We had a busy day today, that started early with our guide taking us to the Great Wall. It was a rainy day but we stayed dry and the clouds made it cooler. Matthew and Daniel left the ‘pack’ right from the start so they could make it to the infamous top. David put Samuel in the ergo on his back and I had Mercy. Well Mercy wasn’t taking the uneven and larger steps so well, so I willingly headed back down with her and had a special time w/just her. She has gone thru some big changes in her short little life. Anna, Joy and Hope continued with their dad, and new baby brother and went as far as they could before they all decided that seeing their brothers’ pictures would be just good enough. We have been to the Great Wall before but this time, having Hope and Joy there made it so much more special since they had not been. At one point Joy turned to me and said “ Mom you are right, this is so cool”. That made everything worth it. She loves China and everything Chinese. Hope had a great time too but was mostly interested in getting some ice cream at the end of the climb.
We left the Great Wall and headed to the Jade factory and of course we had to go thru the ‘educational tour’. Then we had a nice lunch at the factory. We then went to a tea ceremony, which was very nice. And last but certainly not least we went to an acrobatics show. It was really wonderful and even Mercy, our very busy baby girl, sat still thru the entire thing. We thought for sure that one of us would have to leave with Samuel, who has gotten more and more animated, active and loud, but he was very mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of it all.
Tomorrow is another full day of touring, and on Sunday we leave for Kunming. We are now 3 days away from meeting Benjamin. In some ways the closer we get, it seems further away. But I also know that we need to enjoy these more carefree days (ok, maybe that is not the right choice of words) because when we have 3 little ones, David and I will be out numbered. And sometimes a big brother or big sister is just not enough. And usually they all decide that at the same time – strength in numbers I guess.
I have to tell you, I'd opt for special time with Mercy, too! That Great Wall is HUGE and I was so pooped and aware of just how out of shape I really was (am).
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying your time together!
Stephanie S.