We're Home!

Road Trip 2008 has gone down in history. . . San Antonio, Texas to Michigan and back . . . eighteen days . . . 2,600 miles (with way too many gas station potties to count) . . . lots of family, lots of love, late night chats, doughnut mornings, games with cousins, swimming, putt-putting, bumper cars . . . wonderful laughter . . . blessed times!


As you can see Teddi received a sweet welcome upon arrival at my sister Amy's home, mind you it was 4 a.m when we arrived, but the balloons were shimmering in the moonlight and the welcome home signs were lit with a spotlight! These pictures were taken the next day when conditions were a little more favorable, and everyone was a bit rested!

What a joy to share our sweet girl with our families who waited faithfully with us to bring her home . . . and then waited faithfully some more to meet her! I am sure that Teddi could sense their love for her. You would have thought she had met them all before, she fit as comfortably in with all of them, as she has with all of us! We were blessed to spend time with my sister and two brothers and their families, Bry's parents, and his three sisters and their families, my mama who traveled up from Florida, my dad and step-mom, and great-g'pa Vernon, along with some extended family and some dear friends.

Flit flanked by Grinner, and five year old cousin Landon--who was more than ready to finally meet his "Teddi bear", as he calls her.

Landon, thank you for being so sweet to Teddi!

Looks like rain . . . cousin Taryn (big sister to Landon) said many prayers, and waited long months to finally meet her little Teddi . . . Taryn says she will one day go to China and bring home a treasure too. I sure hope you do Taryn!

Precious cousins united at last!

My sweet sister Amy gets some Teddi loves . . .

"Aunt MeeMee", thank you for every prayer prayed, by you and your friends, we are grateful. Also to Aunt Jodi and Uncle Fritz, and their church, who helped pray our sweet girl home!

So many people played a part in Teddi's story, we are thankful to each of you!

More cousins to meet! Two days after we arrived in Michigan we had a big party with all of my family . . . about 25 total . . . this is the "youngest" bunch . . . Gabrielle, Teddi, Thomson, Landon & Brogan!

I wanted to share a little story . . . my youngest brother Tad had prepared his kiddos for Teddi, by letting them know that her mouth might look a little different, and that she might talk a little different. An hour or so after meeting Teddi, Gabrielle (almost seven) reported, "Daddy, I think God made Teddi just right, I really like her." Yep Gabrielle, I'm with you!

I'd better stop for now, I have much more to share, but it's been a busy day. We arrived home at 1:20 this morning, and at 1:10 this afternoon (12 hours later) Bry was out the door, headed for the airport and a four day conference in Virginia. Thank you Bry for bringing us all home safe and sound, and for unloading the car top carrier before you repacked your bag to go! I love you!

Thank you blogging buddies for checking in--sorry for the big absence of posts . . . family time was just too precious to spend blogging, if and when there was Internet, but I'm back, and I can't wait to catch up with all of you!

Love to our families, we miss you already, along with the cooler temperatures . . .the soft Michigan grass . . . and, okay-- the doughnuts! Thank you for a wonderful time!

Blessings from my nest, it's good to be home!

Tina