We're Going to China

Mia loves the TV show Ni Hao, Kai Lan, which she watches on DVD in measured amounts. Her grandparents bought her the DVD containing the episode where Kai Lan visits China, and Mia would watch it for hours if we let her.

My personal favorite scene shows Kai Lan, her grandparents, and friends on the airplane. They sing, "We're going to China, we're going to China. I feel so happy I just want to sing. Kai xing, kai xing, kai ching!" (Which I understand means "happiness")

Our travel authorization was issued by the China Center of Adoption Affairs late last week, and ever since I've been finding myself breaking into song. Kai xing, kai xing, kai xing!

We are tentatively planning to leave on March 24, pending confirmation of our request for an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou on April 7. That would put us back home on April 11. We are planning to fly in and out of Hong Kong this time. Mia will have to see the Great Wall of China when we return for a homeland tour in a few years. Due to spring break, airplane seats were hard to come by, so we will be making multiple stops and the total flying time will be about 24 hours each way. On the return flight, we have a short layover in Minneapolis, just as we did when we adopted Mia. This means that Piper will become a U.S. citizen in Minnesota, which is where Jeff and I were born. I love that!

It also means that if we get through immigration and customs quickly enough, Piper will be able to meet her grandparents!!!