Remember this picture? Somehow, Dylan managed to always get in the middle of everyone else’s birthday pictures! The lucky girl getting “iced” here is named Hope. She was adopted a couple of months before Dylan, and her mom Amy is a cyber friend of mine. They live in Orlando, FL.
As only God could ordain, one of Amy’s travel mates lives in our small town, her son also being from Luoyang. Amy and her family drove down to spend a few days with them. Hearing that we lived here too, Nickie was gracious and invited us to their home for dinner, so we could all meet. Dylan and Hope would see each other again! This time, with their forever families!
I printed the above picture for Dylan, and told him about our upcoming visit. He was very excited, telling me over and over that he liked Hope and wanted to see her.
All the kids spent time playing while the adults talked and finished cooking. Hope has 2 older brothers, one of which became an instant friend of our boys. Nickie and her husband have 4 kids, including Alex from Luoyang (he’s younger and was in a different room from Hope and Dylan).
Hope and Dylan were obviously happy to be around each other, but they were kinda coy about it.
Hope has the biggest smile, and most adorable laugh ever.
After dinner, they played upstairs while Amy and I snapped pictures and talked about our Luoyang buddies.
Hope wasn’t too smiley, but every time Dylan would hug her, she’d blush and look away. It was too cute.
Speaking of smiley…gracious, we look happy huh? I promise no alcohol was consumed that night!
We ended the night with a take on the Red Couch pictures in Guangzhou…this time, it was the Striped Couch picture :) Alex, Hope, Dylan, and Lainey. Our China blessings.
Last shot of the night. Dylan decides to plant one right on Hope’s cheek. Lainey is laughing, thinking “yep, that’s my brother!” Alex is thinking “hmmm…why didn’t I think of that?!”
We LOVED meeting Hope’s family! We feel very blessed to be able to connect with an orphanage mate of Dylan’s. Can’t wait till we can get together again!
July 12th, 2011 at 1:01 am
Love it!! Dylan is such a charmer!!
July 12th, 2011 at 6:45 am
My eyes are misty after reading and seeing these great photos of your very special evening. The only thing that could have made it even better is if Seth had been there!! Now, what a wonderful reunion that would have been!!!
It shows in these 2 Mom’s smiles how proud and happy you both were to be able to catch up since the adoptions. Love the shot of all 4 “China Blessings”…how can you not get emotional when you see that?!
So glad your evening was so special! Dylan is such a loveable little guy and it shows in that prescious picture of him kissing Hope!! I love how Alex is watching and Lainey is laughing!! Kids are so spontaneous and it’s fun just to sit back and watch them! Love this blog!! Thanks!!
July 12th, 2011 at 11:02 am
It is pretty astounding that two kids who were friends in their orphanage in China were able to meet for a “playdate” here in N.C. Small world and a big God.
July 12th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
I love the photo’s of Dylan getting along on his leg so well! What a blessing to have connected with his friend. What a precious love and remembrance!
July 14th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
What a joy to see these pictures.Hope stole my heart as did Dylan when I went to the orphanage.That was a year ago this week,how time flies. I remember taking pictures of Hope then to find out the day I was there was the day her family got the call.It is so nice to see both children home and so happy.And yes one day Seth will be able to see Hope and Dylan and oh what a wonderful reunion that will be.They share such a special bond forever.
July 14th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Your children are simply splendid. I’d love to talk with you. Find me at quinn@quinncummings.com.