Adding a Robinson

We've got a wedding to plan, people! Sparkling cider and lots of hugs. Ryan, we are thrilled to have you!

Treasures. The team at Show Hope sent us some things Willow did in a preschool class. All the way from Luoyang, China!

This was on her crib. I can't put into words how incredible it is to receive pieces of her history like this. (Willow's sponsor name was Eisley, but her nannies and friends called her Mei Fen which we kept as her middle name.)

Boo!

Sonic's peanut butter shake we both found yummy!

Off to Franklin, Tennessee for the Show Hope Care Centers Reunion. We attempted two vacations with only one week break. Slightly crazy...

The airport was amazing!! Willow was proud to give her ticket all by herself. The last time we were here, we had just met each other, so I felt nostalgic.

When we got off the plane, I asked her what her favorite thing was about it. Clouds. I love it! Looking out the window...

She slept through the landing, oddly enough.

Our silver car for only two days...

So the car we called the 'Tennessee car' and our room we called the 'hotel home'.

So hungry for lunch and cranky by 2:00! Not the best planning...

We arrived at Show Hope's office for an open house. I cried probably four times. What wonderful people, what an important cause, and what a blessing to get a chance to verbalize our gratitude. It's hard to explain, but just being near the people who give everything for Chinese children in need of homes meant the world. Being hosted so warmly was overwhelming in the best way.

Willow feels like this is the life. A swing, a sucker, and a new giraffe toy! Friendly people everywhere!

Tons of little faces hung from the ceiling in a touching display of all the children who have been in their care and now have families. We searched forever to find our girl. We got very excited once we finally found it!

Delicious coffee shop next door? You don't have to tell us twice.

We promised the hotel pool, so she got the hotel pool! Even though it was getting late and kinda cold.

She was difficult to get to fall asleep and opted to sleep in our big bed both nights.

Day 2: Party day!

We've corresponded through emails with her for years now. God is gracious to allow us to meet...

We got to talk to Mary Beth Chapman the day before, and Steven Curtis Chapman on party day (as well as some of their children). What memorable moments. Thank you for providing a place for our girl to overcome the adversity she faced. Thank you for blessing all of these strangers and having us over, because we share camaraderie and it just feels good to be together. Thank you for praying for her upcoming surgery.

David was so nice to Willow. He's the one who gave her a giraffe toy she named, 'Gaga'.

The buckets of rice said...

'This jar represents the number of orphans in the world.'

'This jar represents the number of college students in the U.S.'

Waiting in line for a balloon animal...

Willow made a sweet friend...

Fahlin was in Willow's room at MBHOH, and her mom said she loves her 'China babies'. Sweetheart! Pray for her health!

Stevie Joy had a picture on her phone of playing with Willow at MBHOH. She exemplifies her middle name...

This cutie, Judah, was also in Willow's room at MBHOH. We adopted Willow right when he got adopted, and we flew back to the states on the same plane. He grinned ear to ear seeing her, and I got to thank him for being so sweet to all of the babies.