A U.S. Passport

Well, this has been one COOL week. As our family prepares for a much-needed vacation, we just received notice that Shen now has a U.S. Passport!!! Woo-hoo!!!
This has truly been a process that we have found incredible...From all the paperwork in getting the adoption process started (begun in late 2005), to getting our log-in date in September, 2006, to painting the room pink (thinking God had planned a girl for us), to deciding in April/May, 2008, to look at children identified as special needs (we should have been the ones with special needs), to writing a letter of intent on May 20, 2008 that we wanted Shen, to getting a call on our vacation in San Antonio during the last week of July that we had our travel authorization, to getting him on September 8, 2008, and then going through all the paperwork for the Re-Adopt process in the state judicial system, to now having a U.S. Passport. WOW!!
It has been a labor of love the entire time, and it is a privilege to share our journey with Shen, with you!
Here is a picture of little man trying to use chopsticks at our favorite sushi restaurant. Enjoy!!
We will blog again sometime late next week!
Love to you all,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Mid July

Hello everyone,
All continues to move forward in Shen's life and our life with Shen. Jodie has been actively involved with his future school and teachers to ensure a good and positive transition from being at home all the time with us, to a life of school and learning. Jodie and I believe he will transition well but she is doing a great job of communicating with the educators and experts in special needs children.
Connor got back from scout camp last week and has been connecting with his buddies and with Shen. In Jodie's words, the boys are doing great.
Jack is in a pretty tough season of travel right now; 19,000 miles in 2 weeks and not leaving the U.S.
Everyone is VERY excited about vacation this year and we will continue to blog as we continue through the summer.
Love to you all,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Fourth of July

What a week this has been! Connor is off to scout camp, Shen saw his first fireworks in America, he went on his first bike ride (sort of), and stayed with someone else other than mommy or daddy for the first time (without getting upset)! Whew!!
Sunday school has become a real pleasure for the little man. Whereas a few months ago, he would cry like crazy when we left him in class to go to the main service, now he doesn't want to leave when we come to get him. Thank you God!! The second picture shows him playing in the sunday school classroom and he had just said to daddy that he was OK and didn't want to leave.
And, then the fourth of July, fireworks. Coming from China, we were warned in writing that he did not like loud noises, especially firworks and thunder. Well, last night, he was all over looking at the fireworks and the spectacle all around us in our neighborhood. He really seemed to enjoy the sounds and the light display.
And, then we went on our first bike ride. We got a little trailer (Note the Picture) to follow our bike and we went to Jamba Juice a couple of times over the fourth holiday. Shen really likes the Wild Strawberries at Jamba Juice.
It has been a great July 4th holiday and we just ask that God blesses all of you on this holiday weekend to celebrate our freedom!
Love,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Shen's First Babysitter

The last week of June saw Shen have his first babysitter....his big brother! Connor was awesome in how he handled Shen and Shen was great in how he listened and behaved with Connor. The event was the mommy and daddy were going to an appointment and children wouldn't have been appropriate, focus and all.
The first picture you see is when Jodie and I returned from the appointment, and you can see how happy the two of them were. It was as if we didn't leave and it seemed that Shen didn't miss us at all....Praise God on that!!
The second picture is just before we left for the appointment. It's obvious that Shen is really happy to be with his big brother and isn't too worried about mommy and daddy being gone. Remember, this was the FIRST time that Shen had not been with one of us (other than Sunday School) since September 8 of last year!!!
The third picture is the two boys sharing a couple of slices of pizza..isn't that what boys do?
All in all, a very exciting time for Shen and Connor, AND for Jodie and I to feel that Shen is developing so that he can be comfortable with Connor (and hopefully other trusted people).
We hope all of you are well! God Bless!
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Father's Day

This past Sunday was our family's first Father's Day with Shen. We have had wonderful Father's Day celebrations in the past with Connor but this was obviously our first with Shen. The weekend started out very bumpy with Shen being very sick all night Thursday and all night Friday, with mommy catching the bug all day on Saturday. By Saturday afternoon, Shen was feeling better, so he and daddy went to the pool for a little while to get outside. On the way home, he wanted ice cream so we got a small cone and, you can see from the picture, that he wore a little of it as we stood outside. On Sunday, Shen and daddy went to a movie, Night at the Museum 2which Shen really enjoyed. Even though he couldn't understand the historical nature of the humor, he loved the animation and the special effects.
On Monday eveing, Connor was with us and we had a little Father's Day celebration. Mom and the boys got dad a Wii-Fit playstation and a gift set of massages. Hmmmm..I wonder if there is a message being sent??? You can see the picture of dad and the two boys with this post.
We have a great week with Connor being home from school. In fact, today, Jodie and Shen watched a DVD together (Madagascar) and Connor went to see the movie UP with his buddies from next door.
We pray that all of you are well.
Love,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Mid-June and Summer Approaching

With late Spring on its way out and summer approaching, Shen wants to be outside more and more. He LOVES our neighbor's sport court and playing in the yard. His favorite activity is riding his tricycle on the sport court while all is little friends try to roll balls at the tricycle (softly of course). He LOVES trying to outrun the balls as they approach. And, he's pretty good at it!
Last night, Shen and I went to our favorite Japanese restaurant (Kaminari) for take-out. He had Janpanese soda and received a sliced apple that he "attacked" with chopsticks. You can see from the photo that he definitely has a knack for eating that way.
All is well on our end! We pray that all is well for you and that you are enjoying this wonderful time of year with outside activities and friends.
Love,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen

Near the End of Spring

Hi Everyone,
Sorry we haven't blogged in awhile, but it has been a difficult season for the Groppel household. I don't really want to bore you with details but, for the record, travel has been pretty hectic over the past couple of months. My partner, Jim, has had to have some urgent (but not life threatening) surgery. So, it's been very busy at our company with a lot of training which puts me on the road a lot. Jodie, Connor and Shen are hanging in there but it will be nice when we get a breather again.
Shen seems to be enjoying the late Spring weather, with the exception of a lot of rain. He doesn't like it when he can't go outside and play on the swingset or on our neighbor's sport court. However, he has been a trooper to go watch his big brother play Little League Baseball. Attached with this post is a photo of the little man with big brother at one of his games. Connor was preparing to bat and came out of the dugout to say HI to Shen. Shen asked, "What's that?" as he pointed to Connor's helmet. Connor put the helmet on Shen and I HAD to take the attached photo.
We hope you are enjoying the end of Spring as we approach Summer. I'll try to post a little sooner next time.
Love,
Jack, Jodie, Connor and Shen