PACKING...UNPACKING...AND REPACKING!!

I think I finally got it to fit!!! I have packed, unpacked and repacked Ava's bags at least a dozen
times. I started out with two regular suitcases...going into Beijing we are each allowed two 50lb bags but have to condence this to one 44lb bag each for travel to Inner Mongolia. Well, just one of Ava's bags weighed 66lbs and there was still stuff I would need in the other bag! The suitcase empty weighed 15lbs!!....doesn't give you much left over to fill it with.
So I ditched the suitcases and have now decided to use two large duffle bags on wheels with handles to pull them...they each weigh 6lbs empty....that's more like it!
So between the two duffles and my back pack I think I have everything I could possibly need for our two weeks in China....half of one of the duffles makes up by portable pharmacy on wheels!! You name it I got it!! You can never be too prepared.
Now for my clothes and toiletries....oops...there's no room left! I hope my travel partners; Sherri and Alanna have a little room left over in their bags....cause I think I'll be using it. I'm only planning on about 4 outfits...will use the local laundry services at the hotels.
I am also bringing my own umbrella stroller...I know you can get them really cheap in China but I find most of them are way too short for someone who is 5feet9inches tall. I found this one that is quite tall...no bending over required...so in order to save my back I will be lugging another piece of luggage to China with me.


Gifts for the Foster Family and Nannies at the Orphanage.

I picked up this Canada photo album and filled it with Ava's referral pictures and the pics I was sent of her with her foster family as well as pictures of myself, my family, my dogs, my home, and my cottage to give to the foster family so they will know who loves her and where she will be living. I also include a couple pics of a world map highlighting the area in China that Ava was born and the area in Ontario that she is headed for.
Other gifts I am bringing include a picture book of Canada, Toronto, Ontario post cards, maple syrup candies, fancy writing paper for the nannies, note paper with the Canadian Maple Leaf and Canada written on it as well as silver maple leaf and Inukshuk pins.
I will put them in red gift bags with gold tissue paper once we get to China...these colours are a symbol of good luck in China.



Canadian Souvenirs for the children we meet in our travels.