Safari Park Today!

Well for part of the family.  David and the kids (minus Benjamin) went to the Safari Park today.  They had a lot of fun, but it rained some and it is super hot here, so it was much like a sauna.  When they got back to the room, everyone was fighting over the showers.  Samuel had a rough time because he was confined to the stroller much of the day.  It was so hot and humid that David couldn’t carry him in the backpack, which is his preferred form of travel.  He was so happy to get back to the room and explore and move around.  He mimics everything we do.  He sings the songs that Mercy sings, he blows kisses, waves good bye, covers his ears, eyes and mouth and just laughs and laughs.  He is such a funny little boy. And such a cutie pie. 

I ‘suffered’ in the room with baby boy, who just wants to be held like a new born.  His arm is obviously still hurting him, but he has done so well.  He hasn’t tried to use it or move around much, which seems to have helped with bonding because he is so dependant on me.  He is just super sweet and adorable. He wants me to hold him and talk to him and kiss and hug him.  He just gazes at me with his amazing eyes. 

There have been so many memorable and wonderful moments having our other kids here with us in China.  But, for those that are coming to china after us, and considering bring your older children with you, I don’t want to paint a totally rosy picture of this.  Yes, it is a wonderful bonding experience, and it is a family celebration.  Also, I don’t have to worry about my kids back home for 3 weeks (or 2 if you are adopting one child).  But we have a ton of luggage, will have taken 7 planes, one train, and countless long van rides.    I’m sure my big boys and husband are tired of feeling like pack mules – I’m not a light packer when I have little ones with me.  We have had a few tense moments with a child (or sometimes a parent) having a melt down because something wasn’t going as planned.  But even during some of our more tense moments, I have asked myself, “would it be better if we had left them at home”.  And without a doubt, every single time the answer is NO!  I am so thankful that we have all of them with us (minus our oldest) and would do it again if given the opportunity. 

No pictures from today, so I am posting some from the past few days.  They are so BEAUTIFUL Handsome!