Guangzhou Panda Zoo and Dinner Cruise

Hey Everybody,

Today this morning we went to the Guangzhou Panda Zoo. It was so much fun and very exciting to see all the different types of animals they had there. I think the most coolest animal that I say was the tigers. Some of them were asleep. But the others were very big and roaming all across the gardens. I wouldn;t blame the ones sleeping because the Guangzhou Panda Zoo today was like an outdoor oven. The pandas were very neat, but they were all in the cages laying and sleeping.

After we went to the zoo, we went to Ben's gallerys whwere we bought me white shirt with gold dragons on it. And a blue jacket with dragons on it. Both of them Chinese style. And we bought some clothes for Lily and of course the squeaky shoes.

After we went to Ben's gallery, we went and got ready for the dinner cruise. Lily was very tired and did not get her nap this afternoon, so unfortunately we weren't able to get in the group picture. However, my two grandmas were able to get pictures of us on the red couch and I'm sure Dad will get some later. After Lily woke up from her nap, we went and got on the bus for the dinner cruise.

The dinner cruise had a Chinese buffet, but it did have some fruit and some chicken and other good foods to eat. Luckily they had a Pepsi. After eating, me and Dad went up on top of the cruise boat and took lots of good pictures around Guangzhou and Shamian Island. The lights at night are really pretty and it is so cool to watch them. After we came back from the dinner cruise, me and my dad went back outside and I bartered him a chess set. We played three games. He ended up winning the first two and I had to beg him to let me win the third. But I still haven't played in a while and we were both very tired.

Tomorrow, we go to the toy market with four floors and one of them I've heard to be totally devoted to video games. Maybe if I buy any they won't say excuse me can someone come to the concession stand. haha. Last night one of our friends was watching Cars and heard that in the middle of the movie.

Well that's all for now. I will tell you about the toy factory when we get back. Also, tomorrow Dad and Mom and Lily go to the US Consulate.

Love you all and miss you very much.
God Bless
Austin

Bartering in Guangzhou

Hey everybody,

Today we went in downtown Guangzhou to go shopping at the local market where we went to the DVD store and we bought 14 movies, all for only $40 US! Including some movies that haven't even come out yet, like Cars. After that, Rebecca took us to a Jade shop where I got me a rooster pendant. Dad also bought me a Jade dragon statue.


After that, we went and ate at the Pizza Hut and when me and Dad tried to find a sports store that we liked, we got lost. Finally after leaving the shopping mall, we came back to the hotel where Lily fell asleep and me and Dad went out bartering just outside our hotel. We got some stamps that are engraved with our names in Chinese and English and has a eagle engraved. Then I went and got a scroll with my name written in Chinese. After we came back from bartering, me and Matthew went down and played pool and video games at the arcade. We had so much fun. For dinner, we had cheeseburgers from Denny's bagels. After Matthew went back up to his room, me and Dad played pool for 30 min and I beat him 2 out of 3.


Tonight, Lily said Mama for the first time. I wish it was brother! And she screams in the hall if you chase her. She loves to walk and run and loves the stoller. She doesn't mind sitting in a high chair and hopefully, when we get back home she won't mind riding in a car seat.

Show me the money!


















Tomorrow we go to the Guangzhou Panda Zoo. I've heard many good comments about it.

Well, that's all for now. I'll post tomorrow after we get back from the zoo.

Love you all and miss you very much
God Bless
Austin

Arrived in Guangzhou

Hey Everybody,

Yesterday we arrived in Guangzhou. Besides us there are 8 other families staying at the White Swan with us. Three of them I know from Lifeline, The Thomas Family, The Stokes Family, and The Carney Family. Each of them have very pretty girls. Today Lily Grace got her check-up. When she got that done me and Dad when looking around the hotel. There is very big waterfall, and 2 big pools they are both very pretty. This morning after waiting so long and looking at me and Dad getting a kiss from Lily Grace Mom got one.



















After we visited all the areas in the hotel, we went to Lucy's, to eat lunch.There a girl named Betty practiced her English to us. she seemed to be very Funny. She was 10 years old and her Mom was the owner of the restraunt.there Lily sat in a High chair for the first time. So I guess it is no question at an American restraunt what I had to eat. A good old fashioned Cheeseburger!
After that we went to the 711 to getsome drinks because the drinks in the mini bar are just absolutely outrageous.Then we came back to the hotel where we got the Adoption Barbie Doll.
Lily played all this afternoon until she fell asleep.
This afternoon either Mom or Dad will go finalize the papers for the U.S Consolant, with our Guide here Rebecca. After that is done at 6:00, I am going down to the Palms Bar and Grill to play pool and ping pong at the Arcade.

Leaving for a shoping spree in Guangzhou!

Hey Everybody

Today we are leaving for Guangzhou this afternoon. This Afternoon I got myself a Kiss!It was so sweet! I hope Lily will like the airplane. What I have heard of Guangzhou there is a toy factory. I know Lily will like that. Im very excited about staying at the White Swan. I have heard several good comments about it. We plan on buying Lily lots of squeeky shoes and outfits for both me and her. We will meet the other families from Lifeline. I cant wait to meet Leah's little Julia and get to play with Matthew. I send another blog once we get there.

Love you all and miss youvery much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Lily Grace's Orphanage

Hey Everybody,

Sorry I haven't been able to write in a while, Yesterday was so busy. First, we woke up and Lily ate some oatmeal. And I went downstairs and had some breakfast (waffles and bacon and scrambled eggs, good American food!) haha.

Then after we all were ready, we got on the van and rode to Lily's orphanage. The orphanage was very pretty and was right on the lake (Lotus Lake). Then we went inside where we met Lily's two nannys, caregivers. They were very kind and we could tell they loved Lily very much. Then the director of the orphanage showed us her bed where the nanny gave Lily back a book we sent in her care package. After that, we went upstairs to the director's main room, where he gave us some watermelon, peaches, and water. All of them were very kind. And I am glad that Lily was taken care of very well.

Then we went to her abandonment site just outside of the orphanage by a couple of stones. It seemed very sad that her mom had to abandon her. How could anyone leave such a wonderful, loving, pretty little girl by herself in the middle of nowhere? After we left her abandonment site, we got back in the van and said goodbye to all her nannys, directors, and social workers.
Then we went back to Nanchang, where we bought some bigger luggage to hold all our souveniers haha. Then we came back to the hotel and Lily had her nap. And played the rest of the night until she finally fell asleep. Well, that's all for now. Can't wait to see you all when we get back home.

Love you all and miss you very much,
God Bless
Austin

Thanks

Hey Everybody,

Thanks for keeping uo with my blog. I have been getting all your emails and it has been fun reading what ya'll think about My Little SIS. It makes me so happy to see Lily Grace is doing so well with us. She will walk to both me and Dad, if we hold our hands out for her. She likes Mom to hold her at night and give her a bath. She loves to play and crawl with me and Dad, and she smiles when you tickle her foot. She can say a couple of words, but mostly still talks baby talk.
Today we are going to her Orphanage and abandoment site. It makes me wonder why somebody would leave this such pretty girl in the middle of Nanchang. I guess God had left a plan for us one day to come and get her (I thank God for every memory I have of you). Im not sure what the verse is located in the bible, but I have seen it many times. Well thats all for now. I cant wait to see yall when we get back.

Love you all adn miss you very much,
GOD BLESS
Austin

Chinese Clothing Store

Hey Everybody,

This afternoon we went to the Chinese Clothing Store. I got a Black silk coat with Red Dragons on it. I really think it is neat. We got Lily a Red silk dress with matching shoes, and with Gold Flowers on it. We also got her name written on a scroll with her birthday. Then we came back to the hotel and ate at the Cafe, where I had some chicken and some rice and Some beef,YUM! It
Was all really good. I can't wait to get abck to see all you guys! Well that's all for now.

Love you all and Miss you very much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Nanchang City Park

Hey Everybody,

Today we went to the Nanchang City Park. Lily Grace had a wonderful time. The park was very Beautiful, it so much fun. There was the East Lake surrounding the park and many entertaining rides, but we did not go on them. Lily Grace rode in a stroller for the first time and I pushed her the entire time. A lady gave her some roses and like to play and smell of them. We met a girl that was 13 years old named Anna. She wanted to practice her English with us. She was so nice and pretty. After that we went to the camera store got another kiss from Lily Grace. The next place we went was the Porcelin place and Mom went crazy with buying stuff. I got red vace with a dragon made on it with pure gold. I have decided since I love China to have a Chinese bedroom when we get back. After that we came back to the hotel where Lily Grace had her first pizza and loved it. She played with her cups and started WALKING AGAIN! More to come later. Mom and Dad will post more stuff tonight. Well that is all for now.

Love you all and Miss you very much always
GOD BLESS
Austin

Little Drumer Girl

Hey Everybody,

If you think I am a good drummer at the church, you ought to watch my Lily Grace play Drums.
She loves to play drums with tootsie pops and her stacking cups.She hits me and Dad on the head with them.She also has been playing peek a boo.She can say red and green now.She is laughing and playing and is so happy!

Today we are going to the park.Just me and Dad and Memaw and Granny.That should be lots of fun.I will tell you more about when we get back.

Love you all and Misss you very Much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Nanchang Musical Fountain

Hey Everybody,

We went to the Nanchang Musical Fountain tonight. Lily Grace seemed to like the lights. It felt like I was in Las Vegas again. The water was beautiful and the lights were too.They were shooting the water up to 25 feet in the air. There was three parts to it, and each section was playing American Orchstra Music that I reconized. I really thought it was neat.tommorow we are going to the park.Lily Grace should like that.I can't wait to get home and see you guys, I just know you will love Lily Grace.We go to the orphange this Thursday, and Friday we leave for Guangzhou,(where all the shopping will be done)HaHaHa.Well that's all for now.

Love You all and Miss you very much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Loving Brother

Hey Everybody,

I couldnt help about writing this afternoon before we go to the Nanchang Musical Fountain. This afternoon as I walked into this room, after Lily Grace woke up from her nap and let me hold her. She seems to really like the stacking cups and seems to be playing and smiling. She has bonded to Dad alot today. She doesnt like him to leave the room. She is very happy with her new family. Well thats all for now. I will tell you more about the Nanchang Musical fountain when we get back.

Love you all and miss you very much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Teng Wang Pavillion

Hey Everybody,

Lily Grace walked today! Earlier this morning she walked to Dad and later she Kissed him. Of course she had her 'I Love Daddy' shirt on. She went downstairs today with us, and had some breakfast .She really loves Rice Crispies HaHaHa. After that we went to the Teng Wang
Pavillion.(see pictures below) The Asian entertainment there was very good and fun to watch. Lily Grace seemed to like it alot. The lady sitting in front of us gave Lily Grace some candy which she really liked. Later after the show, we bought some pendants of the animal of the year for which we are born in. After that, we sat down and it was like we were movie stars and everyone was taking pictures with us, one after the other. There was a line. They all seemed to like Lily Grace. Then we went to the post office and bought some postcards. Then we came back to the hotel and Lily Grace fell asleep. Tonight we go to the Nanchang musical fountain. That should be exciting. I will talk about that in the next post. Well that's all for now.

Teng Wang Pavillion Lucky Bell

Love you all and miss you very much
GOD Bless,
Austin

Birth Certificate Day

Hey Everybody,

Today we went back to the Civil Affairs Office and got Lily's Birth Certificate. We Found out she does not like elevators. She is adjusting really well today she counted to five in Chinese! She talked and smiled and blew kisses at me and mom, we were loving it. While I wrote this post
I was also playing with her.She is the cutest littlte Sis a boy could ever have. I can't wait to get back and let you all meet her.that's all for now.

Love you all and Miss you very much
GOD Bless,
Austin


Lily playing around

First bath!

Hey Everybody,

Today We gave Lily her first bath. She loves the little toys we have given her, and likes the cool water.We had to put some Chinese herb medicine in the tub for a heat rash because it is amost
40c (Over 100F) every day! She seems to be adjusting well, she cried a little this morning, and I know she will cry alot today when she sees the director again, but with God's help he has gotten us this far and he can help us the rest of the way!
Lily havin fun in the tub

She smiles alot when she feels she is alright. We gave her some oatmeal and cheerios for breakfast this morning .Well that's all for now.

Love you all and miss you very much
GOD Blesss,
Austin

MY Little SIS, Likes and Dislikes

Hey Everybody,

My little SIS has been sleeping very well. It's 5:00 back there I know, and 5:00 in the morning here, but I just woke up and decided to tell you about my little Sis more. Well she has beautiful brown eyes. She has short black hair. She does have the scar on her left foot like they told us, which Dad and Mom think might be in need of surgery. She loves music, and musical toys.She doesn't like new people. If she knows a kid she loves to play with them. She seems to like the stacking cups we brought her. She loves Cheerios, just as any other baby does.She is very smart. They told us she likes noodles, congee, eggs, meat, vegetables, watermelon, snacks, pears, orange, etc. She likes the lights on to sleep as she is scared of darkness. She eats at 5:00, 10:00, 16:00, and 21:30. She wakes up at 7:00 and goes to bed at 7:30 or 8:00. Well, that's all we know right now.I will tell you other things she likes in future post.

Love you all and Miss you very much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

My Little SIS Pictures

ME and MY Little SIS!
















OUR
new
family





My Little Sis!!!!!!!!!!!

Continue>

My Little SIS!

Hey Everybody,

Lily Grace is beautiful.I will post pictures on ' My Little Sis ' pics. later. She has brown eyes and she loves music. ( fits me and dad in the praise band).I am sorry about the delay on the pics.,but we are doing the best we can right now to comfert her. She Loves me and mom! Well that's all for now.

Love you all and miss you very much
GOD BLESS,
Austin

Continue>

We 're here in Nanchang

Hey Everybody,

We are here in Nanchang, we just got off the the plane about an hour ago and we met our guide
"Sally", she is very nice and has told us that TOMMORROW I GET MY SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We meet her tommorrow at 3:00 in the hotel lobby. Then we go get her. I am sure we will bring lots of toys to make her happy. This is the most execiting thing ever in my life! That's all for now. I Will begin putting more pictures in the previous posts as soon as I can. The post "My
Little Sis" will be published tommorrow by 9:00 hopefully.

Love you all and Miss you very much
GOD Bless,
Austin

Site Seeing in Beijing

Hey Everybody,

Today was so much fun. First We went to the Jade Factory where momma and Lily Grace got Jade bracelets and Daddy paced around alot. The manager of the Jade Factory gave me a dragon pendant free of charge since it was family tradition. Then we went to the Ming tombs. We saw the mountains on top of the building right before you enter the tomb. It was absolutely beautiful. Then we went and had lunch at the Crosney Factory (they make copper vases and it seemed very difficult to make them). And we had real Chinese food! However, it was very good.










Then we went to the Great Wall. And rode on the "sliding car" to get to the top. It was absolutely amazing at the Great Wall. I will post pictures as soon as possible. The sliding car on the way down was like a Disney roller coaster. I was certainly dizzy after that.

Our tour guide was named Harry and was very kind to us. He took us also past Olympic Stadium being built for 2008 Summer Olympics. And then took us to the silk factory where silk things are made. I got a silk blanket that is so cozy. Ha Ha. Then we came back to the Hotel and we sent Yichi flowers for helping us at the airport. That's all for now.

Love You All and Miss You Very Much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Lost in Beijing

Hello Everyone its Austin,


We had a big journey yesterday in Beijing. We went to the Forbidden City where we bought three books from a cute little girl whom to be very persistent. Then we went to Tian'anmen Square where we where rejected by several, several cabs to get back to our hotel and couldnt figure out why. Finally, we were accepted by one cab and got pulled over, the China officer took something away from him (could it be that we were over the limit in people-five). So we got out and then we found a mall with MCDONALDS!!! YAY !!!!! Mom and I were in heaven.
That night we went to the Acrobat Show, and it was incredible!!!! We all had so much fun. Then we came back to the hotel (only took one cab ride this time around) and ate ice cream. There were several babies in the lobby that I thought Mom would grab.


Love you all, and miss you very much,
GOD Bless,
Austin

Here we are in China

Here we are in China!, this is so cool, I learned some Chinese on the plane, and I used some of it to say some easy things like thank you and hello. I believe God sent us an Angel ,Yachi, she was a native of Beijing , and helped us find our hotel, she was so kind to us. Our hotel is really nice and the beds are hard as rock but still soft. the language of the T.V is in Chinese I tryed to watch it last night and i couldn't understand a thing. That's all for now.


Gotcha day is on monday and I will publish pictures of Lily as soon as I get her, I am so execited

Love you all and missing you very much,
God Bless,
Austin

Only the begining

Hi, I’m Austin, and I’m am thirteen years old and this is the story of the amazing adventure God planned for me to get my little sister,
“Lily Grace Green”.
The truth is I have always wanted a sister since I was
Six years old and I asked my mom if there was any way I could get
One, that’s when mom started thinking.
In July of 05 one of my best friends died he was really an inspiration to me, but later that month my dream stared coming true, my two
Best friends stayed with us for the weekend and showed me what a sister really is like having.thier names are Kaitlyn and Kristen theyre
Really great friends and I really enjoy every moment I get with them. Then later on that year Emily and Amanda came and stayed with
Us till their apartment was built. They are great friends and still treat me as their brother till this day. Then we started talking about adoption and one Wednesday night we were going out to eat and decided to go to church and there we met Mary Beth
And that’s when mom knew we had to adopt.
IT started happening in December of 2005, when we
First decided to adopt, we went to Florence and met
Dustin Britt, and that’s when the adventure began.
When we were going online one night we found this
Adorable little girl, she was special needs, she
Seemed to have a scar on her foot.
We new that god put that girl online for us.
We called lifeline and told them that’s the girl!
We went through a lot of work to get lily but it all paid off, and we are going on July 18.
We get lily Grace Green on July 23, we are
All so excited about the adventure we are
About to face. I know we will go through a lot of struggles but god will get us through it. Just maybe a couple weeks ago
I wrote song called “God will get you through it”,
Its true he has gotten us through it.