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!!!!