On the way home from Arkansas, we made a long-awaited stop in Oklahoma. Finally, after being apart for almost four years, our Guigang girls were reunited. What a wonderful reunion - short but SO, SO SWEET!!!

Kayden and Jia, our beautiful Guigang girls!!!

We met for dinner at Chili’s. Have you ever asked for a table for fourteen - when 10 of them were kids? It was the first time we’d met each other’s other children since only Carson traveled when we went to China to bring our baby girls home.

Kuyler, William, and Carson (the boys minus Kolton who took off after dinner)

Jia, Kitty, Kayden, and Kenzie

Connie with Her “Twins” Kaeleb and Kambry (only one month apart)

Notice all of the Oklahoma kids have names that start with a K and have six letters! Not only can Connie and Clayton parent (and very well!) six children, they can even be creative while doing so!

All of the Kids (minus Kolton)

Rowland Fell in Love with Kaeleb!

Carson and Jia Hanging in the Hot Tub

Trouble One and Trouble Two

Kaeleb even went into the pool headfirst. Clayton jumped in - cowboy boots and all!!

Clayton and Kaeleb - Strong Men

I guess I really can’t describe the emotions of the visit. The pictures don’t do justice for the appearance of the heart. I remember Kayden as Connie’s little “monkey” riding in her sling all over China. Jia was a scared little girl, almost two years old, who hated me, clung to Rowland, and screamed for her “mama,” her foster mom. I remember being on the airplane on the way home while everyone except Jia and I slept. As I walked her up and down the aisle of that plane, I sang, “Jesus Loves Jia” over and over and over again. Finally, she allowed me to comfort her.

I remember so many of our friends and family greeting us at the airport late at night (if anyone has pictures, I’d LOVE them!!), giving Jia hugs and an American flag. She asked me the other day what her first word was, and while I don’t know her first Chinese word, I do know that she woke up in her home that first morning saying, “hon-gry” again and again. I didn’t have the awesome privilege of carrying that princess in my tummy, but I’ve definitely felt her kick in the middle of the night! I didn’t get to hear her first cries, but I am the one she runs to with her tears now. I didn’t see her first steps, but I watch her dance around the house, jump into my arms, kiss me, and tell me how much she loves me, her Mom-mom.

Wo ai ni, Xiao Shen!!! I love you, my Jia!!