Today was the Consulate appointment. We didn't even have to go! How cool is that!? Our guide went and delivered all our paperwork. Because the May holiday is fast approaching, tomorrow we will return to the U.S. Consulate and take our oath and receive our daughter's visa's. So today we boarded our bus and took the 1.5 hour journey to Shamian Island for shopping and sightseeing! Man is this bus ride already getting old! What I wouldn't give to be staying at the White Swan. For convenience, not for Barbie!
We have come to the conclusion that Catherine AKA C.A. wants nothing to do with a Snuggli. We have all tried to convince her that this is the way to go. Who are we trying to fool? So we went to a store and paid 160 Yuan or $20 and bought a stroller! Catherine is very happy. She loves to ride if you are not carrying her directly against your body. We did the requisite shopping. Bought several pairs of squeaky shoes for Catherine and 2 friends of ours. Beijing 2008 tee shirts for the children of my coworkers. Plus some other goodies along the way for Grandma and Grandpa. We had lunch at Lucy's again. Mark has really enjoyed their salads as the greens are washed in bottled water. James ventured down to the water at Shamian Park and found men and boys fishing. He spent quite a bit of time down there. Came back with all kinds of tales about who caught what fish and what they did with them. Some things a mother just doesn't need to know!
We also went to the Pearl Factory today. I bought a pearl necklace and earrings for Catherine. Nothing for myself. Man I am being stingy in the self gift giving. Guess I am so wrapped up in being a mother again and getting the greatest blessing in the world that anything material pales in comparison!
We went to the White Swan Hotel. We felt like we were the step children crashing a wedding! We went and did or attempted to do, the infamous Red Couch Photo. Mind you the couches are actually burgundy. The girls did, well, about as you would expect 8 babies under 11 months old to do! It was a sight! Tomorrow we head back here to Shamian Island for a bit more shopping and to get our daughter's visa's.
We are very homesick but thoroughly enjoying this journey to Catherine and her homeland.
Enjoy the pictures!
Love and peace,
Donna, Mark, James and Catherine
