Monday,
January 5, 2009
Today our group met at 9:30 to set out on a sightseeing mission.
We visited the Chen Family Museum. It couldn't have been a nicer
day to spend outside, soaking in all the beauty of China. As we
were touring the rooms of the compound, Cole decided to put on a
show for all of us. We are not sure of his inspiration, but he
busted out in a display of kung fu in miniature, like we've
never seen before. His moves seemed to improve as the attention
and applause increased and ended with a short topple to the
ground. He was very proud of himself, and of course, I found him
absolutely adorable.
After the museum, our group headed to the mall for an afternoon
of shopping heaven. Our guide, Rebecca, brought us all into the
mall and pointed out the shops we might want to peruse. We had
already devised a plan and were pawing at the starting gate when
Rebecca let us loose. We had 3 hours to get all our shopping
done and we started with the DVD store. Next was the shoe store
where we were able to find Cole some great shoes as well as some
sandals for next summer. Then we went across to the other side
of the mall to the pearl market where we had our choice of a
wide variety of beautiful pearls to bring home for gifts. Once
we had completed our main goal, conquering the pearl market, we
were able to peruse some of the stores in the main shopping
area. Due to his excessive display of energy at the Chen
Academy, he was later content to be toted around in the backpack
for the remainder of the afternoon, thank goodness. The mall is
a bit overwhelming, even to an 'experienced' shopper such as
myself ;) But for someone Cole's size, it's just downright
dangerous, so the Ergo was the perfect solution. Our final stop
was probably our favorite. In a search for the KFC, which we
never found btw, we happened across a small toy store on the
third level of the mall. It was stuffed with adorable kid toys
and when our time ran out and we were due to be meeting the
group, Stef and I had to tear ourselves away and finalize our
purchases. We could have stayed in there all afternoon, the
prices were very reasonable and the selection of Hello Kitty,
Thomas the Train, and a variety of wooden toys was ideal for
children preschool aged. Needless to say, we both left with
large bags in hand.
After grabbing a quick, and very delicious, icee from 7-11 on
our way out, we headed back to the hotel. Cole was incredibly
agreeable all afternoon and was quite content with his Lightning
McQueen bag, his ABC dominos and his unusually loud police car.
When we got back to the room he played with his new toys while I
fed him some noodles. Nap time ensued shortly thereafter and he
slept like a rock until we had to wake him for dinner. We walked
over to the park to let him wake up a bit and he spent the
entire time running. I think he has more energy than any of my
other children. Possibly all of my other children combined. He
never gets tired, no matter how long he runs and we often find
him hopping instead of walking. Amazing, especially considering
he had a very serious heart defect as a baby. What an incredible
child he is in so many ways.
Dinner was delicious. Despite having to pay 35 yuan for a Coke
Light, it was awesome. We ordered some bruschetta and a pizza
margherita, my favorite, and managed to get out of there
spending about $12 (US) each. We walked around the island a bit
after dinner and made a few small purchases, stopped by 7-11 for
some more snacks for Cole, and then headed back to the room.
Cole had his bath and Stef and I thought we'd have another early
night. Before we knew it, 11:00 had rolled around and we're not
quite sure where the time went.
To Mimi: Thank you for taking such great care of the kids! Word
on the street is that you're spoiling them rotten!!
To Cheri: Thanks so much for helping out with Avery... I know
she's been having a blast with Jade!!
And to those who have taken the time to leave comments and
well-wishes, thank you so much!! I can't tell you what an
encouragement they are to me and I know they will mean a lot to
Cole someday as well!! |
Stopping to
pose on the way to the White Swan
Enjoying the 'no seat belt' law here in China
In the courtyard at the Chen Academy
Everybody was a' Kung Fu fighting...
This cat was fast as lightning
Shopping mission accomplished
Loving my little man |
