tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40948911180655453882024-03-12T20:22:45.909-04:00Faith, Trust, and Pixie DustBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-66841558522056376972016-09-09T23:55:00.002-04:002016-09-09T23:55:44.128-04:00One pill.....One pill, white, solitary....<br />
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One little pill......<br />
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One pill, swallowed down.....<br />
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You wouldn't think this plain, little, white pill would cause such inner turmoil. After all it is needed and will help, but it comes with an enormous amount of self-talk, weighing of pros and cons, debating which decision is right. It causes frustration, anxiety, feelings of despair and of failing. You see this one pill causes more waiting and delay for Bobby.<br />
The ESSENCE drug trials for exon skipping 53 are finally starting to recruit. One site is recruiting with others scheduled to start recruiting soon. By starting this one pill, Bobby will have to wait at least 14 more weeks before he can be screened for the trial. Bobby's recent visit to Cincinnati Children's revealed that he has signs of mild insulin resistance which can be a side effect of the Deflazacort he is on. This one pill can keep him from becoming insulin resistant and will not effect his eligibility to participate in the drug trial, but he does have to be on a stable dose for 12 weeks before he can be screened. With this drug he has to take a half of the dose for 2 weeks and then if tolerated moves up to the full dose.<br />
When I started the journey to become Bobby's mommy in 2012, I knew the progression he faced. I knew there would be tough decisions. I knew what was ahead as I knew before he became my son that he had Duchenne. I knew there would be sad times and hard times. I knew I was prepared. Well that is what I told myself. No way can you be prepared for the villianous Duchenne and the tough medical decisions(which we are just at the start of), or for watching your son struggle more and more up the stairs, or for loss of skills such as rising from the ground without help from furniture or another person. I can and will handle it as Bobby and I walk this road together with his sister and brother along side as well.<br />
I often have such doubt that treatments and a cure will actually come through. We are on day 105 days since the deadline passed for a decision on Eteplirsen from the FDA. No transparency. No decision. No explanation. Just silence.<br />
But Bobby is not silent! He has hope. After MDA camp he asked what would happen to all those that worked at camp when the drugs fixed his legs and the Muscular Dystrophy was gone. He saw a new power chair and remarked about how fast it was, but that his legs would be fixed and he wouldn't need one!<br />
We have to keep up the hope that Bobby has. Our DMD community knows that the exon skipping drugs aren't the cure, but maybe they are a tool we need to slow the progression so that our kids are here for the cure in the next few years. Maybe the exon skipping drugs will keep up skills such as walking and daily living skills so our kids can live more independent lives. Bobby believes and so do I!<br />
So wait we will, but let me clarify that. I WILL wait at least the 14 weeks for Bobby to be able to be eligible for screening for ESSENCE. That does not mean I am willing to wait any longer for the FDA to approve Eteplirsen. Their inability to meet their own deadline and continued radio silence is deafening and unacceptable. In any other job they would have been fired for ineptitude. You see Further Delays= Further Decline.<br />
So I shed some tears for continued waiting due to my decision for Bobby, but spit fire in anger, annoyance and irritation at the indecision of the FDA!<br />
These boys count! They deserve a chance. They have families and friends that want them around for a long time.<br />
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Afterall, who can look at this face full of pure joy and not have hope?!<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-51975606663766848922016-08-26T23:43:00.002-04:002016-08-27T00:05:40.436-04:00A Tough Week We made it through a week of appointments at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Bobby's heart and lungs are stable right now. His overall muscle strength is mostly stable with decline in time to rise from the floor and climbing stairs. At home he no longer attempts to get up off the floor unless he crawls to furniture first and pushes up on it. He was able to get up from a criss cross position on the floor using his hands on the floor and bottom up in the air and actually stood up without pushing on his legs. Dr Wong explained that he had a significant increase in the amount of time it took him to get up that way since February, so that is likely why he uses furniture all the time now. It is simply easier and more efficient for him to do so now. Bobby also walked 450 meters for his 6 minute walk test. He was out of breathe and about to collapse, but was determined to do his best as he knew I needed to know that number in order to determine our next steps for possible drug trials.<br />
We had a rough start to our appointments with the IV line needed for the heart MRI and then 2 rounds of eye drops. Bobby was a bit over the top. So he and I had a long talk about the drug trial we hope will start soon. I explained that the drug would be by infusion and he would have to get an IV stick once a week. I also explained that he could not react and cry and scream like he had for the MRI iv stick. We discussed whether he wanted to take part in the drug trial or not. He is now 10 and he needs to be a part of this decision. He said that he still wanted to do the drug trial. He said that it would fix his legs so he had to do it. I was honest with him and discussed that the exon skipping drugs could slow, not cure or fix his muscle weakness, and that he would most likely need several different drugs or treatments in order to eventually find the cure for his DMD.<br />
Today was our last day of appointments. We talked on the way to the hospital again about how he needed to show me that he would be able to do what he would need to do to take part in the drug trial. Today was the glucose intolerance test. He had to have another IV/port put in and this time have it in for 2 hours. He also had to drink the glucose drink and he absolutely hates sicky sweet things. He said that he could do it, but he did ask if I could talk to him while they stuck the needle in to distract him.<br />
He was nervous as they began to get things out. The nurse explained that she had to go check on another patient in 4 minutes. She said that if he could be calm she could have him done and started with his drink early or if he wanted she would come back after the other patient. Bobby wanted to be able to get done as fast as possible so he could go see his friends so he chose for her to go ahead. He started to be a tad squirmy but the calmed down with talk about the new cat game he had played and actually watched as she put the needle in. No crying, no screaming, no trying to pull away. He the chugged the drink in about a minute and a half. He was perfect for the whole test as he built with Lego in between blood draws. He was pretty proud of himself and let me know that he could handle to drug trial.<br />
I asked about the status of the ESSENCE drug trial while with Dr Wong. She stated that the IRB is ongoing and under review. The budget has already been set and so they are just waiting on the review and approval from Sarepta to be able to begin recruitment. The hope is that they will begin recruiting in October. I am hoping that this timeline while come to fruition and that the trial will actually start. Personally I am not convinced Sarepta will begin the trial unless they get a yes from the FDA for Eteplirsen. Since we are moving over the 90 day since the last FDA delay, I am frustrated and angry. We have already been waiting 2 years for this to start and there just continues to be delays.<br />
All of our trips for the 6 month and 12 month appointments leave me tired. The 7 hour drive to get here and then several days of numerous appointments followed up with the 7 hour drive home is draining. This trip has taken more of a toll. There is a high emotional toll when one has to discuss with their 10 year old what could happen without a drug trial. To discuss the loss of skills that will happen without intervention causes tears to well in both of our eyes. Sometimes it seems too much to process.<br />
Bobby continues to have a positive outlook. He saw a couple of cool power chairs and said "those are fast. I would like one, but my legs are going to get better and my muscular dystrophy will be gone so I won't need one!" That is definitely my hope to and with so many other positive trials that are upcoming, I think that a cure is close. To get there though, we need the FDA to get off of their butts and do what they are tasked to do. They need to stop stonewalling every Duchenne Drug that comes before them and use the flexibility afforded to them under FDASIA. If they can't and continue to discount patient input and data that shows clinical benefit with no negative side effects then they need to be replaced with people who are willing to handle the task at hand and stop further delays. Delays=Decline. Decline eventually leads to death. We have lost enough of our DMD community due to delay after delay. FDA the time is now to answer and the answer you should be giving is "Yes!"Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-11669714709325510012016-04-25T00:14:00.002-04:002016-04-25T00:14:50.922-04:00Cozumel and Pirate NightApril 4, 2016<br />
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Today when we woke up we were in Cozumel, Mexico! The weather was not very good and it was very overcast when we looked out. Breakfast this morning was room service as we had to meet our excursion group bright and early to go see the dolphins at Chankanaab Park. At this port we were able to dock so no tender boats today! Bobby used his lighter weight transport wheelchair as it would fold and fit in the taxi van. As we headed out with our group we were all handed brand new Mickey Mouse ponchos as it was pouring when we got off of the ship. The tour operators had given us the option to cancel and get a refund, but we figured we were in swimsuits and would be wet anyway so on we went! We followed our guide over the street to a shopping plaza and a taxi stop where they divided us into smaller groups and sent us on our way in the taxi. It rained the whole way there, but after we arrived it stopped raining! No pictures on this trip there and back, but plenty of our interaction as they had photographers there and of course Beth bought the photo package!<br />
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The park is accessible and Bobby was able to ride all the way to the pen area in his chair(which was good as the dock is a bit uneven and he might have tripped and fallen) He did have to descend and then ascend the stairs to the platform. This reporter could not join the interaction as due to my size, the dolphin would have considered me a toy and the thought of being left at the bottom of the ocean just didn't appeal to me!<br />
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The waves did create some swells and it was often hard for Beth to keep her balance while also holding onto the straps of each boy's life jackets so they didn't float off into the dolphin pen! Bobby really enjoyed the interaction and David had the time of his life! Take a look at these pictures to see just how much fun they had!<br />
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First meet Louis our dolphin friend for this interaction. He loved to jump!<br />
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Louis swam by several times for touching and petting and then each person got a chance to interact individually with him.</div>
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Here is a picture which shows Beth holding on to Bobby so he doesn't float away. David has a death grip on the fence at this point due to the swells.<br />
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Bobby was the second one to volunteer for his individual interaction. He has interacted with dolphins once before so he was very comfortable with doing it again. He did need a little physical help due to the wave swells, but really enjoyed playing with Louis!<br />
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David was ready for his turn after watching a couple of other people go after Bobby. He was thrilled and a bit scared all at the same time. He definetly wasn't sure about the kiss thing!<br />
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By the time it was Beth's turn Louis had become a bit mischeivious. He thought it might be fun to try to pull her off the platform while she was holding his fins! Luckily she kept her balance! Silly Louis!</div>
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Bobby almost floated away again and David kept a tight grip on the fence!</div>
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The photographer also took some shots in black and white that turned out very nice!</div>
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After a couple of jumps and flips we had to say goodbye to our new dophin friend Louis. What a great interaction!<br />
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This reporter did manage to find a safe way to have a picture taken with Louis....<br />
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After the crew picked up their photos, it was back to the ship for a quick shower, change of clothes and some lunch! Since the weather was not great they had added another showtime for Zootopia so that was the afternoon activity of choice. After the movie the boys spent a little time in the kids club and then another change of clothes as it was Pirate Night! Before dinner the boys got to meet Peter Pan.<br />
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When it was this reporter's turn to meet Peter he asked if I could fly?! He threw me up in the air and said"See she can fly!" Luckily he did catch me! What a thrill to meet Peter Pan himself!<br />
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After Peter the boys spotted Daisy Duck in her pirate garb and rushed over for a picture.</div>
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The pirate crew then headed to the backdrops for some Pirate Family photos.</div>
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Since this cruise had a Star Wars night with a special menu, the Pirate Night menu was not available. While it was missed the food was still scrumptious. The boys enjoyed vanilla smoothies in their special pirate glasses.<br />
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The boys weren't interested in the show for the evening as it wasn't a Disney Production and chose to go to the kids club instead of up on deck for the Pirate Party. After a bit it was time to turn in as the next days activities were to include a bit of walking for Bobby. Upon return to the stateroom the crew found a swan awaiting them, but it was dismantled before a picture was taken. </div>
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This is Pirate Super Lu signing off after a very fun filled day! Aaarrgghh matey!</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-10753475192021576852016-04-14T21:52:00.002-04:002016-04-14T21:52:50.491-04:00First Day at SeaApril 3,2016<br />
Today was the first day at sea and there were lots of activities planned for our crew! The day started with a Character breakfast bright and early. Bobby declared the food "very tasty!" This reporter loved the fresh fruit selection(although the boys had eaten half of it before we could snap a picture!)<br />
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The boys met Princess Sofia first followed by Jake.</div>
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The next one to stop by the table was Doc McStuffins and I decided to join the boys in their photo opportunity! </div>
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And then finally the mouse himself stopped by for a visit. This reporter could not miss meeting the one who started it all!</div>
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After breakfast the boys spotted Jessie in the atrium. She fussed over Bobby's shirt just loving the saying! David gave her the biggest hug!<br />
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Jessie then saw me and was so excited! Such a treat!</div>
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The crew then headed back to the shopping area in order to buy the limited edition Star Wars pins that could only be bought on the cruise. We also did a bit of window shopping to preview what goodies might be purchased before the cruise ended :)</div>
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It was then off to the Castaway Cay members reception. Yummy snacks and free drinks! We adults enjoyed the Bellini while the boys enjoyed sparkling apple cider. David loved the shrimp and Bobby loved the chocolate chip cookies. Cruise director Minnie even showed up and of course the boys took advantage of that photo opportunity!</div>
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Next up was the Frozen meet and greet with Anna and Elsa! The wintery background sure was a contrast to the warm weather outside! </div>
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After a quick lunch at Cabanas the boys went to the kids club. Beth headed to look at the shops and then to relax and read on the verandah where she may have nodded off for a quick little nap. Shhh!! When it was time to get ready for dinner the boys did not want to leave the club! They did though as tonight was formal night and family pictures were in order! </div>
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After the photos we headed to the Enchanted Garden for dinner. Again more photos and delicious food! The ceiling of this restaurant changes from daylight to nightime as the dinner progresses. The flower shaped lights bloom into bright white with the darkening sky.</div>
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At the end of dinner our wonderful Assistant Server Jocelyn made the boys origami fish which the boys really enjoyed. Both our Server and Asistant servers were wonderful with the boys and the boys were excited to see them each night!</div>
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Tonights show in the Walt Disney Theater was Aladdin. What a fabulous performance. The Genie was so awesome! He was spot on! No pictures are allowed in the theater but we managed to snap a couple as we waited to be let in for the show. I thought my escorts for the evening looked quite dapper!</div>
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After the show it was time to head back to the stateroom to get a good nights sleep as we will be in Cozumel tomorrow and have a dophin encounter scheduled. When we arrived back at the stateroom we found another creation waiting for us. Tonight there was an elephant along with the chocolates and next days Navigator!</div>
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That's it for our first day at sea! Tomorrow I will be reporting from Cozumel! This is Super Lu signing off!</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-54938665976615916742016-04-12T17:01:00.000-04:002016-04-12T17:01:43.352-04:00Disney Fantasy Stateroom 8588Here is a quick report on stateroom 8588 on the Disney Fantasy. It is an accessible stateroom located on deck 8 mid-ship it is close to the elevators and very spacious! There is a full size bed, sofa bed, pull down berth and a murphy bed. The verandah is also a bit biger than normal(but not as huge as the aft staeroom we stayed in on the Wonder)<br />
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View from the door looking into the stateroom<br />
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Desk area was large with plenty of storage<br />
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We had my son's Manual chair as well as a lightweight travel chair(for port adventures) with us. The manual chair is pediatric size but the travel chair is adult sized so this picture can give you some idea of the space.<br />
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We did not use this, but it is the murphy bed on the wall.<br />
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Nice big closets with large area in front. I forgot to get a picture of the inside, but the one closet had the pull down closet rod :)<br />
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I use a CPAP at night and so the plug under the shelf next to the bed was great!<br />
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The bathroom is not separated since it is an accessible one. The pull down bench in the shower was sturdy and stayed up when not in use. Great layout and use of space.<br />
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The door to the stateroom is automatic. When you put your card on the sensor on the wall outside the stateroom, the door will open automatcally. From inside the stateroom there is a switch to push on the wall next to the bathroom door.<br />
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The air conditioner controls are next to the door as well as the energy saving key slot.<br />
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There are also 4 hooks on the wall next to the door. I found it very convenient to hang our lanyards there :)<br />
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The verandah was a good size with 2 chairs and a side table. Definetely large enough to fit at least one wheelchair and several people :)</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-84661632118601448822016-04-12T13:40:00.000-04:002016-04-12T13:40:04.701-04:00Embarkation day!April 2, 2016<br />
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Super Lu here again! Today was embarkation day! The family was up early and had a quick breakfast at the hotel and headed to the port a little before 10:00 am. We caught sight of the Disney Fantasy and boy was she a sight to see! Because we have a modified van with a ramp we were allowed to park for free at the port. That saved quite a bit! Last cruise the family had trouble finding a spot to park, but this time an accessible spot had just opened up on the 3rd floor of the parking garage, right next to the bridge that led to the terminal. Great start for our adventure! The line had already begun to form so the crew headed to the back of the line. It was difficult to manuveur in the line as it was not wide enough at one point for Bobby's wheelchair to stay in line and go between the wall and the cars. We had both Bobby's manual chair and a travel wheelchair(it collapsed flat and that was the kind needed for the port adventure in Cozumel, but would not provide enough support for long term use) So with 3 large suitcases and 2 wheelchairs(the travel chair held all the carryon stuff) it was difficult to manuveur in line as the porters didn't get to us before they started moving the line over the bridge. A nice family ahead of us saw the difficulty and each one helped with an item. Proof again that there are good people left in this weary world :) The porter came after we had to wait a few minutes as others went onto the bridge, so we finally got to cross onto the bridge. Being so close to the Disney Fantasy was very exciting!<br />
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We only waited a few more minutes before being let into the terminal. Soon we were checking in and getting our lanyards and cards. We then headed to the kids club desk and the boys received their magic bands for the kids club. Bobby really wanted to look at the model of the ship, but by then that area was too crowded to get his wheelchair through. We opted instead to go out onto the observation deck and look at the real thing up close.<br />
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Soon we were able to board and the excitement continued to build as they took our embarkation picture.<br />
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How thrilling to hear them welcome the Baird family on board! We headed immediately to deck 4 to secure tickets for the Frozen and Princess meet and greets as well as the character breakfast then it was off to deck 11 and lunch at Cabanas.What a delicious start to our voyage!<br />
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After lunch we had a few minutes to kill before we could go to our stateroom so we visited the kids club to look around. The boys wanted a picture in the Monsters Inc room and the Toy Story room. There was so much to see and so much for the boys to look forward to doing!<br />
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We then headed to deck 8 and waited until it was finally 1:30 so we could check out our stateroom. It was in a great location being mid-ship and close to the elevators. There will be a separate report detailing this acessible stateroom for those who may be looking to check out what this category accessible stateroom looks like :)<br />
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Beth unpacked a bit and then we headed back out to deck 4 to be ready for the muster drill which began promptly at 4:00.<br />
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After the muster drill, it was up to deck 11 for the Sail Away show. The boys had a front row spot!<br />
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Instead of staying for the dance party after the show, the family headed back to their stateroom so they could stand on the verandah and wave at the people at Fishlips and the other restaurants and park at the port.<br />
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Soon it was time to change for dinner. Tonight's dinner was at Animator's palate. Crush swims around from screen to screen and interacts with some of the guests. This time he chose to speak to the one in the red floral shell(which was Beth) Such fun interacting with a famous sea turtle dude!<br />
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We had time before the show to see a couple of characters, so we visited with Minnie and Pluto!<br />
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After enjoying the Welcome Aboard show it was time for bed. Awaiting us in the stateroom was a stingray, tomorrow's Navigator and some chocolates! This week is going to be excellent! Tomorrow is our first day at sea! Here's hoping that neither David nor this reporter have trouble with the motion of the ocean!<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-51097111723703210022016-04-12T02:04:00.000-04:002016-04-12T02:04:11.666-04:00Pre-Cruise ReportSuper Lu here with my report on my latest adventure with the Baird family. We were without internet on this trip so this report is post cruise.<br />
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March 31, 2016<br />
Pre- Cruise day-<br />
The van was packed, Mickey dropped off at the pet resort, and we were ready to take off as soon as the boys got off the bus! We were headed south and hoping to make it to Gainesville Florida and have a short visit with Taylor before heading off to Port Canaveral on Friday.<br />
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The boys bus arrived right on time and the boys were so excited to start the journey. Traffic was light most of the way and so we did make it to Gainesville, Florida. Then we had a little problem. There was a race scheduled in Gainesville the next day and there were no hotel rooms available in Gainesville, Ocala or Wildwood! So the family only spent a few short minutes seeing Taylor before continuing the drive south. Finally a room was found in Orlando which made for a very late night!<br />
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A perk for driving so far and staying at the Best Western was getting some special waffles at breakfast. What a nice surprise!<br />
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Since we were already in Orlando, a jaunt over to the Character Warehouse was in order! This is the Disney Outlet store and a few items made their way to the van. Bobby modeled a Gaston's Tavern hat since Gaston is his sister's favorite!<br />
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Our journey continued on as we headed towards Port Canaveral. What a sight as we crested the bridge! There was the Disney Dream, sister ship to the Disney Fantasy. Sorry no photo because this reporter was too much in awe and Beth was driving. We checked in to the Country Inn and Suites and relaxed for a bit. We then headed to Fishlips so we could wave off the Disney Dream as she set sail. The boys enjoyed some Sprite and Beth had a delicious Key Lime Colada. Dinner ended up being yummy pretzel sticks with cheese dip and also some spinach dip with chips and bread. The highlight was being able to wave to the lucky cruisers on the Disney Dream as she sailed out of the port. We knew that tomorrow, others would be standing in this same spot waving at us!<br />
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We all headed to bed early as we were due at the port in the morning with a check in time of 10:30 am!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-79091949675756736812016-01-21T01:11:00.000-05:002016-01-21T01:11:29.259-05:00Dear FDA<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear FDA,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
While I know the impending winter storm precipitated your postponement
of the Adcomm meeting scheduled for January 22nd, I implore you to reschedule it as soon as possible. So
many families had already traveled to DC or were on their way prior to the meeting
being postponed. These families and the rest of the Duchenne community know
that our children do not have the time for further delays. Duchenne does not stop it’s
progression to wait for postponements, delays or for that matter any reason. It
is relentless in its continued deterioration of our children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPlMszfFjb0/VqBu9DoWDCI/AAAAAAAABiA/VfPyvJvDJEE/s1600/Bobby%2Bold%2Bman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPlMszfFjb0/VqBu9DoWDCI/AAAAAAAABiA/VfPyvJvDJEE/s1600/Bobby%2Bold%2Bman.jpg" /></a>Today was a day full of reminders that my son has limited time. Today was the
100<sup>th</sup> day of school. He was to dress as what he would look like when
he was 100 years old. While I realize not many of us actually make it to our
100<sup>th</sup> birthday, those with Duchenne currently have zero chance of
reaching that age. So in thinking again I realized that my sweet 9 year old son,
statistically speaking, is considered middle aged when looking at the average
life expectancy for those with Duchenne. So maybe his costume today wasn’t all
that off. His 100, statistically speaking, would then be somewhere in his mid
to late 20’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
My family’s story is a bit different than most families
dealing with Duchenne. I started out as a volunteer summer camp counselor for
MDA in 1980 and continued through 2012. I met and lost so many campers/friends over
those years. I saw what Duchenne does, but there was always hope as the
research was ongoing. In 2012 I decided to adopt a child. I saw my son’s picture
on my agency's website and saw his diagnosis and knew that he was my son. I
could not let him face Duchenne alone. I knew he would most likely not receive any
treatment in his birth country due to his orphan status and their lack of
knowledge about neuromuscular diseases.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eteplirsen will not help my son, but it will help others and
it will help pave the way for exon skipping 53 that will help my son. I adopted
my son in order to provide him a family to help support him through this
disease and because I knew that medical care and research in the US was one of
his best chances to have a better quality and longer life. Please don’t prove
that wrong. Our community understands that it will most likely take a cocktail
of drugs to ultimately provide a cure. Anything that can slow the progression
and allow those with Duchenne to live longer and stronger will give them a
better shot at being around for the cure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right now there isn’t a treatment available. For a child who
produces no dystrophin to produce any amount of dystrophin is a big deal. There
have not been safety issues or detrimental side effects. Please listen to those
who have been going through the drug trials. Look at them and see the children
that have been able to have access to Eteplirsen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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Just because I knew before adopting my son that he had Duchenne and all about the devestation of DMD does not mean that watching his progression doesn't break my heart daily. It also doesn't mean that I resigned myself to sit back and watch that happen. On the contrary, I got to skip the initial diagnosis shock stage and start instead in the fight for my son's life stage.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmmGHUFe2IM/VqBvGOo6b2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/SKu1hHFCLqM/s1600/Bobby%2Bold%2Bscooter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmmGHUFe2IM/VqBvGOo6b2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/SKu1hHFCLqM/s320/Bobby%2Bold%2Bscooter.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our country is a great country and my son is now a proud American. Please allow my son a chance to grow old. Please don’t make his birth country regret adopting to an American family instead of a family from another country who may allow him access to drugs that will help slow or halt the progression of his Duchenne.</div>
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</div>
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I hold out hope that you will consider all the positives seen in the drug trials(no matter how small you may think they are, as to those of us fighting the fight against the villianous Duchenne, small victories are huge!) I count on you to do the right thing and allow Eteplirsen accelerated approval. I count on you to not take away our hope.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sincerely,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beth Baird</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom to Bobby Baird age 9</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-2555951082435331762015-11-21T17:42:00.000-05:002015-11-21T17:42:35.797-05:00GoodbyesToday was the day for final goodbyes to my dad. I had a dream last night that nobody came to the service except Taylor, the boys and I. Not a great start for the day.<br />
<br />
We had a small ceremony at the Columbarium in the Memorial Garden at the church and then the memorial service in the chapel. Several of my dad's friends were there representing different areas of his life and several of my friends also attended as did Taylor's best friend. Many wore gold and black for the Iowa Hawkeyes and in memory of my dad. Both Taylor and I spoke at the service and she did a great job! I know her Papa is proud!<br />
<br />
The pastor was impressed that my dad had left behind a 10 page typed packet of notes from many of the years of his life that detailed his most important memories. It is a treasure that I have it. The pastor encouraged all of us to sit down and do something similar as we give thanks this coming week. To leave behind such memoirs is a gift for our loved ones and friends. <br />
<br />
I managed to get through my part and thought I would include my tribute to my dad here. As I begin to move forward with life again, I know I will miss him dearly, but I know that he and my mom are together and watching to see what life brings us next.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad was a huge sports fan. The Iowa Hawkeyes were his
passion. He followed college sports and loved to banter back and forth with so
many friends and their rival teams. We often scheduled things around when the
Hawks played. He is certainly smiling now with the Hawkeyes being undefeated
and my standing up here in a Hawkeye shirt. Today is an Iowa Game day as well
as my grandfather’s birthday, so it is a fitting day to celebrate my dad’s
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the second time I have stood up here. When I lost
mom in 2013 it was hard, but since she had gone through the ravages of
Alzheimer’s I had lost her slowly over many years and her passing was more
expected and a release from the bonds of a disease that took her memories and
mind. This time it is much more difficult. Dad was still active and sharp as a
tack. He had recovered very well from his gallbladder surgery and was expected
to only need some physical rehab for a week. Instead he was talking to me one
moment about emailing Chris about stocks and options and gone in an
instant. It has truly been a shock to my
system. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With mom I lost my confidant. With my dad I lost my advisor,
my rock, my hero.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember my dad telling me that he felt like he traveled
too much as I grew up. He was afraid that I felt he wasn’t there enough. But I
don’t remember him as always traveling or being gone. He made sure that the
time he was not traveling was family time. I remember looking up and seeing him
cheering me on at the swim meets and at the soccer games when I was a young child
in Ohio. I remember building huge snowmen with him and going sledding and ice
skating. He was my biggest supporter and always cheering at my softball games
when we moved to Atlanta. He came to watch me at football games as I performed
in the marching band. He sat through many concerts through many years as I was
in a couple of bands during high school. I remember going to Hilton Head and
Sanibel. I remember Iowa bowl game trips especially going to the 1982 Rose
Bowl. I remember family vacations whether
on our own to places like Disney World or with other family friends to Mammoth
Caves. I remember election night parties and holiday dinners. I remember him as always being there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents were not huge disciplinarians with me. My dad
told me I was a very good child with only a few months of “drama” when I was
13. If there was ever a time I may have gotten in trouble, my mom would say the
words I dreaded “We will talk about this when your dad gets home” I would have
much preferred the yardstick to be brought out and used than to get the lecture
from my dad. I never wanted to disappoint him….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I became pregnant with my daughter Taylor, my dad was
looking at property in the mountains that they would move to. He told my mom
“We won’t be that involved in our grandchild’s life” My mom laughed at him and
told him that his granddaughter would have him wrapped around her little finger
as soon as she was born. Boy was my mom right and my dad wrong! Taylor had him
wrapped at first sight. They were an integral part of her life. Once I divorced
and became a single mom, they stepped in and lessened my mommy guilt for
working long hours by picking up Taylor from daycare a few times a week and
having her spend a night a week with them. My dad loved having Taylor around
and delighted in all of her antics. She was one lucky girl to be able to spend
so much time with her grandparents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad also delighted in his first grandson, Bobby. He was
impressed with his Lego creation abilities and loved to wear his Lao Ye Chinese
shirt when we would meet for a meal. He loved that Bobby and I finally found
the prized shell of Sanibel that dad and I had been searching for since our
first visits to the island.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dad also enjoyed
meeting David and David cheered him on as he got up and walked the first couple
of times after surgery. My dad would smile as David said “Good job Lao Ye!” I
am so sad that my boys did not get more time to spend with such a positive male
role model. My dad would have loved that David shares his love of sports and
would have become his game watching buddy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I have received notes about my dad, I am beginning to
realize that while I am very much like my mom, I am also very much like my dad.
I learned from what was modeled, by how his life was lived. My heart for
helping others came not only from my mom, but also I am finding out from my
dad. My desire to help others, but to do so quietly and behind the scenes is
very much like him. Doing my best at
everything I attempt and knowing that we all make mistakes that we can learn
from also comes from him. One time I had to admit to him that I had not
followed one of his life lessons he had tried to teach me. It was harder to
tell him that than the fallout from my not following his advice. He reassured
me that he hadn’t always followed his own advice on that one either and had
made the same mistake. His “fatherly advice” was to just move forward and know
that everyone makes mistakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I decided to adopt a child, I got up the courage to
tell me dad. I wasn’t sure what he would think since I was already a single mom
and older and because I wanted to adopt a child with special needs. I remember
him smiling and saying “This does not surprise me at all. You have the heart
for these kids” He even wrote the family reference letter. When I decided to
adopt one more son he was fully supportive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents both taught me about the joy of adoption by the
way they raised me and told me my story. Adoption was never a taboo subject in
our house as it was for many back in the 60’s and 70’s, rather it was something
that was normal and to be celebrated. I was and will forever be their chosen
one. I am so very grateful and thankful to have been adopted by my parents. I
know how lucky I am. I know that I got the best. I know that my dad was the
best male role model I could ever have had. He was a great teacher of life
lessons and of how to treat others. He gave me a solid foundation to build my
life on and made me the strong person I am today. He gave me the confidence to
be a single mom and to continue to take on challenges. Genetics may be strong
but he proved that the environment can be just as strong if not stronger. He
never considered me his adopted daughter. I was just his daughter and in the
end when I was discussing the validity of some of the things I read about
adopted kids he finally realized I was talking about myself. He said “Oh, you
are talking about yourself. I forget that we adopted you.” Yep, any man can be
a father but it truly takes someone special to be a dad. My dad was very special and I will miss him
greatly<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Bye dad, I love you! Give mom a hug from me! Go hawks!<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-52724230638465626582015-10-29T00:10:00.000-04:002015-10-29T00:10:15.341-04:002 Weeks and Blank Lines<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a little over 2 weeks since my dad passed away. I
still expect to see his name pop up on my caller ID as it did almost every day
or to check voicemail and have 2 or 3 from him. Instead the phone is relatively
silent with only a telemarketer here and there and the occasional call from
Taylor. My voice mail is now empty with no new “words of fatherly advice”.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dealing with my dad’s death has been vastly different than
dealing with my mom’s death. She had early onset Alzheimer’s and we had been
slowly losing her for a long time. At the end she did not recognize any of us and
so while I grieved I also knew mom’s suffering had ended. Dad had made it
through gallbladder surgery and was doing well.
He had just been discharged and I had just gotten him settled in at the
rehab facility that we thought he would be at for maybe a week. He had been
talking to me about the list of things he needed to do and for me to bring my
computer so I could get him hooked up to his email the next day. As the boys
and I were saying “seeing you tomorrow”, he had a seizure like incident. The ER
doctor said it most likely was a blood clot and just like that he was gone. It
was so sudden and so unexpected and I was just numb and in shock. I still am and it seems like I can’t stop the
tears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the rehab facility as I sat in the hallway waiting as
they attempted CPR and called in the paramedics, I could hardly think. The boys
had been shooed into the internet café room and I am sure were very confused.
The head nurse came to me and asked if I wanted them to continue CPR. I said
yes because just a few seconds earlier he had been just fine. They told me it didn’t
look good and that I might have to make some decisions when we got to the
hospital. My dad and mom had made me promise to “pull the plug” when the time
came. There hadn’t been a plug to pull for mom and I wasn’t sure if I could
make that decision for my dad. I am so thankful for the kindness of strangers
that day. One man stopped and asked if he could pray with me and put his hand
on my shoulder and started to pray. Another lady stopped in and checked on the
boys a couple of times and then would come and just stand by me. Several times,
by various people I was asked if there was someone they could call to come or
that could come drive me to the hospital. All I could answer is “There is no
one. There is only me. I am alone.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know I am not truly alone, but at times it does seem so
right now. I am really an introvert. There have been several articles
circulating FB recently that are spot on about those of us who are introverts. I
need alone time to recharge as social situations drain me. I don’t like small
talk but will talk for hours about topics I am passionate about. I don’t like
to talk to people I don’t know (in person or on the phone.) I don’t particularly
care to be in large groups and do much better in one on one or small group
interactions. I am an observer and a listener. I often run through dialogue in
my head first and think things through before I speak. Most of my life I have
had to step out of my comfort zone in order to participate in social interactions.
I prefer to have a small core group of friends and am very loyal to those I let
into my circle. Unfortunately I have
also tightened up that circle as I have had a few people I thought were good
friends turn into something else and my walls went back up. Since I retired I
have had very little adult conversations as I no longer go to work. I am not
good at reaching out to others to initiate or keep in contact. I prefer to be a
helper and do not ask for help myself. I am no longer sure where I fit in
society. Most of the people I knew before adoption are now retired with grown
children or still working with grown children. I am a retired single mom with
one grown child and 2 elementary aged sons with special needs. All of this
leads to feeling alone. I am surrounded by support and friends on FB, but when
it comes to “Who can we call to help you?” or now that dreaded line for a local
emergency contact person on the school paperwork, I feel alone. Now with my dad
gone, that line is blank. There are 4 lines on the afterschool program
registration form. If I can’t fill on the one emergency contact for the school
form, there is no way I can fill out the 4 for the afterschool program registration.
So the lines are blank and the boys aren’t registered for the afterschool program
and thus no back up plan is in place if I am ever running late or something
happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know I need to rebuild my village locally. I have great
people in Cincinnati who will make sure that my kids are taken care of if
something were to happen to me, but what happens in the interim, until they can
get here? Or what if I am delayed and can’t meet the boy’s bus one day? What if
I need outpatient surgery? What if….. I know I need to step out of my comfort
zone again and start to build a local support system for my boys. I just don’t
know where to start. I don’t like to ask for help as I don’t want to put people
out or make anyone feel obligated to say yes. Probably another reason is I am
also afraid that no one will want to be a part of my village. If you build it
they will come…..but what if they don’t?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to mention that I am so lucky to have a friend like Jamie who knew I would not ask for help, who dropped everything and would not take "No" for an answer and came and stayed with me for those first few days after my dad passed away. She cleaned, cooked and just sat with me. I am also still in awe that another adoptive mom that I only know through FB also dropped everything and headed my way only to be stopped by mechanical issues. Priscilla did that even though she was traveling to pick up her son this past weekend in Bulgaria.</div>
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I did take a step forward locally and have reached out to a fellow
DMD mom. Gretchen and I enjoyed a great lunch and good conversation. So maybe one line is filled, but the others are still blank. </div>
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I am hoping
that maybe once I can get through these next few weeks of dealing with all that
comes along with a parent’s death, I can figure out how to start rebuilding
my village locally. I need people to spend time with as do my boys and those
blank lines need to be filled. So I will try to build it. Will you come?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-78491389331037540382015-08-26T19:52:00.002-04:002015-08-26T19:52:58.852-04:00A Tour of a 2 Bedroom Apartment at the Garden Hotel In GuangzhouI know as I was trying to plan travel for our trip to China, I scoured the internet to find apartment pictures for The Garden Hotel in Guangzhou. I did find a few on a friend's blog and a couple others, so I could get an idea of what one looked like and could decide if it would be what would best meet our needs for the trip. Before we left to come home I took several pictures so I thought I would do a post just on the apartment itself so others could take a look before they take their journey as well.<br />
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I opted for a 2 bedroom apartment at the Garden Hotel. They are in the East Wing and have there own set of elevators. There is almost always someone at the desk to call the elevator and enter your floor. If there is not, you do need your room key in order to access the apartment floors.<br />
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Just as an FYI. The apartments are not as glamorous as the hotel rooms. There is smoking allowed in all apartments. We were on the 14th floor and the smell of smoke hit us as soon as we stepped off of the elevator. Some days it was really bad, while others it was present but just slightly noticable. Note that there is a main entrance door for the aprtment, but also each bedroom has its own entrance door to the hallway.<br />
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The first bedroom had 2 double beds(China size which means slightly wider than twin beds in the US) There is a ton of storage, along with a TV and desk.<br />
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This chest of drawers took up an entire wall in the bedroom. Lots of storage room here!<br />
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There was also a dresser under the TV with more drawer storage space.<br />
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There were 2 closets. One did have a safe and the other had the ironing board. There were a good number of hangers as well.<br />
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This bathroom had a tub/shower combo. The showerhead could be used as a hand held. The toilet in this bathroom had a bidet seat. There was also a sink area with large vanity area and a medicine cabinet and doors underneath the sink area for storage. (See pictures of second bathroom)<br />
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The living room was in between the 2 bedrooms. There was a small couch, arm chair, coffee table, end table and a large cabinet with the TV on top. There was also a dining room table and 4 chairs. There were extra leafs for the table behind the couch if you needed to make the table larger.<br />
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As you walked into the aprtment there was a pantry/glass front cabinet and the refridgerator on the left with the kitchen on the right and the living room straight ahead.<br />
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The fridge was big with a freezer. I made my own ice with bottled water :) Yes, they do put the mini bar stuff in it. All the stuff on top is what was in the fridge when we arrived. We shopped for our own since the prices for their mini bar stuff was pretty steep.</div>
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The kitchen had a cook top, hot pot and a microwave., That is a dishwasher under the stove top. We did not use it as I wasn't sure how it worked. The sink is to the right of the green dish soap bottle.<br />
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This is the washer dryer combo. It won't do huge loads and takes about 3 hours to wash and dry, but i did not have to send out laundry at all this trip. We had it constantly going when we were there. You do need to get the clothes out once dry as if they sit in there overnight they will be damp due to the humidity that comes back in. There were instructions on use in the drawer to the left of the washer. The housekeeper also showed us how to use it.</div>
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You do need to use low suds detergent. I brought the instructions with me when I went shopping at Aeon. I handed it to the ladies in the laundry aisle and pointed at low suds. They read the Chinese version and handed me this bottle. It worked well for us!<br />
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The second bedroom had a king bed(I think that was the size) I somehow did not get a picture of it and I stayed in the other room. There was a desk and TV as well as a chest of drawers. A good amount of storage in this room too. There was a perfect space next to the chest to park Bobby's wheelchair folded. It was the right amount of space between the chest and the start of the wall to the closets.</div>
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This bedroom also had 2 closets. No safe in here but it did have an ironing board and plenty of hangers.<br />
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The bathroom for this bedroom was also a full bathroom. Same sink and vanity area with storage underneath the vanity and in the medicine cabinet. It had just a regular toilet (sorry folks, no bidet seat in here!)<br />
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The tub shower combo was the same as the other bathroom with the handheld shower option as well. Water pressure in both bathrooms was pretty good.<br />
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This is a picture of our lifesaver this trip! The first night i woke up in the middle of the night having sneezing attacks and completely congested. I felt awful and in the morning I went to the front desk to see about being moved, but they had no other apartments available right then. They brought this air purifier up and put it in the living room. It did help, but I asked the next day for a second one for my bedroom and that did the trick. These also act as dehumidifiers. I estimate that they hold about a gallon or a little more before turning off as full. We emptied each unit in the morning as they would both turn off and be full and then again before going to bed as the same thing happened. That was every single day! So that means about 4 gallons of water was pulled out of the air in the rooms each day we were there. If we had a 3rd unit in the other bedroom, I am guessing it would have pulled about the same amount of moisture out. So if you stay in one of the apartments and have an issue, ask for one or 2 of these. They really did the job for us! I did also diffuse Thieves and Purification essential oils during our stay which helped with any musty odor and cleaning the air.</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-16168841258064717772015-08-25T20:45:00.001-04:002015-08-25T20:45:55.143-04:00The Journey HomeSuper Lu here with the report on the journey home. Thursday morning brought the last of the wonderful buffet breakfast. David had some nervousness as shown by his light eating. He did make sure to get one last chicken sausage! Bobby was elated to find that they had his beloved sicky rice for this last breakfast in China (He later told me that he did not want to leave China because he wanted to eat Mooncakes and sticky rice every day!)<br />
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After breakfast the crew headed back up to relax for a bit before having to leave for the airport.<br />
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Soon it was time to leave their home of the last 2 weeks. The boys each helped push a suitcase.<br />
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One last elevator ride....<br />
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It was then off into the van. Today was our favorite driver and van. Bobby loved the stuffed dogs on the dashboard and thought they looked like steamed buns! Today he finally got to touch one and have his picture taken with one!<br />
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A few shots taken while on the drive to the airport. So many apartments and the buildings are so close together. Many looked close enough that you could reach out your window and shake your neighbors hand!<br />
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We reached the airport and it was time for goodbyes and a couple of pictures. The boys both enjoyed our guide Lucia and she was great with them! She did a great job making sure our crew got to where they needed to be and did a wonderful job showing us some sights.<br />
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The boys also enjoyed our favorite driver. He had driven us around a couple of other times and drove us to the orphanage for the visit and was so great with both boys!<br />
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Lucia did acompany our crew inside and made sure that check in went well and then made sure the crew went through the first checkpoint.<br />
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Once at the gate, the crew had to move to the next gate over due to a gate change. Both flights were going to Seoul so there was lots of confusion when the other flight boarded!<br />
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<span id="goog_211624156"></span><span id="goog_211624157"></span>Korean Air was great about boarding those who need a little extra help or time first and took immaculate care of Bobby's travel wheelchair on all flights. Once all were boarded, there was a delay due to air traffic which seems to be the norm flying out of Guangzhou. Soon we were off and on our way to Seoul. Goodbye China! (the airplane is facing that way because we had to do a turnaround to fly out of Guangzhou)<br />
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The flight had quite a bit of turbulence, but it didn't sem to bother David as he was glued to the game screen!<br />
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The crew again spent the night at the Transit Hotel at the airport and had the buffet dinner. It was very soon off to bed for all! This time all slept well as there is only and hour time difference between Seoul and Guangzhou.<br />
It was an early morning wake up and off to board the last leg of the journey home. Once again the food was plentiful and very good. David really enjoyed the Korean dishes with the hot sauce paste!<br />
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David sat like this most of the last few hours of the flight. He kept putting the route map up and trying to move the airplane along faster. It unfortunately didn't work and the flight was still about 14 hours long!<br />
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No pictures were allowed entering the airport or in immigration, so the new family had to bid fairwell to Emily at immigration without a goodbye picture. She was off to catch her flight home and the family had to wait to get through immigration for David. It took a bit, but it was smooth and the officer was so friendly. It was then off to get baggage and catch the shuttle to the parking deck. Soon they were on their way home! A quick stop to pick up lunch from McDonalds and they were finally home. Waiting for them was big sister Taylor who had decorated the house and had roses for mom, presents and signs for the boys, Gigi's cupcakes and fresh food in the fridge!<br />
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Neither boy had slept during the flight but everyone managed to stay awake until 7:30 pm. Bobby made sure to tuck me in before heading up to bed!<br />
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So the family is now home. Taylor headed back to school on Sunday and so this reporter's job is now done. This was quite the trip and so a rest is in order! Soon I will travel to Cincinnati so I can be with another traveling family as they head to a different country. After that? The schedule is unclear. Here's hoping I can return to the Baird family in time to accompany them on their Disney cruise in early April. There is rumor that a couple of other Disney outfits are waiting for me should I be able to cover the DCL cruise assignment! So for a final time on this China assignment, this is Super Lu signing off!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-91656879249425174112015-08-24T15:58:00.002-04:002015-08-24T15:58:17.558-04:00Last Full DaySuper Lu back again with a delayed report. So much packing and last minute shopping left little time for reporting the last couple of days before returning back to the US!<br />
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Wednesday brought a totally free day. No appointments or paperwork to collect, just packing and getting ready to leave on Thursday for the first leg of the journey back home. Since both boys had shown signs of being tired yesterday, it was agreed that it would be a restful day inside today in order to help make the next 2 travel days hopefully go well. So this reporter headed out with Beth for one more jaunt to Aeon while Emily stayed back with the boys.<br />
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The heat amd humidity was bad again today as was the air quality once again(several days in the early morning hours the rating has been in the unhealthy range. With the heat and humidity it is hard on the lungs!) After picking up the last few things to take home(a couple of extra fidget toys, nice chopsticks for the boys, some Pleaseant Goat bowls, little plastic school boxes with a puzzle of China on them, and another package of White Rabbot Candy and Garden salad Pretz for big sister Taylor) it was back out in the heat to go back to the hotel. Here are a few random pictures along the way.<br />
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Cinderella makes a showing in China at Aeon in the women's clothes department<br />
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Always traffic. Today it was heavier on the opposite side of the road.<br />
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Public bikes for rent!<br />
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In China they park everywhere often blocking the limited curb cuts they have and often on the sidewalk itself!<br />
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Seems most deliveries are made by bike or motor scooter. What a load to balance!<br />
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Most of the sidewalks had this strip on them. They are to help those with vision impairments get around and navigate the sidewalks safely.<br />
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Many of the overpasses and elevated edestrain walkways were covere in plants to help beautify the city.<br />
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The Chinese version of a wheelchair ramp. Almost all we came across were very steeo angles. This one was short but the longer ones where very dangerous to go up and down with very steep angles.<br />
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Yep Toni & Guy is in China too!<br />
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So many apartments!<br />
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The stores are on street level (very small shops) and apartments are above.<br />
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The Garden Hotel<br />
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We enjoyed some of the bakery/deli delights several times during our trip!<br />
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Last dinner in China was room service. The sweet corn fried rice was out of this world!<br />
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Bobby enjoyed some very spicy fried rice!<br />
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David opted for the chicken and sweet corn fried rice<br />
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Our view from one window<br />
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A view from another room<br />
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David kept saying "Tomorrow, America!" for most of the evening. Once the boys were in bed, Beth repacked and reshuffled things to even out the weight of the suitcases. Then it was off to bed for one last sleep in China. In the morning, it will be time to leave and make the trek to the airport for the flight to Seoul. So for now, this is Super Lu signing off!<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-52191772220898451492015-08-18T09:46:00.001-04:002015-08-18T09:54:06.638-04:00Shopping, Chilling and VisaSuper Lu here once again with the daily report. Today everyone slept in after such a draining day yesterday. The crew had a wonderful breakfast at the buffet once again. Bobby enjoyed some Dragon fruit and David downed his usual noodles and lots of meat!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hkvsGux1Vwc/VdM26aeIUkI/AAAAAAAABRM/qC_rA4FJQKY/s640/blogger-image--991723617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hkvsGux1Vwc/VdM26aeIUkI/AAAAAAAABRM/qC_rA4FJQKY/s640/blogger-image--991723617.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-paz9Jd1m_70/VdM3QbmfJLI/AAAAAAAABS0/fUnPvYPea_E/s640/blogger-image-1496867374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-paz9Jd1m_70/VdM3QbmfJLI/AAAAAAAABS0/fUnPvYPea_E/s640/blogger-image-1496867374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After breakfast they headed out to the garden area for some pictures and fish feeding. David has quite the arm and liked to make the fish move for their food!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ba1X4-MDeSY/VdM3RzDrRaI/AAAAAAAABS8/_nnteiiDz9Q/s640/blogger-image--645034769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ba1X4-MDeSY/VdM3RzDrRaI/AAAAAAAABS8/_nnteiiDz9Q/s640/blogger-image--645034769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys stopped for a picture inside. Note the sign by the fountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uYqGRgdx-Os/VdM23DxMC6I/AAAAAAAABQ8/mjr-cubZdq4/s640/blogger-image-897804146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uYqGRgdx-Os/VdM23DxMC6I/AAAAAAAABQ8/mjr-cubZdq4/s640/blogger-image-897804146.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFp_169Gmwc/VdM3HAotvvI/AAAAAAAABSE/NzGRaIH07a0/s640/blogger-image-1024894796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qFp_169Gmwc/VdM3HAotvvI/AAAAAAAABSE/NzGRaIH07a0/s640/blogger-image-1024894796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was then off to Aeon for a bit of shopping. This reporter had a bit of a problem with the humidity today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGVRlhVQ7O8/VdM3Dkko9GI/AAAAAAAABR0/7lrYAsHFNQs/s640/blogger-image-207277292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGVRlhVQ7O8/VdM3Dkko9GI/AAAAAAAABR0/7lrYAsHFNQs/s640/blogger-image-207277292.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This time the crew was able to get an elevator up to the second floor so the boys could check out the toys! They had some cute kids clothes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zItPTHT-39c/VdM20jOlPrI/AAAAAAAABQs/YOMWi_GUAMM/s640/blogger-image--821728132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zItPTHT-39c/VdM20jOlPrI/AAAAAAAABQs/YOMWi_GUAMM/s640/blogger-image--821728132.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the boys each picked out a small toy, it was back downstairs to the supermarket. They decided to pass on the Durian fruit with its very fragrant stench reminiscent of rotting garbage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocrRwOPLUGI/VdM3TtW6hfI/AAAAAAAABTE/GSQsTJNeh7c/s640/blogger-image--1768649734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocrRwOPLUGI/VdM3TtW6hfI/AAAAAAAABTE/GSQsTJNeh7c/s640/blogger-image--1768649734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With provisions in hand it was off to H&M which happens to be one of big sister Taylor's favorite stores. It was nice and cool inside!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdMrEO2IPjw/VdM3JKslhGI/AAAAAAAABSM/uLUTGVSDcyg/s640/blogger-image--1205248323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdMrEO2IPjw/VdM3JKslhGI/AAAAAAAABSM/uLUTGVSDcyg/s640/blogger-image--1205248323.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdeSmlWOEUA/VdM3LsEsOmI/AAAAAAAABSc/M74aOBZFO_U/s640/blogger-image--515138711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdeSmlWOEUA/VdM3LsEsOmI/AAAAAAAABSc/M74aOBZFO_U/s640/blogger-image--515138711.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpDvkDf-Sk8/VdM2xAi9VOI/AAAAAAAABQc/DlLp3GW0wcA/s640/blogger-image--1632024374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpDvkDf-Sk8/VdM2xAi9VOI/AAAAAAAABQc/DlLp3GW0wcA/s640/blogger-image--1632024374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XceKwabvMfo/VdM216B2GlI/AAAAAAAABQ0/ZCQJCxL9g7g/s640/blogger-image-1094233377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XceKwabvMfo/VdM216B2GlI/AAAAAAAABQ0/ZCQJCxL9g7g/s640/blogger-image-1094233377.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Az-5rpxYs0Y/VdM3KUjpxAI/AAAAAAAABSU/9xLMhzZnLb4/s640/blogger-image-1626195164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Az-5rpxYs0Y/VdM3KUjpxAI/AAAAAAAABSU/9xLMhzZnLb4/s640/blogger-image-1626195164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There seems to be as many Starbucks here in Guangzhou as there are in Atlanta! This one is open 24 hours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbxpkDJUsGM/VdM3BxmmInI/AAAAAAAABRs/K-WgIgWbrdI/s640/blogger-image-889378263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbxpkDJUsGM/VdM3BxmmInI/AAAAAAAABRs/K-WgIgWbrdI/s640/blogger-image-889378263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last stop before going back to the hotel was at the bakery to get Bobby the moon cakes he has been begging for all week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYvXABaHTtM/VdM3Oo_SzlI/AAAAAAAABSs/fggO7DSFXY8/s640/blogger-image-224691354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYvXABaHTtM/VdM3Oo_SzlI/AAAAAAAABSs/fggO7DSFXY8/s640/blogger-image-224691354.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we were crossing the lobby at the hotel, we ran into our new friends. So fun to be able to share part of this journey with new friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1dJXwfdRlg/VdM3Nf5VQyI/AAAAAAAABSk/-T-C9_hE0OA/s640/blogger-image--628949843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1dJXwfdRlg/VdM3Nf5VQyI/AAAAAAAABSk/-T-C9_hE0OA/s640/blogger-image--628949843.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rest of the day was spent with a lunch of noodles in the room, chilling out with music, toys and iPads. At 5:30 our guide, Lucia brought by David's Visa, the brown envelope for immigration and The Hague certificate. That means that all paperwork, appointments....everything is complete and the crew can start the journey home on Thursday. The crew enjoyed dinner at Lei Wan again and then headed back to the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DsQzGNz4SBQ/VdM2_wR1aKI/AAAAAAAABRk/AAj9S37xCSk/s640/blogger-image--1671430194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DsQzGNz4SBQ/VdM2_wR1aKI/AAAAAAAABRk/AAj9S37xCSk/s640/blogger-image--1671430194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2AVL5jBWrzA/VdM3FTrU-EI/AAAAAAAABR8/fDL8tP62xlk/s640/blogger-image-1871418966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2AVL5jBWrzA/VdM3FTrU-EI/AAAAAAAABR8/fDL8tP62xlk/s640/blogger-image-1871418966.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tl9I-gWBdkQ/VdM2zIEgpPI/AAAAAAAABQk/eX5uoYDJS6E/s640/blogger-image-846629355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tl9I-gWBdkQ/VdM2zIEgpPI/AAAAAAAABQk/eX5uoYDJS6E/s640/blogger-image-846629355.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shhh, This is the secret stash of the crew's newest addiction. They have plenty to bring back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zixecymC35E/VdM298e1sZI/AAAAAAAABRc/TIEuR9kcjfo/s640/blogger-image--2026471317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zixecymC35E/VdM298e1sZI/AAAAAAAABRc/TIEuR9kcjfo/s640/blogger-image--2026471317.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This reporter has to share the fabulous new outfit acquired at Aeon today. Maybe after I complete a couple more adventures, I can return and join the Baird family on their Disney Cruise in April. Wouldn't this outfit be just perfect for that?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDE-RISls0E/VdM24uiyVNI/AAAAAAAABRE/WWcbEawOOr8/s640/blogger-image--1042542450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDE-RISls0E/VdM24uiyVNI/AAAAAAAABRE/WWcbEawOOr8/s640/blogger-image--1042542450.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HnxITtClTEU/VdM28ThY1dI/AAAAAAAABRU/9e8gti32qa8/s640/blogger-image--1103253346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HnxITtClTEU/VdM28ThY1dI/AAAAAAAABRU/9e8gti32qa8/s640/blogger-image--1103253346.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow is the last full day in China. It is a day with no plans except for packing and making sure everyone is as rested as possible for the long journey home. Until tomorrow, this is Super Lu signing off!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-11377836186416603612015-08-17T10:42:00.001-04:002015-08-17T10:42:27.004-04:00Brutal day!Super Lu back again to report on today's events. Today was brutal! Not the schedule, but the heat and humidity. The crew had an early breakfast and then headed to the consulate for the Visa appointment. They had to wait about 15 minutes until the guards opened the doors to begin the day. Bobby had a minor meltdown as the heat was just too much for his tired little self! Beth felt like she was melting as did Emily. David never complained. I have to admit that this reporter was glad to get inside the building and into some air conditioning!<div><br></div><div>As I reported earlier, David said yes and so his Visa is now being processed and should be printed tomorrow with Visa pickup scheduled in the afternoon. The U.S. consulate has had some issues with the Visa system (especially in June and July) so all are praying that all the glitches have been fixed and that the Visa is delivered back to the family tomorrow!</div><div><br></div><div>After the Visa appointment the family headed back to the hotel to have the boys change out of the heavier weight polo shirts into lighter weight clothes. After a nice break in the air conditioning, our crew met in the lobby with 2 other families and headed to the Safari Park. This reporter will not lie, it was miserable heat and humidity wise. I popped out for the train ride, but most of the time, I ducked into the book bag next to the ice water where it was cool! The park was also extremely crowded since it is still summer holidays here in China.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lE-FLhdjnig/VdHygoG7ZYI/AAAAAAAABOs/bq3raTULygo/s640/blogger-image-1392921266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lE-FLhdjnig/VdHygoG7ZYI/AAAAAAAABOs/bq3raTULygo/s640/blogger-image-1392921266.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys enjoyed the train ride and there was a nice breeze as we rode along. There were many animals to see! It was hard to get pictures as the train driver kept moving along at a fairly quick pace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--RTZ9jmzoyY/VdHyPtbCwYI/AAAAAAAABNc/B-mooSOJJog/s640/blogger-image--358036712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--RTZ9jmzoyY/VdHyPtbCwYI/AAAAAAAABNc/B-mooSOJJog/s640/blogger-image--358036712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZv82ZPWOpM/VdHykk5DauI/AAAAAAAABO8/OWwj6bUzBoU/s640/blogger-image-1267785257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZv82ZPWOpM/VdHykk5DauI/AAAAAAAABO8/OWwj6bUzBoU/s640/blogger-image-1267785257.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jjaKusnTKWw/VdHyYVKpScI/AAAAAAAABOE/FCmi4C67wQM/s640/blogger-image--1555955319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jjaKusnTKWw/VdHyYVKpScI/AAAAAAAABOE/FCmi4C67wQM/s640/blogger-image--1555955319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaLSe0EdOkE/VdHyrrZ6XZI/AAAAAAAABPc/3MahDh2OpTg/s640/blogger-image-1895649344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaLSe0EdOkE/VdHyrrZ6XZI/AAAAAAAABPc/3MahDh2OpTg/s640/blogger-image-1895649344.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBxe5jUsggE/VdHyp2RT2pI/AAAAAAAABPU/5NajLxub7io/s640/blogger-image-493277108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBxe5jUsggE/VdHyp2RT2pI/AAAAAAAABPU/5NajLxub7io/s640/blogger-image-493277108.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpLCfiPWnMo/VdHyRZ1_kdI/AAAAAAAABNk/YFJxEVQ15mI/s640/blogger-image--1134772763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NpLCfiPWnMo/VdHyRZ1_kdI/AAAAAAAABNk/YFJxEVQ15mI/s640/blogger-image--1134772763.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrzFSFZVZS8/VdHytYA9T3I/AAAAAAAABPk/_IUdWbHDX08/s640/blogger-image-1656021888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrzFSFZVZS8/VdHytYA9T3I/AAAAAAAABPk/_IUdWbHDX08/s640/blogger-image-1656021888.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpEvMbaX-iA/VdHyyMyGZGI/AAAAAAAABP8/VxTSKwSSaBo/s640/blogger-image--340961850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpEvMbaX-iA/VdHyyMyGZGI/AAAAAAAABP8/VxTSKwSSaBo/s640/blogger-image--340961850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6aJz9bqlE0/VdHyu_K_1WI/AAAAAAAABPs/xUFX_Osfx90/s640/blogger-image--1366106042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6aJz9bqlE0/VdHyu_K_1WI/AAAAAAAABPs/xUFX_Osfx90/s640/blogger-image--1366106042.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xcJImu9Nf8/VdHyiZd7RxI/AAAAAAAABO0/D7G-Kb7K738/s640/blogger-image--1596976601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xcJImu9Nf8/VdHyiZd7RxI/AAAAAAAABO0/D7G-Kb7K738/s640/blogger-image--1596976601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVPVd0RGfwE/VdHyG0vAt5I/AAAAAAAABM0/I3mcbAokfO0/s640/blogger-image-1342657849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVPVd0RGfwE/VdHyG0vAt5I/AAAAAAAABM0/I3mcbAokfO0/s640/blogger-image-1342657849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ec52oD2bPUE/VdHymJwI65I/AAAAAAAABPE/0VqnzwmRokQ/s640/blogger-image-577968903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ec52oD2bPUE/VdHymJwI65I/AAAAAAAABPE/0VqnzwmRokQ/s640/blogger-image-577968903.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtYxwQQUHV0/VdHyWfQelSI/AAAAAAAABN8/ndPKovbvfnM/s640/blogger-image-1448768105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtYxwQQUHV0/VdHyWfQelSI/AAAAAAAABN8/ndPKovbvfnM/s640/blogger-image-1448768105.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After getting off the train the group stopped for some ice cream and then headed down the Jurassic Forest trail. Bobby loved it, but David was not a fan of dinosaurs popping out at him and the dinosaur noises! He kept a tight grip on his mom's hand and hid behind her for most of the hike through that section!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wtVKyRxQcU/VdHyKqULvPI/AAAAAAAABNE/2c7CHmSPvgw/s640/blogger-image-175156925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wtVKyRxQcU/VdHyKqULvPI/AAAAAAAABNE/2c7CHmSPvgw/s640/blogger-image-175156925.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTZYMyeJOC8/VdHywn4TYSI/AAAAAAAABP0/5fAqY5x0S5w/s640/blogger-image-471737172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTZYMyeJOC8/VdHywn4TYSI/AAAAAAAABP0/5fAqY5x0S5w/s640/blogger-image-471737172.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMR_SBse4mY/VdHyoA8P24I/AAAAAAAABPM/ZRZJ_La5gmQ/s640/blogger-image-2099377295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMR_SBse4mY/VdHyoA8P24I/AAAAAAAABPM/ZRZJ_La5gmQ/s640/blogger-image-2099377295.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CZWhswoQ1rw/VdHyN1tghZI/AAAAAAAABNU/8KO6uvaJwG8/s640/blogger-image-104612824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CZWhswoQ1rw/VdHyN1tghZI/AAAAAAAABNU/8KO6uvaJwG8/s640/blogger-image-104612824.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wMtjecdMBuU/VdHyZ6DqLpI/AAAAAAAABOM/s8s6MAsR2EY/s640/blogger-image-97160962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wMtjecdMBuU/VdHyZ6DqLpI/AAAAAAAABOM/s8s6MAsR2EY/s640/blogger-image-97160962.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjxnWKXUx4A/VdHybvGGpQI/AAAAAAAABOU/IeYlGSc7qV0/s640/blogger-image-1045060765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjxnWKXUx4A/VdHybvGGpQI/AAAAAAAABOU/IeYlGSc7qV0/s640/blogger-image-1045060765.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AF7MK09i8L8/VdHyTIV6zjI/AAAAAAAABNo/7LnXeMODSWY/s640/blogger-image-2102398324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AF7MK09i8L8/VdHyTIV6zjI/AAAAAAAABNo/7LnXeMODSWY/s640/blogger-image-2102398324.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Done with the scary dinosaurs, the Lemur exhibit was next. It started to rain So the group stayed for a few minutes under the shelter to stay dry. The rain did not seem to stop the Lemurs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DiSfz3nNsYs/VdHydEGMqdI/AAAAAAAABOc/fQoWfNoTbUw/s640/blogger-image-281555048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DiSfz3nNsYs/VdHydEGMqdI/AAAAAAAABOc/fQoWfNoTbUw/s640/blogger-image-281555048.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RlB3hwcGUPc/VdHyz3EPHAI/AAAAAAAABQE/ushEE6EaAr8/s640/blogger-image-620336517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RlB3hwcGUPc/VdHyz3EPHAI/AAAAAAAABQE/ushEE6EaAr8/s640/blogger-image-620336517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rained slowed to a light drizzle and the group moved on. As they went through the orangutan exhibit the youngest orangutan's climbed over the crowd and started playing. How cool was it to stand directly under these cute youngsters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2MC-BvNClr4/VdHyIz0PXaI/AAAAAAAABM8/ebZtzfthYxk/s640/blogger-image--1412586374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2MC-BvNClr4/VdHyIz0PXaI/AAAAAAAABM8/ebZtzfthYxk/s640/blogger-image--1412586374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HZB9tFo54Ic/VdHyUxxd1KI/AAAAAAAABN0/XpB6-gcs6rk/s640/blogger-image--1727284065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HZB9tFo54Ic/VdHyUxxd1KI/AAAAAAAABN0/XpB6-gcs6rk/s640/blogger-image--1727284065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7-Kwiahjxw/VdHye-AJ4mI/AAAAAAAABOk/6VxPnmwXE8U/s640/blogger-image-714667712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7-Kwiahjxw/VdHye-AJ4mI/AAAAAAAABOk/6VxPnmwXE8U/s640/blogger-image-714667712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBidXEbtkoo/VdHyDOu60VI/AAAAAAAABMk/lDWQyDFu4BI/s640/blogger-image-1277150046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBidXEbtkoo/VdHyDOu60VI/AAAAAAAABMk/lDWQyDFu4BI/s640/blogger-image-1277150046.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>The heat and the humidity had all the families dragging. They headed to the Pandas hoping to see the triplet pandas, but the crowd was so chaotic they could not get anywhere near them! They were able to catch a glimpse of some of the adult pandas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuPmEuwRPkE/VdHyME-vU6I/AAAAAAAABNM/5GIDFCJ8fyc/s640/blogger-image--661228436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuPmEuwRPkE/VdHyME-vU6I/AAAAAAAABNM/5GIDFCJ8fyc/s640/blogger-image--661228436.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From there the group headed back to the entrance to catch their ride back to the hotel. A huge shout out goes to the 2 dads in the group who helped push Bobby up the many hills at the Safari Park! With the brutal heat and humidity, we would not have made it through the park without them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">David had been pointing out every Panda toy we have seen for days. He was able to pick out a stuffed Panda at the Safari Park. Once back to the room, he went straight to his bed and tucked his panda in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LPM0vBH6b1Y/VdHyEzhXmHI/AAAAAAAABMs/p4q3-t-tFng/s640/blogger-image--264984289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LPM0vBH6b1Y/VdHyEzhXmHI/AAAAAAAABMs/p4q3-t-tFng/s640/blogger-image--264984289.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow is a free day with only the delivery of the Visa scheduled. So until tomorrow, this is Super Lu signing off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-36666025973702738982015-08-17T08:22:00.001-04:002015-08-17T08:22:56.019-04:00He said YesSuper Lu with this breaking news. The U.S. consulate appointment was this morning. They must interview all kids over 10 who are being adopted. They ask "Do you want to be adopted by this mama and go to America?" David, without hesitation said "Yes!" So he is being granted a Visa and now in both China and the U.S. David is considered the son of Beth Baird. Visa pickup is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and the family will leave for the first leg of the journey home on Thursday. More news on today's activities later! For now this is Super Lu signing off! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_vGDgCDYhg/VdHSHL8wk3I/AAAAAAAABMQ/9K_v6FQqThg/s640/blogger-image-300457379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_vGDgCDYhg/VdHSHL8wk3I/AAAAAAAABMQ/9K_v6FQqThg/s640/blogger-image-300457379.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-34187849490726775222015-08-16T09:35:00.001-04:002015-08-16T09:35:16.441-04:00Luck of the Irish?Super Lu here again with all the news that is news. Today started out with Bobby staking claim to the "dancing corner" in the elevator on the way to breakfast.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D7eyN0o92Iw/VdCRi9MKzcI/AAAAAAAABLw/cvPa34Tzyqk/s640/blogger-image--1707915019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D7eyN0o92Iw/VdCRi9MKzcI/AAAAAAAABLw/cvPa34Tzyqk/s640/blogger-image--1707915019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After another yummy breakfast at the wonderful buffet, the crew headed out with 2 other families for a day of shopping. First stop was an embroidery shop, which did not thrill either David or Bobby!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ps2g_HY75ok/VdCRJl49EMI/AAAAAAAABJg/4K_5mRvm0X4/s640/blogger-image-1658426929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ps2g_HY75ok/VdCRJl49EMI/AAAAAAAABJg/4K_5mRvm0X4/s640/blogger-image-1658426929.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next stop was a pearl shop. Each of the boys got a necklace to give to their bride if they should get married. They also picked out a gift for their sister, Taylor. The necklaces are made in front of you and each pearl is knotted off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbpN6zvjoao/VdCRLLacWYI/AAAAAAAABJo/QnYxTkrpiDE/s640/blogger-image-644483813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WbpN6zvjoao/VdCRLLacWYI/AAAAAAAABJo/QnYxTkrpiDE/s640/blogger-image-644483813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ikFW2Tk-Bd8/VdCRTkfOTMI/AAAAAAAABKY/xCpeqQjmjvY/s640/blogger-image--1608459427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ikFW2Tk-Bd8/VdCRTkfOTMI/AAAAAAAABKY/xCpeqQjmjvY/s640/blogger-image--1608459427.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--5ze4LsEeU8/VdCRY7BfOjI/AAAAAAAABK4/kaAqMtHr1lU/s640/blogger-image--145038241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--5ze4LsEeU8/VdCRY7BfOjI/AAAAAAAABK4/kaAqMtHr1lU/s640/blogger-image--145038241.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-moJOPtUZtbg/VdCRkZN2tLI/AAAAAAAABL4/12xDkkwRI8g/s640/blogger-image--712367058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-moJOPtUZtbg/VdCRkZN2tLI/AAAAAAAABL4/12xDkkwRI8g/s640/blogger-image--712367058.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the Pearl store it was off to Shaiman Island. Since the White Swan Hotel has reopened, the island has seen a huge increase in locals going to the island. A stop in one shop brought success and silk outfits for the boys (and a new outfit for this super reporter!) I also got to visit with one of my friends Ginni.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zo4hHMuVqRY/VdCRabg9ftI/AAAAAAAABLA/4Y3AD1nV9Dc/s640/blogger-image--1757188076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zo4hHMuVqRY/VdCRabg9ftI/AAAAAAAABLA/4Y3AD1nV9Dc/s640/blogger-image--1757188076.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S4VjIsFKO8I/VdCRdMzAP9I/AAAAAAAABLQ/Zqnu1694M8s/s640/blogger-image-906496006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S4VjIsFKO8I/VdCRdMzAP9I/AAAAAAAABLQ/Zqnu1694M8s/s640/blogger-image-906496006.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hunger struck after making the purchases, so it was off to Lucy's for lunch. The boys enjoyed noodles and beef while the adults had fried chicken and grilled cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFZwB0vUJuc/VdCRehPRWMI/AAAAAAAABLY/oQy4UWM3UdY/s640/blogger-image-1077638685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFZwB0vUJuc/VdCRehPRWMI/AAAAAAAABLY/oQy4UWM3UdY/s640/blogger-image-1077638685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4n_bEvnLzY/VdCRbusbF1I/AAAAAAAABLI/c-jZ6z1pM3A/s640/blogger-image--1547940004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4n_bEvnLzY/VdCRbusbF1I/AAAAAAAABLI/c-jZ6z1pM3A/s640/blogger-image--1547940004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After eating the crew headed out for a stroll around the island and of course some pictures with all the statues!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0qW59L5-BsY/VdCRIMauUSI/AAAAAAAABJY/BwHRJ94qFg0/s640/blogger-image-1444912877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0qW59L5-BsY/VdCRIMauUSI/AAAAAAAABJY/BwHRJ94qFg0/s640/blogger-image-1444912877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyD57DZlPQw/VdCRMmeVQBI/AAAAAAAABJw/tRTL_UWqItI/s640/blogger-image-1935627819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyD57DZlPQw/VdCRMmeVQBI/AAAAAAAABJw/tRTL_UWqItI/s640/blogger-image-1935627819.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JnU0P0UrL8E/VdCRQ8y2FeI/AAAAAAAABKI/X_5MsjAULyM/s640/blogger-image--500372317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JnU0P0UrL8E/VdCRQ8y2FeI/AAAAAAAABKI/X_5MsjAULyM/s640/blogger-image--500372317.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ffo4aNhGJ1U/VdCRhu-iQ2I/AAAAAAAABLo/i1rRutAvWY8/s640/blogger-image--755363636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ffo4aNhGJ1U/VdCRhu-iQ2I/AAAAAAAABLo/i1rRutAvWY8/s640/blogger-image--755363636.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZeFp9Yhf3iY/VdCRSHnI9QI/AAAAAAAABKQ/UiKR52fVqEI/s640/blogger-image--1166791042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZeFp9Yhf3iY/VdCRSHnI9QI/AAAAAAAABKQ/UiKR52fVqEI/s640/blogger-image--1166791042.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwJNiUVcyV8/VdCRPktbljI/AAAAAAAABKA/kbBmUbGGIds/s640/blogger-image-772331469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwJNiUVcyV8/VdCRPktbljI/AAAAAAAABKA/kbBmUbGGIds/s640/blogger-image-772331469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7q1xifRaBQ/VdCRXiRskiI/AAAAAAAABKw/VrkzGrCX1-g/s640/blogger-image-514358923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7q1xifRaBQ/VdCRXiRskiI/AAAAAAAABKw/VrkzGrCX1-g/s640/blogger-image-514358923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N6BabJDXgkY/VdCRVFok0jI/AAAAAAAABKg/pvT6eGDEbWg/s640/blogger-image-346034151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N6BabJDXgkY/VdCRVFok0jI/AAAAAAAABKg/pvT6eGDEbWg/s640/blogger-image-346034151.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The heat and humidity was brutal today so all of the families were glad to hop back on the bus and get back to the air conditioned hotel! A bit of down time was just the ticket! Dinner tonight was at the Irish Pub. Yep those are nachos that were very tasty from the Paddy Field menu!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNjsXfLzCPo/VdCRWsxVhzI/AAAAAAAABKo/WrOo7nbH7Kc/s640/blogger-image--1372437073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNjsXfLzCPo/VdCRWsxVhzI/AAAAAAAABKo/WrOo7nbH7Kc/s640/blogger-image--1372437073.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQRXnty5yuY/VdCRgA1Y8UI/AAAAAAAABLg/y2BsWugRilQ/s640/blogger-image--37810691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQRXnty5yuY/VdCRgA1Y8UI/AAAAAAAABLg/y2BsWugRilQ/s640/blogger-image--37810691.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYxZ2F5HBNM/VdCROGw_gHI/AAAAAAAABJ4/br69eY1viFw/s640/blogger-image-1461534010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYxZ2F5HBNM/VdCROGw_gHI/AAAAAAAABJ4/br69eY1viFw/s640/blogger-image-1461534010.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Tomorrow brings an early morning Consulate appointment and then a trip to the Safari Park. Until then, this is Super Lu signing off!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-26245238209292253112015-08-15T11:29:00.001-04:002015-08-15T11:30:23.156-04:00A Special DaySuper Lu here with another update. Today was a day to sleep in a bit. Once again there was a line for breakfast, so we were ushered over to the elevators and sent up to the 30th floor. Another delightful breakfast!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s3QbEOIyK6s/Vc9aPPZXE8I/AAAAAAAABGM/Gu2oMB66-5s/s640/blogger-image--2103184485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s3QbEOIyK6s/Vc9aPPZXE8I/AAAAAAAABGM/Gu2oMB66-5s/s640/blogger-image--2103184485.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qs2b-uCPKTY/Vc9aSZu5IGI/AAAAAAAABGc/6tjxV6fKlXI/s640/blogger-image--256981846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qs2b-uCPKTY/Vc9aSZu5IGI/AAAAAAAABGc/6tjxV6fKlXI/s640/blogger-image--256981846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After breakfast the crew headed out to the Friendship Store. It is right across the street from the hotel, but to get to it you have to go out the side of the hotel, under the main road and up a hill. Not an easy feat when one is pushing a wheelchair! The 4th floor grocery store had many international brands. On the way back we stopped to see the Zoo Coffee Giraffe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iN3n22SGAbk/Vc9avtkpMAI/AAAAAAAABIU/eaciO5Ykrkw/s640/blogger-image--443560796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iN3n22SGAbk/Vc9avtkpMAI/AAAAAAAABIU/eaciO5Ykrkw/s640/blogger-image--443560796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jd35ahNs5mc/Vc9am1_f-QI/AAAAAAAABH0/ESCG5Ridlb8/s640/blogger-image-790539148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jd35ahNs5mc/Vc9am1_f-QI/AAAAAAAABH0/ESCG5Ridlb8/s640/blogger-image-790539148.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Luckily the rain held off until all were back in the hotel room. It was a dreary day and the air quality was tough on the crew today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dQX2OFwGnA/Vc9a01wzdJI/AAAAAAAABIs/Zn-MABwSi20/s640/blogger-image--1183982273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1dQX2OFwGnA/Vc9a01wzdJI/AAAAAAAABIs/Zn-MABwSi20/s640/blogger-image--1183982273.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybHQTdyBwWk/Vc9abFYKNRI/AAAAAAAABHE/EtaH1j9988M/s640/blogger-image-301392671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybHQTdyBwWk/Vc9abFYKNRI/AAAAAAAABHE/EtaH1j9988M/s640/blogger-image-301392671.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-159-K3BewY0/Vc9aps7qMmI/AAAAAAAABH8/8YjdDx0kIhA/s640/blogger-image-135843379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-159-K3BewY0/Vc9aps7qMmI/AAAAAAAABH8/8YjdDx0kIhA/s640/blogger-image-135843379.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Today was also a special day for David. He turned 12 years old today! The hotel sent up a cake that was very yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXxKbNmVPqI/Vc9aVVCwCmI/AAAAAAAABGs/ky8gDuXF2jc/s640/blogger-image-1397343412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXxKbNmVPqI/Vc9aVVCwCmI/AAAAAAAABGs/ky8gDuXF2jc/s640/blogger-image-1397343412.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xPXfZ3Mps8/Vc9atfxh5yI/AAAAAAAABIM/sV42mdKWYi4/s640/blogger-image--1838980451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xPXfZ3Mps8/Vc9atfxh5yI/AAAAAAAABIM/sV42mdKWYi4/s640/blogger-image--1838980451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDzge9FxSvI/Vc9agDKr0xI/AAAAAAAABHc/Uz7n_WPgjP8/s640/blogger-image--708569792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDzge9FxSvI/Vc9agDKr0xI/AAAAAAAABHc/Uz7n_WPgjP8/s640/blogger-image--708569792.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the birthday celebration, it was off for a cruise on the Pearl River. It was a dinner cruise and there were some interesting dishes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mh9hfTm7MtI/Vc9ad41_tUI/AAAAAAAABHU/6LAAyo9ySLs/s640/blogger-image--499223062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mh9hfTm7MtI/Vc9ad41_tUI/AAAAAAAABHU/6LAAyo9ySLs/s640/blogger-image--499223062.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ohHbIQiT2OY/Vc9aQ8CENmI/AAAAAAAABGU/YeyRg-BTe0E/s640/blogger-image--374064319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ohHbIQiT2OY/Vc9aQ8CENmI/AAAAAAAABGU/YeyRg-BTe0E/s640/blogger-image--374064319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbiBby40JPw/Vc9ah63GiEI/AAAAAAAABHk/1d0LcT7jgqE/s640/blogger-image--257705972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbiBby40JPw/Vc9ah63GiEI/AAAAAAAABHk/1d0LcT7jgqE/s640/blogger-image--257705972.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-SXit5-aPs/Vc9aW-kkCeI/AAAAAAAABG0/a3W9km9dO98/s640/blogger-image-1811591801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-SXit5-aPs/Vc9aW-kkCeI/AAAAAAAABG0/a3W9km9dO98/s640/blogger-image-1811591801.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes that is a chicken head!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once the darkness fell the sights became colorful lights. The boys enjoyed standing out on the front deck of the 2nd floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_rde0YtU60/Vc9acTFwJRI/AAAAAAAABHM/fV-xYBEHv74/s640/blogger-image--995421577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_rde0YtU60/Vc9acTFwJRI/AAAAAAAABHM/fV-xYBEHv74/s640/blogger-image--995421577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPE_M9dQ8G0/Vc9arfrUDfI/AAAAAAAABIE/K2hn60tqTis/s640/blogger-image-47059875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPE_M9dQ8G0/Vc9arfrUDfI/AAAAAAAABIE/K2hn60tqTis/s640/blogger-image-47059875.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRIIFzkJ_Lc/Vc9a4EECjUI/AAAAAAAABI8/FWODnaaqwXI/s640/blogger-image--1193467483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRIIFzkJ_Lc/Vc9a4EECjUI/AAAAAAAABI8/FWODnaaqwXI/s640/blogger-image--1193467483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cl4p6UruPDc/Vc9aTmEA1kI/AAAAAAAABGk/zKJ1DVqlwsI/s640/blogger-image--303383253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cl4p6UruPDc/Vc9aTmEA1kI/AAAAAAAABGk/zKJ1DVqlwsI/s640/blogger-image--303383253.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ESfMaQS8RHk/Vc9alP6sE4I/AAAAAAAABHs/HOY9A6gzyfs/s640/blogger-image-1281363085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ESfMaQS8RHk/Vc9alP6sE4I/AAAAAAAABHs/HOY9A6gzyfs/s640/blogger-image-1281363085.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--42xPAGg200/Vc9axMuR1xI/AAAAAAAABIc/GVq6XHt9fz8/s640/blogger-image--1666160954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--42xPAGg200/Vc9axMuR1xI/AAAAAAAABIc/GVq6XHt9fz8/s640/blogger-image--1666160954.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K0vAEEeMxQE/Vc9ay4HKdkI/AAAAAAAABIk/oeQ5i8wPbes/s640/blogger-image--904429017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K0vAEEeMxQE/Vc9ay4HKdkI/AAAAAAAABIk/oeQ5i8wPbes/s640/blogger-image--904429017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xh92S3EF9mQ/Vc9a2e7G1pI/AAAAAAAABI0/cz9AlpNiiyo/s640/blogger-image--479425446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xh92S3EF9mQ/Vc9a2e7G1pI/AAAAAAAABI0/cz9AlpNiiyo/s640/blogger-image--479425446.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another little one from RR was with us on the cruise. So nice to see her! We will be shopping with them again tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qW3-tAownnY/Vc9aYTf5gJI/AAAAAAAABG8/_yCo1jubq1A/s640/blogger-image-632754667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qW3-tAownnY/Vc9aYTf5gJI/AAAAAAAABG8/_yCo1jubq1A/s640/blogger-image-632754667.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Tomorrow brings some shopping and hopefully some traditional picture opportunities. So until then, this is Super Lu signing off!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-81740724434590702792015-08-14T08:07:00.000-04:002015-08-14T08:14:06.542-04:00A Little SightseeingSuper Lu here, back with another update. Today was a day to go sightseeing. Our crew headed to breakfast a bit later than the other days and then loaded into the van ready to go! Our destination today was the Chen Clan Academy. I hopped on the back of Bobbys wheelchair for a ride today as it was too hot and humid!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITOc4iKxb-A/Vc3ZZCqxUDI/AAAAAAAABDY/5Aybu8TmMJQ/s640/blogger-image-1655640522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITOc4iKxb-A/Vc3ZZCqxUDI/AAAAAAAABDY/5Aybu8TmMJQ/s640/blogger-image-1655640522.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--J5iutyp8Us/Vc3ZgvBoarI/AAAAAAAABEI/kRViH9mYGdI/s640/blogger-image-25057058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--J5iutyp8Us/Vc3ZgvBoarI/AAAAAAAABEI/kRViH9mYGdI/s640/blogger-image-25057058.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWrhzrQi7ZE/Vc3ZXkITN5I/AAAAAAAABDQ/Hc0rypy0Kp0/s640/blogger-image--1172750242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWrhzrQi7ZE/Vc3ZXkITN5I/AAAAAAAABDQ/Hc0rypy0Kp0/s640/blogger-image--1172750242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
We toured this wonderful, ancient relic and saw very intricate carved woodwork and limestone. The front doors were massive and had door gods on them to protect the home.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pqkg7ZVcsTE/Vc3ZbhatoOI/AAAAAAAABDo/-fML-9sl5qY/s640/blogger-image-725817547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pqkg7ZVcsTE/Vc3ZbhatoOI/AAAAAAAABDo/-fML-9sl5qY/s640/blogger-image-725817547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bdHeyLNuaNI/Vc3ZrDIhi8I/AAAAAAAABFA/bvstXpeedd0/s640/blogger-image-725986733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bdHeyLNuaNI/Vc3ZrDIhi8I/AAAAAAAABFA/bvstXpeedd0/s640/blogger-image-725986733.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWuciWOjgqU/Vc3ZeIVLVmI/AAAAAAAABD4/vSFEqGaNVto/s640/blogger-image--964459555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cWuciWOjgqU/Vc3ZeIVLVmI/AAAAAAAABD4/vSFEqGaNVto/s640/blogger-image--964459555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UJ6k737CivQ/Vc3ZxvaASPI/AAAAAAAABFo/oKFIg2VmVcg/s640/blogger-image--876581196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UJ6k737CivQ/Vc3ZxvaASPI/AAAAAAAABFo/oKFIg2VmVcg/s640/blogger-image--876581196.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br>
The building is now owned by the government and houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum. There was a display of very detailed and fragile cut paperwork.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_S3DYc1gY1g/Vc3ZkhKUSeI/AAAAAAAABEg/jUoXq6YjKGg/s640/blogger-image-1213672211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_S3DYc1gY1g/Vc3ZkhKUSeI/AAAAAAAABEg/jUoXq6YjKGg/s640/blogger-image-1213672211.jpg"></a></div><br>
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We also saw some furniture and room setups typical for the time period of the building. The beds had no mattresses and the pillow was a ceramic block! This reporter thinks she will stick with our more modern versions!<br>
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In another area an artisan was doing "inside painting" No pictures were allowed, but it was very interesting to watch. There are very few artisans left that do this kind of work. David picked out a little hanging glass ball that had a panda on it and the artisan added his name to it. Bobby chose one with the dog and also had his name "inside painted" There was also an exhibit of sculpture and embroidered tapestries. The detail in the embroidery was amazing. Some looked liked they were photographs!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jmy1S1Iuyj0/Vc3ZvB-gNoI/AAAAAAAABFY/Cz9ATO9AFHU/s640/blogger-image-1036109441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jmy1S1Iuyj0/Vc3ZvB-gNoI/AAAAAAAABFY/Cz9ATO9AFHU/s640/blogger-image-1036109441.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-BOorMru6A/Vc3ZwUBfKrI/AAAAAAAABFg/izgYZTA5pGM/s640/blogger-image-1964137617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-BOorMru6A/Vc3ZwUBfKrI/AAAAAAAABFg/izgYZTA5pGM/s640/blogger-image-1964137617.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2T9JVPpTQ5U/Vc3ZsSDCM5I/AAAAAAAABFI/xrddJIBBPoI/s640/blogger-image-1216503008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2T9JVPpTQ5U/Vc3ZsSDCM5I/AAAAAAAABFI/xrddJIBBPoI/s640/blogger-image-1216503008.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br>
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The next area had some very intricate ivory carvings. They were old as it is now illegal to sell ivory. The newer versions were bone cuttings and just as detailed and beautiful.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5ZaK4FfmiQ/Vc3ZaUVWe6I/AAAAAAAABDg/FjKOs59-QjM/s640/blogger-image-1584020890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5ZaK4FfmiQ/Vc3ZaUVWe6I/AAAAAAAABDg/FjKOs59-QjM/s640/blogger-image-1584020890.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFSk24ICTms/Vc3Zl0-YTCI/AAAAAAAABEo/NoXtDZb-iKY/s640/blogger-image-744434473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFSk24ICTms/Vc3Zl0-YTCI/AAAAAAAABEo/NoXtDZb-iKY/s640/blogger-image-744434473.jpg"></a></div></div><br><br>
The next are had made family balls which the family picked a mid sized one to take home as well as a carved cat for Bobby.<br>
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In the next shop, they made chops which are stamps with your name on them. The boys each got one with their Chinese name and English name. The last stop was for name scrolls. David chose one with a tiger and Bobby chose one with a boat. Mr Chen then put their Chinese names, the date and location on them in very masterfully done calligraphy.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8qqtoh_eGM/Vc3ZnAAmuoI/AAAAAAAABEw/6mM4ABb6Ba0/s640/blogger-image--286944766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8qqtoh_eGM/Vc3ZnAAmuoI/AAAAAAAABEw/6mM4ABb6Ba0/s640/blogger-image--286944766.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sm_Sie80RFQ/Vc3Zfgl5N5I/AAAAAAAABEA/WV6c4C86zv0/s640/blogger-image-1419203319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sm_Sie80RFQ/Vc3Zfgl5N5I/AAAAAAAABEA/WV6c4C86zv0/s640/blogger-image-1419203319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WupZjH-BXM/Vc3Zc0xi2CI/AAAAAAAABDw/RMFkMdDEC54/s640/blogger-image--1168457257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4WupZjH-BXM/Vc3Zc0xi2CI/AAAAAAAABDw/RMFkMdDEC54/s640/blogger-image--1168457257.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SysKKA9rrb8/Vc3ZzHTzyUI/AAAAAAAABFw/C5UuYLTiVas/s640/blogger-image-1145955074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SysKKA9rrb8/Vc3ZzHTzyUI/AAAAAAAABFw/C5UuYLTiVas/s640/blogger-image-1145955074.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br>
After that the boys were making it abundantly clear that they were done for the day, so the crew headed back to the hotel for some down time. Then it was an early dinner at the Noodle House with some yummy foods!<br>
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After a quick stop at 7-11 for some caffeinated drinks, it was back to the hotel! Tomorrow's plans are to take the Pearl River Cruise in the evening. So until then, this is Super Lu signing off!<br>
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<br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-40453399717575129072015-08-13T09:16:00.001-04:002015-08-24T08:45:16.736-04:00The VisitSuper Lu back with another update! Today was the day to visit the orphanage. The day began with an early breakfast at the wonderful buffet and then the crew hopped into the van to make the 2 hour drive.<br />
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The visit to the orphanage was awesome. We saw so many kids and David showed everyone his classroom and introduced several of his friends. Many of the staff also remembered Bobby and kept yelling out greetings to him! </div>
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We were served a wonderful lunch where the Then and Now photo album was presented to the staff. 36 kids were represented in the book. The staff really enjoyed seeing the pictures and many remembered every single child. Both Bobby and David played around with the staff. It was very evident that these staff members care about both boys!</div>
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The staff was also kind enough to load a flash drive with earlier pictures of both David and Bobby. It was a wonderful visit and meeting several waiting children made it more so. It is hard to leave knowing that those kids do not have families yet, but we will now just have to work that much harder to help their families find them. Once you meet these children they go from being just a profile to a true living, breathing child. Time to pull up our big girl panties and help them be seen! So for now, this is a very changed Super Lu signing off!</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-2281804855442518352015-08-12T10:11:00.000-04:002015-08-12T10:48:09.102-04:00Latest update<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Super Lu here, back with another update. There were some technical difficulties reporting yesterday, so we begin with the activity after the official adoption registration. The crew headed to Trustmart with their guide, Lucia. She is very quick on her feet, so we missed photographic opportunities while shopping. It was definitely a bit different than shopping at Walmart back in the states! There were several opportunities to catch your main course in the seafood department. Also in the meat department the unwrapped frozen chickens, feet and all just lay in a pile in the freezer.<br>
The family filled there carts with several varierties of drinks, some interesting flavors of Pringles, Chinese candies, "China milk", crackers and sweet snack bars (the adults in the group do NOT recommend the ones by Nestle that look like Kit Kats but have toasted sesame seeds as the layers 😳) The boys also picked out a couple of remote control cars to play with. Lunch was noodles and PB and J back in the hotel room. The boys enjoyed just hanging out and playing with their iPads, Lego and cars. They then ventured out to Pizza Hut for dinner. David loved the pizza, but Bobby ordered the fried rice instead and ate every bite! They called it an early night as Wednesday was to bring the Medical Exam for David.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1k5RZA4IoWQ/VctX9nOyZWI/AAAAAAAAA_4/BW-rovFOxCo/s640/blogger-image-2050749956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1k5RZA4IoWQ/VctX9nOyZWI/AAAAAAAAA_4/BW-rovFOxCo/s640/blogger-image-2050749956.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wednesday began just as the others with the yummy breakfast buffet. David and Bobby love the scrambled eggs and the sausages along with noodles and several other items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvtxpVkWcaw/VctXwb_JGPI/AAAAAAAAA-4/YO99lMErm5I/s640/blogger-image--1063563132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvtxpVkWcaw/VctXwb_JGPI/AAAAAAAAA-4/YO99lMErm5I/s640/blogger-image--1063563132.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SiuB3JhdHuw/VctX2Is8J7I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/iZsustP5Owg/s640/blogger-image-323789587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SiuB3JhdHuw/VctX2Is8J7I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/iZsustP5Owg/s640/blogger-image-323789587.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once breakfast was complete, they headed out to feed the fish. The koi love to eat bread and all gather together to push each other around to get the food. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gfp8p7rd30c/VctX4CCc3lI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ezreuRUAp8g/s640/blogger-image--789241009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gfp8p7rd30c/VctX4CCc3lI/AAAAAAAAA_g/ezreuRUAp8g/s640/blogger-image--789241009.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AmkLMtqkyV8/VctX8CnnBVI/AAAAAAAAA_w/fypuV4pkTnw/s640/blogger-image--330333142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AmkLMtqkyV8/VctX8CnnBVI/AAAAAAAAA_w/fypuV4pkTnw/s640/blogger-image--330333142.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSL-zg29z0I/VctX6_tH0II/AAAAAAAAA_o/FX4CssVBXCQ/s640/blogger-image--1629890890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSL-zg29z0I/VctX6_tH0II/AAAAAAAAA_o/FX4CssVBXCQ/s640/blogger-image--1629890890.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7rm2E7gCVzE/VctX_Jxa5hI/AAAAAAAABAA/qc-u8izTgIM/s640/blogger-image-1647501713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7rm2E7gCVzE/VctX_Jxa5hI/AAAAAAAABAA/qc-u8izTgIM/s640/blogger-image-1647501713.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4t64YDLYXvE/VctYAabNeCI/AAAAAAAABAI/BYvbAvDPIdQ/s640/blogger-image--703519146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4t64YDLYXvE/VctYAabNeCI/AAAAAAAABAI/BYvbAvDPIdQ/s640/blogger-image--703519146.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8RD5fgla1A/VctXxn427mI/AAAAAAAAA_A/J9Ger-WY_Ng/s640/blogger-image--894493869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8RD5fgla1A/VctXxn427mI/AAAAAAAAA_A/J9Ger-WY_Ng/s640/blogger-image--894493869.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7mL9SvFQFs8/VctX0s4NANI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/TGN2Ld93RYM/s640/blogger-image--2059881601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7mL9SvFQFs8/VctX0s4NANI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/TGN2Ld93RYM/s640/blogger-image--2059881601.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxElluu-VSc/VctXy4jysnI/AAAAAAAAA_I/7wQ1-XKhboM/s640/blogger-image--1163814483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxElluu-VSc/VctXy4jysnI/AAAAAAAAA_I/7wQ1-XKhboM/s640/blogger-image--1163814483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a quick stop at the bathroom, it was off to the medical exam. David was ever brave as he had his blood drawn for the TB test and had to get the MMR shot. The medical staff checked his height, weight and blood pressure. He had a full body exam and saw/did 2 different eye exams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ_RvaA88L0/VctbztGs7aI/AAAAAAAABAo/BC02B4cuxUw/s640/blogger-image--1349316535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ_RvaA88L0/VctbztGs7aI/AAAAAAAABAo/BC02B4cuxUw/s640/blogger-image--1349316535.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8zeKYjEMwFc/Vctbx8E4NqI/AAAAAAAABAg/FxT7q0eMwsQ/s640/blogger-image-1184523040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8zeKYjEMwFc/Vctbx8E4NqI/AAAAAAAABAg/FxT7q0eMwsQ/s640/blogger-image-1184523040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sH5bDa5gcZQ/VctbwIFlS3I/AAAAAAAABAY/EtJe5N8jQjk/s640/blogger-image-172105654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sH5bDa5gcZQ/VctbwIFlS3I/AAAAAAAABAY/EtJe5N8jQjk/s640/blogger-image-172105654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once they were finished the crew headed out the building(passing the wine vending machine on the way out!) and headed to the huge bookstore. They hit the jackpot in the children's section! Lots of new books that are in both Mandarin and English will be accompanying David to his new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKxXwpvD1pQ/Vctb2gNyNlI/AAAAAAAABAs/hTb2B12VYD0/s640/blogger-image--127244428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tKxXwpvD1pQ/Vctb2gNyNlI/AAAAAAAABAs/hTb2B12VYD0/s640/blogger-image--127244428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beth ran out for dinner tonight. They had "Take Away" from Pelicana which serves some very yummy Korean fried chicken and cheese fries! After some more iPad and cartoons it was off to bed. Up next tomorrow is a visit to the orphanage so David can say his goodbyes and mom can get some pictures! This is Super Lu, signing off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6ZKakXqp8w/Vctb4YNwZtI/AAAAAAAABA4/6kTvafT3Tuw/s640/blogger-image--2063558023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v6ZKakXqp8w/Vctb4YNwZtI/AAAAAAAABA4/6kTvafT3Tuw/s640/blogger-image--2063558023.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-79101747876571236012015-08-11T10:10:00.001-04:002015-08-12T04:55:38.327-04:00It Is Official!Super Lu reporting back with this breaking update. It is official. I am pleased to officially present David Xidi Baird. Here is the first official picture of mother and son.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNBDZmKBEWs/VcoCVV7wpRI/AAAAAAAAA-E/mCpH9mHVVBk/s640/blogger-image-1267209912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNBDZmKBEWs/VcoCVV7wpRI/AAAAAAAAA-E/mCpH9mHVVBk/s640/blogger-image-1267209912.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of the China paperwork and process is now complete. All that is left to complete are things pertaining to the U.S. side of things. Tomorrow brings the medical exam with the TB test and possible numerous vaccinations for David. So until then , I will just hang out with David and his family! This is Super Lu signing off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TWWa8OcNtUU/VcsKCLOfnJI/AAAAAAAAA-g/XdY3K4X48_E/s640/blogger-image--705855267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TWWa8OcNtUU/VcsKCLOfnJI/AAAAAAAAA-g/XdY3K4X48_E/s640/blogger-image--705855267.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-22103357441513260202015-08-10T08:52:00.001-04:002015-08-10T09:14:29.628-04:00Breaking News!Super Lu here. They have David. Yes, it is true finally David has joined his forever family. After a white knuckled van ride, Beth and Bobby arrived at Civil Affairs to welcome David into the family. Emily helped capture those first moments in video and pictures. The ever stoic David shyly shuffled up to his new family. They retreated to the couches to try to establish initial rapport. Then off to stand for the obligatory pictures. Tears began to flow and David's lower lip quivered as he had to say goodbye to the staff that had accompanied him. Such a brave boy! Back to the couch to fill out more paperwork and David was a tad bit nervous, but a mention of Mrs Tyler and the reveal of the Leapster both saved the day! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oG-Y4Rx-Z74/VcijrXFIvyI/AAAAAAAAA9k/Vk4a9KNTpHc/s640/blogger-image--2039364450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oG-Y4Rx-Z74/VcijrXFIvyI/AAAAAAAAA9k/Vk4a9KNTpHc/s640/blogger-image--2039364450.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WvTJLpej_Ks/VcijqCOf8xI/AAAAAAAAA9c/e-5ydvEG-AM/s640/blogger-image-349483348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WvTJLpej_Ks/VcijqCOf8xI/AAAAAAAAA9c/e-5ydvEG-AM/s640/blogger-image-349483348.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-288q_4JZC3o/Vciji3d3L3I/AAAAAAAAA80/o_0ZjbVPh7w/s640/blogger-image--609920263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-288q_4JZC3o/Vciji3d3L3I/AAAAAAAAA80/o_0ZjbVPh7w/s640/blogger-image--609920263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hg9go_Ol9MI/Vcijon-ETAI/AAAAAAAAA9U/6PYw1pfiRYU/s640/blogger-image-426894613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hg9go_Ol9MI/Vcijon-ETAI/AAAAAAAAA9U/6PYw1pfiRYU/s640/blogger-image-426894613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5EQ9hoGLmgM/VcijsvFbBaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/6g6ZBcglAHw/s640/blogger-image-59266459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5EQ9hoGLmgM/VcijsvFbBaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/6g6ZBcglAHw/s640/blogger-image-59266459.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everything finished for the day, the newly formed family headed out to catch the van. David grabbed his moms hand and squeezed hard as he stepped forward into his new life. It was then back to the hotel on another white knuckles van ride. After a short period of relaxation, it was off to dinner. First dinner together was at McDonalds. Tomorrow brings the end of the harmonious period and the notary appointments. until then, this is Super Lu signing off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fdSrcyqbEJ0/VcijltB_CXI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Khge1hyNCp4/s640/blogger-image--1309984823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fdSrcyqbEJ0/VcijltB_CXI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Khge1hyNCp4/s640/blogger-image--1309984823.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RjMyM447Q8/VcijnAo_CWI/AAAAAAAAA9M/J3X1PSeU9d4/s640/blogger-image--577162241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RjMyM447Q8/VcijnAo_CWI/AAAAAAAAA9M/J3X1PSeU9d4/s640/blogger-image--577162241.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PD0aoMVG1rY/VcijkOsKGmI/AAAAAAAAA88/wtZMZdy-o3Q/s640/blogger-image--2022837029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PD0aoMVG1rY/VcijkOsKGmI/AAAAAAAAA88/wtZMZdy-o3Q/s640/blogger-image--2022837029.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-84508899916688828932015-08-09T10:29:00.001-04:002015-08-09T22:57:43.511-04:00The Start of Our JourneySuper Lu here, guest blogger and reporter extrodinaire. I'll have all the news that is news from China (well at least the most important news about David's adoption!) <div><br></div><div>The flights over were uneventful but long! We flew from Atlanta to Seoul and stayed overnight at the transit hotel. Nice to get some rest although Bobby woke up after 4 hours of sleep (which was around 12:30 am local time and did not go back to sleep. Thank goodness for iPads!)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xS2V61xY4qo/VcgS6loUbFI/AAAAAAAAA7w/085xtBiE8js/s640/blogger-image-1702056764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xS2V61xY4qo/VcgS6loUbFI/AAAAAAAAA7w/085xtBiE8js/s640/blogger-image-1702056764.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zNhUqKpTfoY/VcgS0xN5RQI/AAAAAAAAA7E/8FBlyrjoA6o/s640/blogger-image--1801430356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zNhUqKpTfoY/VcgS0xN5RQI/AAAAAAAAA7E/8FBlyrjoA6o/s640/blogger-image--1801430356.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpQTbJokLWE/VcgTAkwd58I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/ZOkeRZW9SzE/s640/blogger-image--1894526628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpQTbJokLWE/VcgTAkwd58I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/ZOkeRZW9SzE/s640/blogger-image--1894526628.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We then flew from Seoul to Guangzhou and had a small delay after boarding due to air traffic but then we were off. Quite a bit of turbulence on that flight but we landed safely in Guangzhou, got our luggage and met up with our guide Lucia. We had a van waiting for us and after a ride of constantly switching lanes we arrived at our destination, The Garden Hotel! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xbca8CUwt6g/VcgS4feErUI/AAAAAAAAA7g/3u5rMDxWHA0/s640/blogger-image-131822986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xbca8CUwt6g/VcgS4feErUI/AAAAAAAAA7g/3u5rMDxWHA0/s640/blogger-image-131822986.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9LZJsnmsJs/VcgSsISaLDI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/2ZAQ5DsIVnc/s640/blogger-image--1566501508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9LZJsnmsJs/VcgSsISaLDI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/2ZAQ5DsIVnc/s640/blogger-image--1566501508.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xiqmeZcAQow/VcgS9i6szrI/AAAAAAAAA8A/DGWq_eXkv3w/s640/blogger-image-1579702966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xiqmeZcAQow/VcgS9i6szrI/AAAAAAAAA8A/DGWq_eXkv3w/s640/blogger-image-1579702966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pAGqEyJMTSY/VcgSxFUsvyI/AAAAAAAAA6w/EdYXiYcxz3A/s640/blogger-image-65045475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pAGqEyJMTSY/VcgSxFUsvyI/AAAAAAAAA6w/EdYXiYcxz3A/s640/blogger-image-65045475.jpg"></a></div>Wasn't it nice of the Garden to remind us not to drink the water? Look what they did have in the mini bar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone was fairly wiped out after our journey and so lunch was from the bakery downstairs and dinner was room service and yummy! Bedtime came early for all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We all got up and headed down to experience this trip's first breakfast buffet. The line was very long and so the concierge came over and led about 5 families up to the executive lounge for breakfast. It was on the 30th floor. Great food and what a view! We are being sure to stay hydrated!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nanQtn0Cfgs/VcgStceFskI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/3KwaT15d7CA/s640/blogger-image-286483474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nanQtn0Cfgs/VcgStceFskI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/3KwaT15d7CA/s640/blogger-image-286483474.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTrhFGf8bt4/VcgSulmFqJI/AAAAAAAAA6g/Ry9bxRZWYKg/s640/blogger-image-648457024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTrhFGf8bt4/VcgSulmFqJI/AAAAAAAAA6g/Ry9bxRZWYKg/s640/blogger-image-648457024.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBB8qYlTm48/VcgS8XuQEmI/AAAAAAAAA74/73xVHgn7ZC8/s640/blogger-image--1493203503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBB8qYlTm48/VcgS8XuQEmI/AAAAAAAAA74/73xVHgn7ZC8/s640/blogger-image--1493203503.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hINIhMpGj4o/VcgSvvcUviI/AAAAAAAAA6o/MWmrM8srv4s/s640/blogger-image-1049048938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hINIhMpGj4o/VcgSvvcUviI/AAAAAAAAA6o/MWmrM8srv4s/s640/blogger-image-1049048938.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3o13rDL3d4/VcgS5WeBnQI/AAAAAAAAA7o/GWXvubv0Mtg/s640/blogger-image--112806741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3o13rDL3d4/VcgS5WeBnQI/AAAAAAAAA7o/GWXvubv0Mtg/s640/blogger-image--112806741.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X8sVvcbK-pI/VcgSyDBrjxI/AAAAAAAAA64/vKs2U1q8IYQ/s640/blogger-image-904930532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X8sVvcbK-pI/VcgSyDBrjxI/AAAAAAAAA64/vKs2U1q8IYQ/s640/blogger-image-904930532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--aq8gFJWKJg/VcgS1yE8TlI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/uS8HE3qbmmU/s640/blogger-image-1278681473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--aq8gFJWKJg/VcgS1yE8TlI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/uS8HE3qbmmU/s640/blogger-image-1278681473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IWbL1UcJyos/VcgS_BHhhzI/AAAAAAAAA8I/FbNXxEp4wIE/s640/blogger-image-1060538765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IWbL1UcJyos/VcgS_BHhhzI/AAAAAAAAA8I/FbNXxEp4wIE/s640/blogger-image-1060538765.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dDX4RcAWs7w/VcgTC6EQSLI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/9mBQEkMw9o8/s640/blogger-image-1860227829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dDX4RcAWs7w/VcgTC6EQSLI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/9mBQEkMw9o8/s640/blogger-image-1860227829.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We headed out to get some snacks and drinks. Aeon Department store is just down the street so we headed there. We had hoped to shop on several different floors, but after a long wait for the elevator and people shoving it full and the. The next only allowing 1 person on, we decided to just stay on the 1st floor which was grocery. On the way in we did get to see Mickey Mouse. We stocked up enough for a few days as we are going to the grocery store after Tuesday's appointments. There is quite the selection of noodles here, but zero air conditioning in Aeon from what we could feel! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmNeJausGug/VcgSzqDqp2I/AAAAAAAAA7A/5sWksaRPofc/s640/blogger-image--254183767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmNeJausGug/VcgSzqDqp2I/AAAAAAAAA7A/5sWksaRPofc/s640/blogger-image--254183767.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8oEmrXiEb8/VcgSprAc4bI/AAAAAAAAA6I/J-2J_KpP8d8/s640/blogger-image-49229368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8oEmrXiEb8/VcgSprAc4bI/AAAAAAAAA6I/J-2J_KpP8d8/s640/blogger-image-49229368.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The afternoon was spent resting and hanging out. We skipped lunch and opted for snacking as all bellies were full from the huge breakfast. We also had enough of the heat after Aeon and decided to eat at one of the restaurants in the hotel called Lei Wan which was a traditional Cantonese style restaurant. We had some scrumptious noodles and amazing fried rice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kzuoBvv_Q6U/VcgS3XGvA5I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/j4lLdF0HvgI/s640/blogger-image--59255753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kzuoBvv_Q6U/VcgS3XGvA5I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/j4lLdF0HvgI/s640/blogger-image--59255753.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today is the day we head to civil affairs to get David. Our appointment is at 2:30. We started today with breakfast in the main dining room. What a spread once again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That is all the news for now! I will be updating as news occurs. Stay tuned!</div><br></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094891118065545388.post-18810729955994166912015-07-26T22:51:00.000-04:002015-07-26T22:51:10.907-04:00So Close to Crossing the Ocean! What an Awesome Week We Just Had!So it was 3 weeks out from our travel date to China. The full house renovations continue, packing non essential items at the current house started and much of the China trip baggage packed. So while more packing and new home decision making needed to be done, I left it all behind and headed to pick Bobby up from MDA camp. From there we headed to the Reece's Rainbow Reunion at Jellystone Park in Luray, Virginia. While I knew there was much to still be done (and I had originally thought David would be here attending with us) I knew the importance of attending this wonderful gathering. Adoption process stress is real and so to leave it behind for a week to spend with other RR families was just the ticket I needed! These families have BTDT and get it. We spent the week surrounded by families made through adoptions and with some great advocates as well. Everyone accepts everyone for who they are, understands the issues our children face and are all a part of this huge family called Reece's Rainbow.<br />
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Over the course of the week, over 80 families gathered together. Making new friends was a daily occurence. Swimming and the water park were a hit in the heat. Gatherings in the evenings included a potluck supper, several s'mores around the campfire and just a lot of gathering together to be with new friends. It was truly amazing to see so many kids flourishing in families. It was also such a a great feeling to know that we were accepted by all. How awesome to feel safe, secure, accepted, loved and not alone!<br />
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Bobby had a great time with a couple of the free craft activities offered.<br />
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His very favorite activity this time was gem mining. We visited mining 3 times! The last time we got the bucket and Bobby declared he "Hit the jackpot!"<br />
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Bobby and many of the kids loved swimming and playing at the splash park. I loved seeing all the kids swimming and interacting and just being kids, orphans no more!</div>
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Bobby loved hanging out with his good friends and making new ones each night. I loved it too. Even just sitting back and taking in the immenseness of the gathering. So many kids who could still be living in an orphange or adult mental asylum(due to aging out of the baby house in some countries). To watch them roasting marshmallows, eating s'mores, playing and running around with such joy. To see those who were lost now found with loving families and accepting friends was such a renewal of my spirit. We get a small taste of it every 6 months when we visit Cincinnati for Bobby's medical appointments, but it pales in comparison to this reunion.</div>
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How many days until our next reunion? Missing everyone and that reunion spirit!</div>
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Thanks to Auntie for arranging all of this!</div>
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You may have noticed Super Lu in some of the pictures. Here she is with Bobby as he shows her his treasures from gem mining and then shares his Lego. Be on the lookout for her as a guest blogger as we get ready to head to China!</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786132875993856939noreply@blogger.com0