Home Sweet Home

We began our 24 hour marathon home from Hong Kong on Thursday morning.  

We were hoping Ellie was ready for the long haul.  Full of smiles, she was ready to go.  She was a super trooper on three flights and a whirlwind of craziness in between.  She only cried about 1.5 hours total and usually it was going up or coming down on our flights.  She didn't sleep a ton but was a very happy little girl and stole hearts all around her.  

When we landed on American soil in Detroit Ellie became a US citizen.  We handed our last batch of paperwork over in customs, what a feeling, 9 months of paperwork and every ounce of it worth it. 

By the time we boarded our final flight in Detroit we were more than ready to be home.  We had a whole group that was anxiously anticipating our landing. 

As we were coming toward our fan club we could hear Max yelling "daddy and mommy!" Oh my goodness does that face just say it all.  

As I walked through the door with Ellie in my arms the tears began to fall. To see family and friends and our four precious blessings waiting for us was overwhelming.  

These pictures are worth a thousand words! 

There were hugs given ...

and smiles just couldn't be wiped off Ellie's brother's and sister's faces. 

Ellie reached out and touched Shane's face and his dimple says just how he felt! 

We feel so blessed to have family and friends waiting for us.  We have felt the love, support and prayers of so many on this journey. 

Little Hannah stayed up late and was at the airport waiting to meet her new friend Ellie.  Hannah came home just 4 weeks ago.  I can't wait to see these two grow up together.  In no time Ellie is going to be toddling after Hannah. 

Finally together as a family of seven! 

Just the girls! 

After introductions were made and hugs were given Ellie put her little thumb in her mouth and settled in! 

The kids were so excited for us to walk through the front door. 

They were so proud of all the things they had made and the decorations that had been hung with help from our sweet neighbors.  

There were lanterns that were made and hung ...

and streamers all over the house! 

We were blessed with flowers, food, gift cards and balloons from family and friends. 

Emma's class had made these sweet cards and all the kids wrote precious notes. 

Shane was so proud of the letter her wrote to Ellie.  I love the part that he said "I had a dream that you lay your head on my shoulder." 

 Miss Ellie settled in with her big sister and a book when we got home.  I have a feeling she is going to move from Queen to Empress status in our household rather quickly.  

We have been on a journey of a lifetime and have been overwhelmed by God's blessings on this journey.  We had no idea the journey God would take our hearts on when we boarded a plane 19 days ago.  We couldn't thank you enough for going along with us, for standing in the gap for us and our little Ellie and covering us in prayer.  

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 

John 1:16