Monday, July 11, 2005

8:00 AM

This day has begun quietly.  It is perhaps, the last quiet morning we'll have in this house for some time!  Dilla hasn't been sleeping at night and Justin wakes up early in the morning.  Do you think we're excited or what?  I'm enjoying the peacefulness with a cup of coffee at the computer, organizing the final chores before we leave.

Lily's Room.jpg 

Lily's room

11:00 PM

Well, it was a busy day, indeed.  I thought that everything was ready, but there were those last minute things that have to be done.  A few more items to get, some people to see and talk to, and some paperwork to get in order.   Of course, I had to see Lillie Thornton before leaving.  We had lunch together - McDonalds - and talked about the times she used to take my brother Dan and me there, nearly 40 years ago!

This evening, my Mom, Sandra and Aunt Regina came over for a little bon voyage dinner.  It struck us that there we were, enjoying a meal together 10,000 miles from Yu Qing Rong - soon to be Lily Beth.  And in just a matter of hours, the journey to unite us would begin.

The Night Before.jpg

Justin, Dilla, Aunt Regina, Sandra, Gizmo and Gus

Well, after some minor interruptions, I'm ready to complete this entry.  It's now just after midnight, July 12, 2005 - the day of our scheduled departure - finally!  Our flight leaves at 7 AM for Newark, New Jersey and after a 50 minute layover and plane change, we're off to Beijing!!  We have to be at the airport in less than 5 hours, so I'm going to take a nap.