In case you haven't heard, WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!!!! We received our travel dates today. We leave on the 3rd of February, get Ellie on the 7th, and return to Boise on the evening of the 17th.

Our first full day is in Bejiing where we will tour the Great Wall and the Meng Tombs. Then, it is off the the province where Ellie is at. We will stay there for 8 days, and then off to Guanzhou where the American Consulate is for the final few days.

The excitement around the Hill household is incredible. It is almost like a dream. Bailey said that if we have to leave during the middle of the night don't forget to wake her up! (I hope she knows that we would never forget her.)

I have thought about Ellie's birthparents a lot today. I can't imagine what they went through the day that she was born. I know that they loved her enough to leave her where she would be quickly found. May they know in their hearts that she will be cherished by so many people; and what immense joy she has already brought to her new mom, dad and sister!

I will update again when I know some more travel details.

Hugs to everyone!
Gretchen

I hope tomorrow that I can post with our travel dates- we have been patiently waiting for a number of days now. A representative from our agency contacted China today to see what is going on- we will see what happens!

Brr- it has been cold here. I feel like we are back in Montana.

I hope to post soon with some great news!

Take care,
Gretchen

Happy New Year! What a great start to 2007 with the Boise State Broncos making Idaho proud!! What a game- Steve had a great time in Phoenix. It was well worth the trip.

We celebrated Bailey's 8th birthday on Friday. We had a great time with a Sponge Bob Pinata and a trip to the movie. It was great fun had by all.

We are STILL waiting for Travel Approval from China. We were expecting it 2 weeks ago- this has been a great lesson in patience! I am guessing that we will go to China the beginning of February.

Hope everyone's New Year is off to a wonderful start. We are thankful for all that we have- especially family and friends!!!!!!

Love to all-
Gretchen