A River Boat Ride

Yesterday, we spent time swimming and shopping in the earlier parts of the day. I had to be in the room from 11 to 12 am in case the consulate had any questions, but all went well...things are almost done! Today (Tuesday) we go to take the Oath and then once she steps on US soil, she is a citizen! We had Pizza Hut for dinner (Lillie isn't a fan of pizza yet)then off on a River Boat Cruise. Lillie loved looking at the water. We finished the day with a quick play session in the Mattel playroom. The countdown to our arrival home has begun...China has been great but we are ready to be home. Hope and prayers for good travels for Lillie!

Red Couch...and so much More!

Today, we started the day with breakfast and the Swan Room...a big playroom here at the White Swan. We started in our overalls and again Lillie found the pockets to be quite handy. Next we were off to church at the Shaiman Christ Church...Lillie lasted about 45 to 50 minutes before preparing to melt down, so we returns to our hotel(outfit #2). After our nap, we put on one of her new dresses to have pictures made on the red couch! She looked beautiful and actually handled it fairly well, but I must say 7 toddlers on a couch is not an easy feat! We survived and took a walk afterward (outfit #3) On a side note, Lillie also decided she needed a purse to carry things around in! What a girl. Finally we went to dinner with the group and came back to the room to play and get ready for bed (outfit #4 and later PJ's) Can you say fashion queen!

PS...Aunt Judy, I think we have another Bare Escentials girl...thats what she is doing in the pictures with me...using my Kabuki brush!

We made it to Guangzhou...on a scream and a prayer!

On Friday, we had a free day to play and get ready for our trip to Guangzhou. We packed up, which was a bit confusing for Lillie, then were off the the airport. Well...at the airport, my little spicy girl decided it was time to spread her wings and was off at a run...not really the best place to find your freedom! We did slow down a bit and take time to brush Lily Rose's hair. Both Lillie and Lily were thrilled...although my girl was a bit jealous! She gave me Lily's pony tail holders and wanted me to put them in her hair... The plane ride was less that great..Lillie HATED the seatbelt! We took it off in between times...but up and down were quite a screamfest! The girls were right behind one another and together raised quite a sound! Needless to day i was thrilled when we finally arrived at the White Swan around 11:00! Today was busy..full of our trip to the medical office and paperwork and shopping for our red couch picture! We have found some new shoes and a dress. Then dinner with the group...a very busy day. Tomorrow we are going to church and taking our red couch picture...I am sure it will be great! maybe another screamfest??????

Lillie plays Beauty Parlor!

Thursday started with a trip to Eling Park, the highest point in Chongqing. We walked through the park, stopping along the way to see the Three Gorges Dam Musuem. The museum tells how the flooding caused the the dam will affect the areas around Chongqing, including Fuling. A large portion to of several towns and 2 complete towns will be completely flooded when the dam is complete in 2008. There were also some local artists in the museum and we met both. One created a mural to show the areas affected and he signed a copy for Lillie in her Chinese name. We also met a man who is a brilliant artist...and paints with his mouth. He was born without arms, but has learned to create beautiful art in a different way. I bought a few of his pieces and can't wait to show them off. We also went to a tea shop and learned to drink tea the proper way. We also learned that Lillie likes tea! It was very interesting and a lot of fun. Later in the day, we spent time playing together in the room. Lillie discovered the beauty of a hairbrush and spent a great deal of time fixing Mama's hair. The three of us also went on an adventure to the store again... always a little overwhelming as we draw interested looks from bystanders. Lillie continues to adjust well, but nights are still a little hard. She still can not fall asleep and sleep through the entire night without waking at least one or two times. All else is great so I have no worries that sleep will come easier with time also.
Today (Friday) we fly to Guanzhou for our last part of the trip. We hope for Lillie handles the plane well...this is a great introduction since it is just one and a half hours. Blessings to you all!