Good-Bye Huizhou Family

We have been saying goodbye for a while...it all began last Friday (2 weeks before take off).

Dina bought this outfit for Zachary.  She wrote "to Handsome Milton" on the card because she wasn't sure how to spell Zachary.

I had to throw in a cute picture of my boys!

We started by taking Dina out for lunch.  Dina is one of my favorite people at Adam's work.  She has been my lifesaver.  Not only will she translate when I am desperate and she will organize crazy schemes so that I don't end up doing any of the work.  It's funny...sometimes I call because I need her to explain my errands to the driver and she will end up telling the driver to do them for me...and since Zachary was born I don't argue.  It has been a huge help because taking Zachary out means blocking cameras, explaining in broken Chinese that he doesn't need socks when it's 100 degrees out, and making sure people don't give him food (like a whole tomato...yes this happened).

Last Saturday night we had close to 25 friends over for dinner.  I made NC style pork BBQ, homemade chicken nuggets, hot dogs, cole slaw (from scratch...this won't happen again...cabbage makes your kitchen STINK), pasta salad, chocolate cake and rice krispie treats. 

Adam with some of his co-workers

Some of oour Ex-Pat friends

Amber and her little girl Lottie

Monday night Adam went out with some of the Engineers he works with.  The went to dinner and KTV...I wasn't invited...I think it was because they were intimidated by my singing voice.  Adam had a great time and when I asked him what he sang...he replied "everything".

enjoying a nice dinner

Toasting Adam

 

Saturday afternoon we threw another party this time with Cree people.  I prepared finger foods.

This baby is 2 weeks younger than Z...and belongs to one of the first Cree people I met.  Who would have thought we would both get pregnant at the same time.  BTW- ever tried to take pictures of two 5 month olds?  At least here they are both looking at the camera and Z isn't attacking the other little guy!

Zack's new best friend...I honestly thought he would never give him back, it's so sweet watching men play with a baby.

The whole group!

Sunday we went to Palm Island.  This area is about 45 min. from where we live and this is where some of the first people I met live.  Most have moved away but my friend Jacqueline and her family are still there and moved to Huizhou from Cary, NC...talk about small world.  Jacqueline was the one who lent us the crib and our favorite thing...the Jumparoo.  We are so sad to give it back but even more sad to say goodbye.  I am hoping we meet up again sometime for an Orange Julius in Briar Creek!  I am so mad I didn't take any pictures...I was having way too much fun!

Our last celebration dinner was tonight (Wednesday)...honestly I was super exhausted and had way too much on my mind to enjoy it as much as I should have.  I can't believe we are leaving tomorrow...I feel like I am a few years behind my life...you know...things move so fast.

Adam with the top Cree Huizhou guys

The head table

Adam invited 40 people to his big dinner.  Here are some.

and some more

These are my two favorite Cree ladies...Rolin helped us when we first moved in (hers is the baby with Zack) and Dina helps us all the time now.

These events along with several trips to Starbucks with the ladies were a great way to end our stay in Huizhou.  I hope to bring Zack back someday to meet all these people who were so excited to be a part of his life, and who Adam and I are honored to know!