Today we talked with Jason Hedegard on Skype with the webcam. He earned himself a spot on the top of the page.
Today was a sightseeing day. We went on a boat ride, to a tea farm and a silk factory. Enjoy!
On the way to the West Lake boat docks.
The West Lake.
An awesome dragon boat with a pagoda in the background.
Benjamin sometimes pouts. This is him in one of his pouting moods. :)
There is another family that we toured with today. This is their daughter, Anna, Lily's new friend.
Our boat.
After the boat ride, we took a walk in one of the local parks, it was beautiful.
For all my half-lifers......the lamda.
-Pauly
Holy Koi, Batman!
Peacocks. :)
Benjamin and "Babba"!
Censored! This is a statue of a little boy that was fishing naked.
On our way to the tea farm. These bushes are tea bushes, green tea to be exact.
The entrance to the tea farm.
Green tea fields.
Breath-taking.
Us with our guide, Jessica.
Robin loved this tree. :)
Tea tasting time!
Nap before lunch.
Hey Tim!!! FOLD THIS! :)
Lunch! Cabbage, celery, eggplant, fried rice, tomato soup, soybeans, meatballs, fried (whole) sweet and sour fish, pork and potatoes
and a breaded, caramel coated tangerine. Yummy!!!!!
To all my Twi-hards (Twilight Fans)! Edwards Volvo. LOVE IT!
After lunch we went to a silk factory.
Mulberry bushes, where silk worms are harvested.
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Silk worm cocoons.
Pulling the silk worms from the cocoons then they pull the silk.
Preparing the silk blankets.
Sarah enjoying the silk comforter.
Pouting again! Oh, but he is soooo cute!
Thought this was funny.....this is the elevator..... -1 is the basement. :)
A miniature of an ancient silk factory.
Toyota Camry :) Love it!
Shot taken by Pauly......Love that picture....This is America's Next Top Model....Isn't she beautiful?
Waiting for the bus.
This is an awesome road-side-stand stick of candy coated fruit that is DELICIOUS!!!!
Pauly and Robin's room....we didn't ask for two separate beds....but were given these beds.
Try explaining a room switch because of a bed to someone who only speaks chinese.....not productive.
More Chinese laundry.
I had a few minutes and wanted to journal a few thoughts. China is just as I remembered; the people, sights, food, and traditions. We are so enjoying all of it, but our hearts are sad that we had to leave part of our family home. We miss you Timmy, Betsy, Josh, and of course our little Isabella! Everyone here is doing well . It is great having Pauly and Robin around we are so glad that they came with us. They have enjoyed time hanging out with us and have had some time to be alone. They have been a great help to Paul and I with the kids. I think they are also enjoying China just as much as we are. Sarah continues to amaze me with her heart to help and her ability to travel so well with little to no complaining about anything (even the squatty potties)! She is enjoying many other types of food this time (last trip all she ate was rice) she is definitely branching out with her foods! She has been amazing with Benjamin she can make him smile faster than anyone! Lily is also enjoying China she is a noodle and rice girl at heart, but will try some other foods if it looks good. She is adjusting to having a younger brother around and she loves on him, when he allows. She has gotten jealous from time to time, but we are trying to show her that we love her just the same. (We will definitely have our hands full when we get home) Lily has been a trooper being one armed (due to her left arm being in the sling). Now Benjamin, what can I say, he is a DADDY'S BOY! Benjamin is constantly looking for or calling his Babba. He will allow Paul to do anything for him, but keeps me at a distance at times, (unless I have food). He is a very good eater and will try and eat just about anything, even shrimp on a stick (legs and all, but not the head of course)! He has nick named Sarah already and calls her sister in Chinese and can say Lily already. He is fluent in Chinese and is so cute when he speaks to us, but has not gotten annoyed that he can not understand us. Benjamin is pretty laid back go with the flow kind of boy. He is funny and loves to smile (unless he is in his pouting mood), he especially smiles when food is around! He uses his right arm to hold things and seems to do well with it. He is very tiny in stature and looks to be about only 24 months old, but will be turning 3 on February 2nd. Benjamin trusts us and allows us to comfort him. We only experience one time that he was not happy with being with us, when we visited the orphanage he did not want to leave and come with us, but as soon as we were on the bus Mr Jin (assistant to the director) held him and when Mr. Jin got off the bus Benjamin was fine. I know it is going to be a big adjustment for all of us, but we are so blessed that Benjamin is part of our family now. Timmy, Betsy and Joshy we can't wait for you to meet your new brother! :) As well as all his grandma's, grandpa, aunts and uncles, and our friends!
Thank you everyone for your prayers and for sharing in our journey.