And then we went to China and met our daughter while these other families met theirs. All at the same time. All in the same room. This isn't an experience many can relate to, but trust me when I say a unique--and strong--bond is formed under such a circumstance.
We're lucky in that two of the three families live in Minnesota; a relatively short (6 hours) drive. We've been up to see them twice since coming home from China. Since two families live close to each other, it makes sense that we would travel to see them. But a couple weeks ago I got an e-mail from one of the families that they wanted to come see us! In the words of Ned, "Dyno-miiiiiiiiite!"
Jill, Thomas, Li An and Kaitelin joined us for a couple days of fun Thursday until Saturday. We packed a lot of fun into those couple days, but I think we'd all agree that seeing the girls goof around and play together was tops on the list.
Thursday night, we went for a carriage ride downtown...only afterward did I find out Jill isn't particularly fond of horses. She's a good sport, this much I already knew. ;)
After the ride we came back home and had some take-out...
followed by what would be the first of many musical performances of the weekend. 
After a late bedtime Thursday night, Ned woke me up Friday morning at her usual 6:45 and said, "Hey, Mama? You sink guests awake yet? I sink dey want to pway wit me and I should get up." And then she waited by the door for them for a bit, letting me know occasionally that "Dey moving awound down der!" until she was overjoyed by the opening of the door. "Dey up! My guests! My fwiends!" (Built in play buddies is a seriously cool thing, we decided. I'm not sure that Jill and Thomas are interested in taking up living in our playroom permanently, but the offer is there just in case.) :) 
After breakfast and some play time, we stuck our head out the back door to see if my phone's report of 50 degree weather was actually right. It was. 50 and misty. (Much better than 35 and misty, right?) So we decided to head out to the zoo. The weather held pretty well and the zoo was sparsely attended, so getting up close to see the creatures behind the glass was a piece of cake.
The Peacock Whisperer at work...
Funny, Ned's been afraid of the lions for the longest...enter a couple buddies and the "well, if they can do it, I can, too" kicks in. Both the lion and lioness came right up to them and brushed against the glass while walking past.
After a stop at the grocery store, we headed back home. The gals got out the Play-doh... 
and Thomas joined in. Thomas makes pigs in a variety of colors. Even when you ask him to make a panda, you get a panda-themed pig. It's really something. 
Dan started cooking--fruit stuffed pork tenderloin--and we played while waiting for Holly, Pat and Zhi for our little New Year's dinner. 
And the band is up one member with the arrival of Zhi. Do kids get any cuter? I don't think so. 
Somehow we all managed to fit around the table for dinner. Pat made this fantastic potato dish--YUM. Good stuff. 
Nothing revs up the band quite like a full tummy, apparently. 
Happy 2011!
Saturday morning involved doctor visits...
and a reunion of the band, down one member, though this time with a distinctly Chinese twist...
You can't beat Milwaukee's Domes for energy depletion prior to a long car ride, so our visit ended there. And I finally got a family shot for my wall: 
Face-making...
Jumping...
Chasing...
Mask-making out of fallen leaves...you can't beat the Domes for entertainment value. :)
Self-portrait:
The CUTEST picture in the entire world. (Not biased or anything, but seriously, look at these cutie pies. Be still my beating heart.)
And this is what you get when you ask a random person to take a shot of all of you with "limited background--just us." Sigh. I guess we can't all have an eye, can we, Thomas? ;) 
Thanks so much for coming, guys! We absolutely loved having you here. Come back soon!
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