Paperwork

Blah!  More paperwork.  I thought we were finished with stressful paperwork but today was filled with it.  First we went to the Civil Affairs Office to make everything official.  We were interviewed by a China official and had a photo with mom, dad and MeiLin for the paperwork.  Siblings were not allowed to be in this photo which made me sad.  We also had the opportunity to meet the director of MeiLin's orphanage and thank him for taking such good care of her.  He was also kind enough to let us take a photo with him.  Our visit at the Civil Affairs office took some time as there are many families in our group.  When we left, we were presented with a gift as well as The Red Book that says, according to China, MeiLin is officially a part of our family!

The next stop was the notary where we were again interviewed.  We presented our passports and The Red Book and the notary filled out more paperwork.

The last stop was at an office that I cannot remember the name of.  The purpose of this office was to have MeiLin's photo scanned into a database.  I don't know any details about this stop -- by this time, we were fried and MeiLin was tired and the only way she will sleep is flat on her back.

We had a lovely dinner at the restaurant next door.  Nope, don't know the name of it either.  I'll have to take a picture of it later today.  Again, it was served at a large table family style.  The food was really good. 

I am so proud of JD.  He has been such a trooper for the last week.  He has been patient with his sister and has been really good about trying new foods.  He actually ate pumpkin and he has eaten every meal with chopsticks.