Going Home

Apologies for minimal posting the past several days. We left Guangzhou on Friday afternoon, June 11 to Hong Kong via train. We stayed the night and then Rebecca, Melody + 4 kids boarded the plane for Chigaco around 1:00pm on June 12. I took a flight to Seoul shortly after. Rebecca et al arrived in Chicago only to face an "epic" immigration line and thankfully a flight delay to Denver. I spoke to them a few hours ago and they are happy to be done with the 14 hour flight. They should be en route to Denver as I write this, expected arrival around 8:30pm. It's Sunday here in Seoul and I will fly to Sakhalin tomorrow morning. I'm planning to join them in the US before July 4.

White Cloud Mountain

We spent the day at White Cloud Mountain just outside the city. We took an electric car to the top and then a cable car back to the bottom. Rebecca sat down with Max and Avery for a brief rest and drew quite a crowd of photographers. I dropped the word "Madonna" on accident....., and then charged the Chinese paparazzi for taking the photos...

A trip to remember

We've been having a great time as a family here in Guangzhou. Anna has thoroughly enjoyed wearing matching outfits with her little sister Avery. Max has decided that Avery is wonderful and gives her kisses throughout the day. Lots of smiles and some great exploring.

To market, to market...

We found this market about a 5 minute walk from our hotel. It's a maze of small streets that has everything from dried snakes, live chickens, not so live chickens, mystery meats, vegetables and everything in between. We felt like we were walking through the pages of a National Geographic. This city of 13 million is a wonderful mix of old and new. We haven't even scratched the surface but are doing our best to get a good look.

Anna

Anna takes a little time out to enjoy some good weather and bubbles. She has taken immediately to Avery and proved a big help keeping the little ones in order.

Max the Diplomat

The parks are getting a lot of attention as part of the infrastructure upgrades to Guangzhou. There are numerous new bronze statues throughout this park. Max took time to make a new friend, much to the delight of local fans.

Police recruits

Guangzhou is preparing to host the 2010 Asian Games. There is a visible investment going on to improve the image of China's 5th largest city (+13 million people). The police are preparing new recruits in a park near our hotel. We've been going there daily to watch the drills.

Adoption is final!

We went back to the Guangzhou Adoption Registration Office yesterday and finalized the adoption. Today we will apply for her Chinese passport. Avery has done very well the past 2 days. She is sleeping 12 hours a night and eating well. She loves to be held which is met without objection from any of her adoring family here in China.

Sisters

In Daddy's Arms

Family with Nannies...

Introducing Avery

Today, May 31, 2010 we welcomed Avery Faith Purvis to our family. She was born on September 17, 2009 outside of Guangzhou, China. We waited over 4 years for this day. Thanks to Kate (my Ghost writer) who is updating our blog due to China censoring rules - no blogs, no Facebook. More later.

Getting ready for Guangzhou

We are enjoying our last morning in Hong Kong. We board the train at 1:00pm (in about 5 hours) to Guangzhou. The train will take about 2-1/2 hours. Should see some great countryside. We get Avery tomorrow (Monday) at 3:30pm.

China, just like we imagined.

World's longest escalator

We rode a series of escalators through the middle of Hong Kong island. The only problem is that they're only one-way. Steps back are a bit challenging with a stroller. Taxi!!!

The Peak

Took the tram to "The Peak". High above the city gives a front row seat to some serious pollution.

Fun in the city

Rebecca, Austin and Anna enjoyed some heart-stopping action on "The Mine". Later in the day Anna talked Daddy into the Abyss. They put you in a chair, haul you about 15 stories up and then drop you. Can I have some more of that please....!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Max

We celebrated Max's 2nd birthday at Ocean Park in Hong Kong. He enjoyed the giant panda bears most of all.

A long way from home

Heights anyone?

Took a 30 minute cable car ride to the Big Buddha statue in the mountains outside of Hong Kong. If you don't like heights you would not like this ride.

Out for a walk

Rebecca and Max walking back to the hotel after a relaxing day on the town.

Lunch anyone?

Although very tempting, we passed on this local menu offering.

388 Steps

We climbed 388 steps to a park in Kowloon district yesterday.

View from our hotel room

Hong Kong

We made it to Hong Kong today, May 25. No problems at the airport and met up with the girls at baggage claim. We took 2 cabs to our hotel - Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong. Very nice place. We're on the 35th floor. Shout out to our good friends Dai & Corina for recommending the club level. We've only been here 20 minutes and we might just move in for good. We're going for a snack and then to submit our visa applications for China.

Asiana Airlines to Hong Kong

Rebecca & Travis - parents of FOUR!!!

Gate in Seoul - Incheon International

In Seoul

We made it to Seoul, South Korea last night. Flight took a bit longer from Yuzhno because North Korean airspace is now closed due to the rising tensions in the region. Great evening at the Hyatt and enjoying our favorite Korean bathhouse. We had to split up this morning because we couldn't get 5 seats on Asiana. Rebecca and Anna are flying on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, departing in about 25 minutes (8:45AM local time) and Travis, Austin and Max are flying Asiana to Hong Kong, departing at 9:05AM. We'll meet back up at baggage claim on that end. Max ate the McDonald's "Big Breakfast" and still looks a little hungry...!!! He never lacks attention on flights so he will no doubt be looked after.

Off to China!!!

We are leaving for the airport in about 2 hours. Flight leaves at 4:00PM local time, Yuzhno. 3 hour flight to Seoul, South Korea where we will stay the night. Flight to Hong Kong is on Tuesday. For reference, we are 19 hours ahead of Anchorage, 17 ahead of Denver.

Russian Art School

Austin and his friend Johan going to weekly art classes. Rebecca and Anna also take classes here.

Saturday Market - Yuzhno

Russian Church

Russian Orthodox Church - Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Lenin Square - Yuzhno

Picture taken in Lenin Square, looking east to the ski hill. We've had some fun weekends on the slopes.

Max is ready for a little sister!!!

Getting Ready for China

We announced Avery in December 2005 at Christmas dinner. Never in a million years did we think it would take 4-1/2 years to finally meet her. We leave on Monday, May 24 for China. We'll do our best to keep this blog up to date over the coming weeks so you can follow our trip.