevin (well, Schlepy, but another story). We enjoyed a relaxing evening at their home, the slip 'n slide, sprinklers on the golf course, and Braves baseball. We can't wait to see them again when we celebrate their wedding in New Hampshire in October. We also had the chance to catch up with Gary's friend Julia and her family. Julia was the very first baby sitter Hailey ever had when she was only 3 months old in NYC. Gary and Julia could tell many stories about their days in PA classes at NY Presbyterian. Stella is her little 2 year old bundle and so much fun. Of course there was touristy stuff to keep the girls entertained. The American Girl store was an absolute hit with both of the girls. If you are a Daddy with daughters...Gary's only advice is hold on tight to your wallet. It was obvious that he was not demonstrating southern chivalry when he attended lunch in a pink cafe...he was supervising the spending!
A very special day was an afternoon spent in Birmingham. I've kept in touch a lovely family who traveled only two weeks after us to meet their daughter in China. She and Hanna were in the same orphanage. It was shared by the nannies that their cribs were near each other. We were also joined by another little girl who, although younger than Isabelle and Hanna, was also at the same orphanage. We were thrilled to meet Amanda and Julianna and hear about their wonderful visit to the orphange this past February. It relieved so many fears, knowing that our little girls were a place so filled with love. We all met at a beutiful little park and had a very touching time sharing stories about our little "Shan Wei" sisters. We hope to always stay in touch as these little girls clearly share a special connection.
The rest of the trip was Wedding Palooza in Opelika and Auburn, AL, Gary's cousin Logan was married in his 'Mrs' hometown and celebrated with a fun band in the perfect southern setting. We enjoyed catching up with Gary's aunts, uncles, and cousins. Alabama certainly knows the meaning of "Sweet Home". A lovely time beneath the southern pines and sweet magnolia. Who says you can't go home????
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