Gwen and Alia~ together again after nearly two and a half years. These two are less than two weeks apart in age, and knew each other long before we had ever laid eyes on them, soul sisters in the orphanage where they lived in China.Alia's parents brought her to visit us at our house in Chicago before we moved to China, and we hadn't seen them since. (Click here to see pictures of that visit.) We've exchanged Christmas cards and pictures of the girls in the mean time, but the chance for a visit seemed unlikely with us in China. Last week I was so pleased to find that Alia's family lives just minutes from our friends who had picked up Caleb and Seth from summer camp, so when I went to pick the boys up, Gwen and I made the drive to Michigan early and spent the afternoon at Alia's house. What fun the girls had! They were shy for about thirty seconds, and then they were off and running~ they dressed up and put on several shows for us, played on the swings, shared one candy cane back and forth on the hammock, went to the park, and just generally enjoyed each other's company. Neither one wanted the visit to end.
I grabbed my camera just in time to catch the girls walking hand in hand towards the park. So cute. I know most kids this age can have fun with just about any other child, but it really does seem that these girls have a special connection. I'm sad that we've not been able to spend more time with Gwen's three China sisters, but the times we have had have been sweet.
Alia's daddy, Dean, is a big teddy bear of a guy. The girls had such fun with him, running and screaming with laughter when he chased them, and then trying in vain to wrestle him down when they played in the grass.
I got a little cuddle with both the girls right before we left. We loved being with you again, Alia girl!
4 comments:
What great memories those two will have! It's always so much fun to sit back & watch kids interact with each other. The shyness wears off very quickly.
Wow updated pic of Alia...she looks the same as she did as a baby...but such a pretty little girl. Love Gwen piggy tails! I think next summer we should all plan a get together together -since that is the time when you guys are on this side of the globe... So glad the girls had a super time! It is a special bond...that as they grow - will always be there..
Love you guys
Carol & Kimberly
What a wonderful opportunity! It would be really fun to get all the girls together next summer--it would make some fantastic memories!
Wonderful. I saw Scott's video of the rows of metal cribs and orphange life that they were "rescued" from. I saw Gwenn cry this past week saying goodbye to Daddy as he he left to go back to China. I also had the pleasure of meeting Alia and her Dad and listened to his story of love in his journey to adopt his daughter. These girls have alot in common....where they came from and loving families.
Uncle Andrew
Post a Comment