Sunday, June 20, 2010

Saturday Evening at the Neighborhood Pool

Our housing addition has a neighborhood pool.  We took the kids and the neighbors for a dip.  Hutson finally got all the way into the water and seemed to be having a lot of fun!  Dad is the "spoil sport" who won't go in the water, but thanks to him, we have these fine pictures!








Hutson's New Bicycle

Who knew?!?!  Hutson already knows how to ride a bike!!  It looks like he is going to be quite the athlete.  When we told him he'd have to wear a helmet, we got "the look"!!  Then, we made it clear - no helmet, no bike, period.  Guess who likes his new helmet?!?!  We like to ride bikes as a family, so this was one of our first purchases for our new son.  Enjoy, Hutson!!



Friday, June 18, 2010

Badminton, Bubbles, and London Bridge

This evening we just enjoyed the nice weather and the fact that it was FRIDAY.  We played badminton; we blew bubbles; we played London Bridge; we sang songs from "The Sound of Music"; we watched a toad hop across the driveway; we scratched mosquito bites; and all in all had a wonderful evening.  We even watched the crotchety old man walk his dog.  Poor guy just doesn't ever seem to enjoy anything. 

Brycie and Ela whacking the shuttlecock.

Crotchety old man and his dog.

Clare trying to whack the shuttlecock.

Triple bubble.

Clare chillin'
London Bridge . . .

. . . Is Falling Down.

Nighttime bubbles.

Hutson showing his serve.

Hutson lunging for the birdie.

Just a pretty picture.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

First Photos of Brother and Sister

We're back at it - photographing our kiddos.  That is what we enjoy.  Hutson caused Brycie a bit of a problem in China when he didn't want to be photographed.  Brycie made it clear "from the git-go" that we like taking pictures, so, he'd better get used to it.  These photos are an indication that he is softening his stance on the photo thing.  The next problem is getting Clare and Hutson to stand close to each other. May need handcuffs.

Good looking kids if we must say so ourselves.

The first of thousands upon thousands. 

Okay, son, stand up tall for your mother to take your picture.

Our Apologies To Our Followers (Especially Lauren and Paige)

Hello again, dear friends and family.  Brycie and Hutson went into hibernation for about a week and a half after returning from China.  The 13 hour time difference took its toll.  Every night the first week back, Hutson would go into the den to watch TV after supper, and, within 5 to 10 minutes he was zonked!  Jim carried this big lug to bed every night the first week.  Needless to say, we've been derelict in keeping our bloggers updated.  We are almost caught up, so now it is time to get all of you caught up.  Expect more posts soon.  We were lovingly chided by our dear friends, Lauren and Paige, to get some new posts.  It is so sweet that we have such wonderful friends who truly are interested in our journey.  Thanks, Lauren and Paige.  We love you. 

Last Saturday, Hutson's godparents, Sue and Bill, had a 10th birthday party for their daughter, Claire.  Here are some pictures from Claire's party.

Sue is helping our Clare play a tune on Sue's gorgeous Baby Grand.

Hutson at the downtown YMCA at the swimming party for Claire.  He's smilin', but we're not sure he's liking it.  He has never been swimming, so, this was quite a shock. 

Miss Claire is now 10.  Happy birthday, sweetie.

Our Clare LOVES the water.  Here, however, she's just trying to look cute, and seems to be doing a pretty good job.  Proud parents, huh?

Miss Claire's birthday cake.  These are supposed to be flip-flops, but Bill and Jim thought they might be kidneys.

Back at Sue and Bill's home, the kids are enjoying the bubble wands.  Everything is completely new to Hutson.

Kinda like the "bubble machine" from the old Lawrence Welk show, for those of you over the age of 60, which would only include Bill and Jim.

Just blowin' bubbles.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

HOME!!!

Brycie and Hutson arrived HOME in Oklahoma City on Saturday evening at 7:04 p.m.  Thank you, Jesus, for safe travels.  A small crew was on hand at the airport to greet Mr. Hutson.  Hutson's godfather, Bill, and his daughter, Claire, were there, along with our dear friends and wonderful neighbors, Angelo, Sandra, and Daniela.  Just moments before Brycie and Hutson came through the gate, there was another homecoming, with a couple bringing a small girl and boy from Ethiopia.  We truly believe that adoption is God's way of providing children with a momma and a daddy, and, most of all, an opportunity to know Jesus.  That, our dear friends, is what it is all about.

This airport sign is for you, dear Brycie.

This airport sign is for you, Mr. Hutson.  Welcome home, son.

Two Italians and one Chinese.  Can you guess?

Clare and her best buddy, Angelo.

When is the last time you saw anyone wearing sugar sack pants and an Ocean Pacific shirt?  Hopefully, never. There is just something wrong here.  Angelo dressed like this just for Brycie, who has earlier commented on his clothing selection.  Angelo, you're lookin' fine.

Isn't Ela a doll?

Here they come, Brycie and Hutson.  Yay!

Group picture with Hutson, Mom, Dad, Clare, Bill, and Claire

Mom, Dad, Hutson, and Clare

Is Hutson handsome, or what?  Look at that smile.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Homeward Bound!!!

At 11:35 p.m. (Oklahoma time) on Friday evening (12:35 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong), my Angel will be airborne bringing our son, Hutson, HOME.  They will arrive back in the U.S. in Chicago, then on home to OKC, landing at 7:04 p.m.  Clare and I ask that you pray fervently for their safe flight home. 

If any of our followers would like to be among the first to greet Hutson, we'll be happy to see you at Will Rogers Airport at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening. 

There will be many more posts and photographs once Brycie can rest and unwind. 

Pray for us.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Clare's Evening Prayer

Tonight we did a wonderful thing.  Brycie and Jim were "skyping" (video conversation on our computers) and when Clare's bedtime rolled around we were able to ALL say our prayers together (and see each other).  What a tremendous blessing!  Thank you, Jesus!

Mui & Portia & "Clare's Shantou" - A Definite Highlight!!

Hutson and I left Guangzhou aboard a coach at 11:30 a.m. on Monday to spend the night with our friend Mui at her apartment in Shantou.  Clare is from Shantou, and Mui was gracious enough to be our guide when we visited Clare's orphanage in November of 2008.  We became "instant sisters"!!  Clare overheard Jim and me talking about the trip, and she asked Jim, "Are they going to MY Shantou?"  Yes, honey, we went to YOUR Shantou!!  We arrived in Shantou at about 5:30.  We had a fabulous time!  Mui is such a wonderful hostess!  She and her daughter, Portia, and her parents picked us up at the bus stop and took us immediately to a vegetarian restaurant where Hutson and I got to try some interesting food!  We had a good night's sleep, and then Mui took us on a tour of Shantou.  I hope you enjoy the pictures!


Our coach


PRC Flag


Jim, this is for you!!!


Mui, Portia, Mui's dad, Hutson, Mui's mom (who was always worrying that Hutson wasn't eating enough!)


Poor Portia - she wanted Hutson to hold her hand, but he was having none of it!


Mui's parents and Portia at the restaurant




Mui's nephew and parents, and Portia










Precious Portia!  Auntie Brycie and Uncle Jim love you!!!!


Mui's brother prepares Hong Kong tea


Bookshelf in my room - notice the picture of Mui, Portia, Brycie, Clare & Jim


My bed


The crew minus Portia, who was at school








Mui's apartment building


Mui's cute little Honda Fit.  I'm glad she's a good driver - the traffic in Shantou (in China, generally) is CRAZY!


Hutson using his umbrella to act like a little old man


Mui's neighborhood


Store in the neighborhood


Mui's sister-in-law's cousin showed us how they use heavy bamboo to make noodles.




Fish


Eggs


Cleaning fish


Mui peeled some lychee for me - yum!!


Brycie eating lychee


Lady selling the lychee


Goose, anyone?!?!


Honey wine - bees included.  I wish I could bring some home for Angelo!!


Morning exercises


Pork - is this really safe?




Our way up to the scenic spot where we can view all of Shantou





Not as bad as the Great Wall!




Shantou












The old center of town


Brycie eating something strange


Shantou Social Welfare Institute - this is were Clare lived.  I couldn't visit Shantou without at least seeing it!


Entrance to Mui's studio where she does English tutoring


Mui's studio




A painting for Clare!!




"Peace out" through the filthy coach window.

Thanks a million, Mui!!!  You're the bestest!  I love you!!