We Had A China Reunion!!

Last weekend we loaded up and went to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to have a day with 3 of our Travel Group families from China! Our daddy was at a conference, so Mel, Julie, the mommy, 3 girlies and Cade set off for the great adventures of the day. We met the Crokers..Bob, Cyndi, and sweet Malia (2), Janet John and Kayla (about to turn 3), the Seltzers..Eric, Kerisma, Derek, Matt, and Alexis (2). We get together a couple of times a year with the Seltzers and Crokers, but haven't seen Janet and Kayla since we left Guangzhou. It's pretty amazing to see the changes in these girls as they have left orphanage life behind and are thriving in their American homes! All are talking, LOUD, and running around wanting ice cream and goldfish like all other kiddos. I love, love, love doing this to keep these girls heritage together, and because these families have become great friends! My camera broke just as we got there, so these pics are from Mel's camera. I was bummed, but grateful we got some precious pics of our day! What did we learn from our Zoo trip? 1.That Cade loves fish and the manatees....but not much else here except his mommy 2.Leni doesn't appear in many pics because she was always running ahead to see the next animal (animal FREAK is she!!) 3. Malia and Kristin bonded:) 4. Mr. Seltzer's job has been keeping him particularly busy as of late (he's a detective) 5.we're amazed that the Crokers (Maryland) and Janet (Michigan) would fly in for this:) 6.this mommy never, ever gets to finish a conversation... and finally...... 7. Mel absolutely puts the zoo at the top of the list of favorite things to do....especially goats and chimpanzees! What does everyone think about these 4 Asian Beauties? We love you guys and can't wait till our next Jiangxi Girls adventure!

P.S. Thank you everyone for all the cards, letters and notes of encouragement on my birthday! You know who you are! You really made my day of turning 29 (again) much more special!!