Meredith climbing the roof
A forest of turrets and chimneys adorn the chateau
On Saturday we rented a car drove to Pouille to visit fellow Xu family Marianne, Luc and Ninon. Packing the car was a sight. We had so much luggage ( 4 girls), car seats, carriages, ect. We look like a bunch of Gypsies. With careful calculation, fine maneuvering and a very stuffed car, we managed to get everything in. Patrick was out Captain. He did a great job getting out of Paris (not an easy task) and along with first mate Rosalyn navigating our way to the Loire/Cher valley. The drive though the valley was beautiful and picturesque. It was one picture postcard view after another. Our first stop was the Chambord chateau. A splendid Chateau that boasts 440 room and a chimney for every day of the year.
Once in Pouille, we stayed at the Chateau de la Voute. That afternoon Marianne, Luc and Ninon came to visit us poolside. It was wonderful finally meeting them. I have been following Mariann's blog and I have written to her via email, but it was wonderful to have finally met all of them. From the momnet I saw them, I felt as if I had known them forever, There was an instant connection.What a wonderful family. Ninon is such a sweet girl! She is bright, friendly and very mature. Ninon is one year older than Emilee and Meredith. She was adopted from the same orphanage as Emilee a year before. Her group was the first group to every have adopted from Xuwen. Watching the girls together was such a joy. It was amazing that all three girls came from the same region of the world, traveled vast miles to find their forever family and after traveling seas and shores were reunited again. I think these girls will always share a very special connect and I really look forward to watching them grow and know each other.
After Marianne, Luc and Ninon left Patrick and Rosalyn made this grand meal. We ate poolside and everything was delicious. They day could not have been more perfect. 
On Sunday we went to visit the Chateau de Cheverny. It was a beautiful Chateau that is privately owned. It had a warm feeling that felt like someones home, rather than a museum. Afterwards, we went back to Marianne and Lucs where they made a delicious lunch of homemade pate, grilled sardines, potatoes, salad, cheeses, and little chocolate cakes for dessert. Luc broke out his wine and I must say it was scrumptious. Marianne made a delious Tea party for Emilee and Ninon in her beautifully manicured garden. ( Meredith and her family had not gotten back yet). Once Meredith joined the group, it was loads of fun watching all the girls romp though the grass and play with Ninons beautiful play house and jungle gym.
