Two China Princesses and a Visit to the Gardens

It's early in the morning and I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would write a little and post a couple of pictures. I keep waking at about 3:00 a.m. or so each morning. I guess my body still hasn't gotten used to the time here. Gee, it will be so fun coming back the other way...they say that jet lag is the worst...ugh!

Anyway, we had a wonderful Monday in Guangzhou, even though it was incredibly HOT and muggy. You wonder why you take a shower because you are soaking shortly after you go anywhere outside. We had another nice breakfast at the White Swan Hotel...the buffet is incredible. Afterward, our group met and got on our bus and went to the Botanical Garden. I was thinking this trip would be boring but the garden was incredible! I enjoyed it but we didn't stay long enough because it was so hot. It was pristine and picturesque, and I wish I could have stayed all day...without kids...to take photos...just me and a camera. Of course, that wish would have included winter-time weather! (haha)

After we finished there, we met at the Noodle House Restaurant next door for lunch. It was a very pretty places with good food. We sit at large round tables in many of the restaurants and the staff wait on you with such graciousness. I LOVE the service when you go out to eat. The dishes of food are brought to the table as each one is prepared. They are put on a big lazy Susan in the middle of the table and you can help yourself from each bowl. I did enjoy the food, but was really wishing for something cold and lighter after such a hot morning outside.

When we arrived back at the hotel, we took the kids swimming at the hotel pool. It is beautiful with a waterfall and Jasper took both of the girls in while I took photos and shot some video. They had fun and it was sweet to watch Esther Marie laughing and giggling with her dad and sister. MaryAlyce took off her floaties and tried swimming again for the first time this season. She's out of practice, but it was good for her to try. Esther Marie fell asleep in her daddy's arms wrapped up in a towel while we were talking to some other people around the pool. We are enjoying getting to know other adoptive families..and hearing their stories.

After the pool, Esther Marie napped for awhile and the rest of us got showered and dressed for dinner. At 6:00 p.m., we went to a Thai Restaurant and met our main adoption coordinator for dinner. She had traveled a couple of hours by train to see us this trip...it was SO GOOD to see Lily! We will see her in the states again when she makes a trip to visit our families where we live. She has one adopted child herself, so I know she understands much of what we experience. She has two children and lives here in China.

After dinner, we poked around in a couple of shops and then came back to the room. We like to say hello to Grace at the "China Doll." We borrowed a stroller from her tonight for MaryAlyce and should have done it sooner. Sometimes the walking we do can be alot for short legs! We are going to the zoo on Wed. and thought we would need it. Tomorrow, we have the medical examination for our newly adopted children and then two of the couples (including us) are headed to our babies' orphanage...about an hour and a half away. It will be a long day for little ones on the bus...but we want to see where they had been living.

We hope you all are doing well....we miss everyone....and it will be good to get back home! One lady said she can't wait to get back and enjoy a large salad...I agree!