We are home and Happy 3rd b-day Meili!!!

first... spell check is not working and I did not proof...
Hi everyone!!! It is 3 am - I have been up since 1 am with Lili as we are both suffering from lovely jetlag...can't wait for the nauseus feelings to hit in the morning :)
Our last day in China went well. We feel very lucky and fortunate to be able to leave China. The country is in a mess now because of the terrible weather and the closed airports. My thoughts and prayers go to the two wonderful families who were with us in Beijing and are still in Hunan Province (and don't know when they will leave) because of the weather delays!!! I am so, so sorry for you all!!! The train stations and airports were crowded with millions of people hoping to get home for their national holiday... we were told that 1.5 million people were waiting at one of the Guangzhou train stations wanting to get home and don't have food, beds, or heat (there is not heat in China past a certain latitude line - because it is mostly warm - this is one of the reasons we were so cold all of the time). I feel truly blessed to live in this amazing country where we can warm our homes and drive from state to state without having to catch a train or plane... or ride a bus for 5 days.
Anyway, back to our last day...
We had the red couch picture (posted previously), packed our bags, went to lunch and off to the US Consolate to obtain Lili's visa and take part in a ceremony where we raised our hands and promised all of the information we gave was true. For many this ceremony is silly but I really get emotional as I raise my hand - it is the end to an emotional process (well not quite the end as we now have to readopt Lili because Scott did not travel-if anyone who has done this has pointers or advice- please sent them my way)!
After the Consolate appointment (ended at 4) we were dropped off at the airport (around 5:30)for our 9pm flight. It was a bit long but worked out fine. The long, long, long flight with a 2 year old went as well as can be expected. She slept some, cried some, and walked around some.... We arrived in LA at 5 pm on the same day we left and took the advice of my dear friend (Tracie L) who told me it is best to stay in LA and get your feet again... this was wonderful advice.... she helped us get a wonderful room at Marriott (thank-you)!!! It felt so wonderful to take a hot shower, brush our teeth with tap water, drink water from the sink, and sleep. The next morning (yesterday) we were off to the airport at 5 am, caught a plane to SLC and then on home. We had several friends at the airport to meet us as well as our sweet family. It was fun to see Scott, the boys and Meili. It only took Lili a little while to warm up to them all.
We spent the afternoon together and unpacked my bags. My parents came with Leslie and her kids and spent some time with us in the evening... we really enjoyed that!
Meili struggled some but she will come around.
Thanks to all of you for following along! We appreciate your love and support! Also, thanks to all of you (you know who you are :) ) for doing so much for my family while we were gone - I owe you all big time!
Today, January 31st, is Meili's b-day. I'm going to make a mad dash to Target when they open so I can pull some sort of a bday together for her... I can't believe she is 3!!! Also, it was hard to get over how tall and grown up she is!!! We are so lucky and blessed to have been given 5 special children - we love them all!
Thanks again!!!