The Big Guy's 6th Birthday

Colin's birthday started with a visit from Uncle Bob and Auntie Moira. He got some very coveted Thomas the Tank Engine books that he loves. Everyone enjoyed the cake :) The next day, we headed down to the children's museum. The kids loved the scarf room. You put the scarf or pom pom into he tube and the air pushes it out the other end. They love to try and catch them as they pop out. They built with blocks, created on the giant lite brite, constructed rodes and traveled back in time. Another favorite spot was the peek-a-boo mirror closet:) On Colin's actual birthday, we went to the zoo. The weather held out for us and there was a wonderful breeze. We saw many animals, but Colin's favorite this time were the wild dogs:) It was so fun to be there as a family of five!!!! We took a break for some water and a pretzel and then continued on to the Wetlands Trail. Nana came over a little later and we had more cake:) Colin got a keyboard and hasn't stopped playing it. He also got a netbook from mommy and daddy to watch Sprout, play educational games and take his spelling tests:)

Consulate Appointment and One Last Swim in Guangzhou

On Tuesday, we had to be up really early to eat before leaving for the US Consulate. We all jumped on the big van and travelled just a short way. They don't allow any photography, so no pics:( The lobby was large and bustling with adoptive families! They take 10 families tiwce a day and we had the early time. We had to show passports and go through security. They took our cameras and phones to be picked up on our way out. We took 4 escalators and then were taken into a small room that reminded me on the DMV. They had some toys out for the kids which really helped to distract them while waiting. We all stood and took our oath on behalf of our children and then waited to be called. They called our names and we went up to the window. We handed them all the documents and they kept Brookie's passport to put the visa in it. We then waited for the rest of our group. When we were all done, we dropped the men off at the hotel and went to the jade and pearl market. Jade is expensive!!! None of that came home with us. We did find some great deals on beautiful pearls though. I was able to have a gorgeous bracelet made for my mom for her birthday. It has 3 different colors of pearls...white, champagne and black. They made it right there for me and added a beatiful double clasp with the chinese charcters for double happiness and good fortune. I got Brookie a natural pearl bracelet ( not circles, more like muffin tops) and Tatum chose a pearl and blue glass bead bracelet:) Back at the room, more school work, lunch and playtime ensued until it was pool time, of course. As a treat, we walked over to McDonald's and got little vanilla ice cream cones!!! On our last full day in Guangzhou, we took it easy. We got up a little later and took our time getting ready. By the time we got to breakfast, the only tables open were way on the back. We had a really cool view of the pond with the koi swimming. We did a little schoolwork and then went over to the playroom for a bit. We spent almost 2 hours at the pool! We snagged a great spot under a glass archway that kept it cooler. All 3 kids were smiles from ear to ear and probably a bit waterlogged when we were done:) We spent the evening watching Chinese Sesame Street and packing. The van to the airport was picking us up at 5:40!!!!

Guangzhou Day 3

This morning, we went to see a famous Buddhist Temple in the city. The architecture was beautiful:) We actually saw a monk walking around with a smart phone!!! We then had to go back to Shamian Island to have Brookie's TB test checked. All the kids in our group were negative! Yay:) After the check, we walked around and did some shopping. We went to a store called A Gift From China. Part of the proceeds from their sales go to The Good Rock that helps orphans and disabled children. They had such beautiful things there. I got a necklace and some Christmas ornaments for the tree. The girls each picked out a doll. Colin was all set with that. After shopping, our group went to a restaurant for lunch. We had a few kinds of dumplings, a variety of noodles, this amazing spinach dish and some delicious bread!!!! When we returned to the hotel, we went over to the small playroom that they have for kids. We ended up spending an hour and a half there:) They have horse ride that the kids loved and kept taking turns riding. For dinner, Pizza Hut was on the menu. We got Cheese Lovers this time and it disappeared quickly:) Baths and bed for everyone soon after.

Guangzhou Day 2--Safari Park

We went down to breakfast and tried many different things:) We boarded the "big van" and headed over to Chimelong Safari Park. The park has 2 different sections, one is by trolley and the other is by foot. We did the open air trolly first. It was amazing to see all the animals, some were so close to us! They were walking around or in habitats that seemed so natural. We saw giraffes, tigers, rhinos, deer and so many more:) When it was finished, we started the walk. It is a huge place and so hot and crowded, but amazing nonetheless. They even had an animal nursery with lots of babies to see. One of my favorite parts was seeing the koalas:) They were so cute sleeping in the trees. Colin counted 50 different animals that we saw! On the way out, they convinced us to buy them a stuffed animal. Both girls got pandas and Colin chose a white tiger. For lunch, we had croissants from Starbucks and then went over for an hour long swim:) We ventured to the Wei Li Market in the hotel for dinner. We were able to order ourselves without too much trouble. We had dumplings, 2 kinds of noodles and some rice with vegetables. There wasn't much left when we were done:)

Guangzhou Day 1

We started the day at the buffet at the Garden Hotel. Brookie had lots to choose from and tried just about everything. Colin found some watermelon and a delicious cinnamon donut. Tatum was thrilled because they have orange juice and rice crispies!!! We boarded our bus and headed over to Shamian Island for Brookie's medical exam. There were three different rooms we went into. One room was the ENT, another was "body check", and the 3rd was hearing and vision. Brookie was great and passed with flying colors. Then, she had her TB test and was given some candy for being good. We walked around the Island and found ourselves at Jordan's. He did Brookie's name in Chinese calligraphy and wrote the meaning her name. We picked up a few fans for the girls, a Communium dress for Brookie and a few other small items. When everyone was tired from shopping, we wlaked over to the Cow and Bridge, a Thai food restaurant we ate at on Tatum's trip. The food was delicious!!!! We went back to the hotel, got our laundry together and headed to the pool. The Garden Hotel has a beautiful pool deck and the kids swam for over an hour. With everyone waterlogged, we went back to the room and had a pizza from Pizza Hut. It disappeared very quickly:) Early to bed for everyone!!!