Family...the holidays...it's 70 degrees!

The weather has been beautiful here...it's actually--open up the windows--warm. Each day is a bright blue sky without a cloud in sight. Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving holiday. We took our first family picture with Lily--we held a picture of her so she could be included.

Today we received an email from Sarah, an American teaching in a university in China. Sarah and another American took Lily and 2 other babies to have surgery. Sarah's parents paid for Lily's surgery and we are very grateful for their kindness. She also told us that she was able to get her students involved in raising the funds to pay for the other 2 children's costs for surgery. We now have video of Lily--Sarah posted the video on November 20th (last Monday) and stated in her post that she visited the babies at the orphanage that weekend! I just keep having the same thought in my mind..."it just keeps getting more amazing".

More pictures of Lily

Chinese night

We have family in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. Krista (Eric's sister) and Emma (our niece) are here, and Dave (our brother 'n law) will be here tomorrow night. We were all craving Chinese the other night--it hit the spot. Doug and Bev (Eric's parents) moved to Atlanta this last August from New York. They are enjoying the break from the northeast snow, but not nearly as much as we enjoy having family around. (always have to include a picture of Benjamin)

Sweet dreams sweet Lily...

When I look at Lily’s serious face I see her heritage. I see the many men and women that preceded her. I see the beauty in their souls...I imagine their sacrifice....I feel the self-discipline. This is Lillian Han Xue Smith...we will be granted the privilege to be her parents very soon...I can only dream that we will live up to her expectations. .....sleep tight sweet princess...we love you...mommy loves you....we're on our way to bring you home.

More new pictures of Lily!

Get Your Own! View Slideshow

Fun photos while we wait for travel approval...

Get Your Own! View Slideshow