August 31st Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families. Yes, we are home! I will go back and update about leaving China later, but at least wanted to get this update out there so you know we did make it!  Our flight from LA to Denver was easy, quick, Sage slept.  Coming into Denver they told us it was going to be rough, there were thunderstorm clouds approaching. Which did concern us a little for the flight home. We had a 3 hour layover in Denver, and again, Sage was great.  We got on the plane to leave, and then were told we could not take off due to lightening.  So for 2 HOURS we sat on the plane.  We were able to call home to let them know, but Mark and I were both upset.  We were tired, and we were ready to be home. We finally took off and landed in St Louis around 8:30.  They announced on the plane a welcome to Sage coming home from China which was very sweet!  We hurried off the plane as fast as we could, and we could hear our crowd long before we could see them!  As soon as they got view of us, they were screaming and yelling and oh was it a good sound!  We had waited for 18 days to hear that sound and see those faces waiting there for us!  Makenna and Malaine were all about Sage that is for sure! But Sawyer grabbed on to us and said, don't ever leave me again!  Sage did great, smiling and happy as could be to be passed all around.  As I stood there with our family and friends holding on to Sage with the love and tears pouring onto her, God whispered to me.  She was born there, but this is her home.  She was birthed by those people, but these are now her people.  These are the faces of the ones who wanted her, and will forever love her.  It was a sweet feeling to know that we are all exactly where we belong. We did lose one suitcase in Denver, but they promised it would be delivered by 9 am friday and it was.  Leaving the airport we had fun trying to get Sage into the car seat.  Took us a few minutes to figure out getting her strapped in, guess I did nor refresh myself enough on those straps! She did scream on the way home, remember these kids have never been in a car seat, but fell asleep taking a bottle.  The kids were fighting over who could lean forward in their seats so they could stare at her. We went back to our house along with the crowd for a party for Sage.  I appreciate everyone coming, it was so late and not what the plan was supposed to be, but we were so glad to be able to be with everyone and share Sage.   There was a spread of goodies, along with a beautiful cake that Sage enjoyed squishing her toes in!  Our house was decorated so cute in pink from my mops steering team and they had a wonderful bouquet of fresh flowers waiting for Sage.  The kids all had a good time playing with Sage and she just lights up when watching them!  Sage was asleep by midnight, the rest of us around 1ish.  It felt good to be in my soft, VERY soft bed, but I am coming down with a sore throat, so that kept me from sleeping well.  Sage was up at 530, right when i took cold medicine, so thankfully mark was kind enough to get up with her.  Today Marks brother Brett, wife Amy and their kids Tyler and Graham were able to come in from Kansas City to meet Sage.  Mark's parents brought dinner which was great. Sage has wanted to sleep alot, but we are trying to keep her up as much as possible to get her switched.  We are exhausted.  I really do feel about like I did after giving birth.  Emotionally drained, and so tired.  2 days of no sleep wears on you!  Plus our bodies are just so confused on why we are up right now, when we should be in bed.  It is good to finally be with all of our kids.  They are all overly tired, but they really adore their new baby sister.  And she is pretty impressed by them!  She just watches them.  She is really taking to Makenna, probably because she is giving her the most attention of all of them.  Malaine is being my big diaper helper, but she is also having a hard time.  Hoping some good sleep will help her out, but she is really wanting me to hold her and do things for her. Understandable.  It was a long trip and she lost her place as  baby.   Sawyer had some big brother snuggle time w/ Sage since he is always up so early. And like everyone else, Sage thinks her big brother is funny! Please pray for all of us as we adjust.  Mark and I just want to get out of this fog we are in, we feel as if we are walking zombies!  Pray that we can give all 4 kids the attention they need.  We have to find a balance in giving the 3 individual time and attention, yet still trying to bond with Sage.  I know that we will be fine with some rest and time. I will probably move my postings over to the blog, after I finish up the travel journal.  I do plan to fill in the days I missed, when my eyes stop swimming! Click Here to See Today’s Photos