Gettysburg

We went to Gettysburg this summer for a couple of days. Katie had wanted to see it again seeing as she was about five the last time she went. Steve is up for anything history related and Sophia and I have never been. Steve planned a great trip for us.

We toured the museum and battlefields. The kids had a blast climbing on the rocks at Devil's Den and Little Round Top. We took a double-decker bus tour which Sophia loved. We went in some shops downtown.

As a little side trip, we went to the Land of Little Horses as something special for Sophia. It turned out to be a really interesting place with all sorts of animals and lots of very small horses. We all enjoyed it.

We stayed in a cabin at a campground. The campground had a swimming pool which was a little chilly but we made use of regardless of the temperature. We had a campfire at night complete with smores. It was really a great family weekend.

China Sisters reunion

All five families who traveled to China with us four years ago got together again this year. We stayed right outside Harper's Ferry, WV. It was amazing to see everyone. The girls have grown and matured so much over the past year. We even had an addition to the group this year. One family adopted a little boy in 2009. He had a blast with all the girls even though he was out numbered.

The weekend was very hot but that didn't slow down the girls. They all played so well together. We gave them some water balloons and wet sponges to stay cool. They picked raspberries at the retreat center.

The parents were able to sit back and chat while the kids all played. It is interesting to share stories. The bond the kids share is special. I know that the parents all feel connected in a special way after sharing of the amazing journey to China to bring our children home. It is also special to have the support we offer each other now that we are back.

We hope to do this every year. There is even talk about where we will go next year. Someone even brought up all going back to China together as part of a homeland tour together when the kids get a bit older. How cool would that be?