Saying Goodbye...

Lots of goodbyes.  Last night, we ate at our favorite hole in the wall restaurant (5th floor above Jordan's), here on the island.  We've decided that the people who run it must live there.  We were the only ones there, at 5:30pm, and when we left after 6pm, no one else had showed up.  Perhaps they were closed on a Tuesday night, but we gave them our request of food, written by our guide, and they cooked us food.  LOL!  We probably gave them a story to tell-these white people keep showing up with food for them to cook!  They did have 2 cooks that were dressed up in uniforms, so who knows.  It was good, as before.  The hot peppers in garlic sauce are AWESOME!  Good with their rice.  Joe helped himself to the Pearl River "beer" in the fridge, which was more like a sparkling wine or fruity beer/wine cooler thing, but it was good and refreshing. 

Last night and today, we said goodbye to a lot of adoptive families.  Some who are leaving tomorrow or Friday, some who just got here a few days ago and will leave next week.  I will miss the sense of camaraderie that we all feel for each other.  We all seem to understand one another.   No explanation needed.  Adoption is complicated and international adoption has even more unknowns, with a language barrier thrown into the mix.  A crazy leap of faith, not for the faint of heart! 

Joe and I talked earlier today.  We've been told, by several people, that Hangzhou (Malia's province) is known for it's beautiful people.  We could be prejudice, but we think Malia is one of the sweetest faces we've seen!  :)  Of course, all the Hangzhou beauties we saw at her orphanage stole our hearts as well! 

When Malia woke up this morning, she started making swimming motions.  This girl LOVES the pool, loves the water!  Wait until she experiences Lake Michigan!  I think she will love Michigan in general.  She's a little oven, so I think she'll love the snow and all the seasons.  Her laugh is so contagious, she draws attention everywhere we go.  We feel so blessed and know she is the perfect fit for us!  She'll keep up with the boys, no problem! 

Pictures from our room. Guangzhou

Looking down at the street below the White Swan.  Sometimes, I'd look down and see people we knew, walking by. 

Looking over the island, to the city of Guangzhou

Malia loves green grass and loves this building.

China girl

Our attempt at more red couch photos.  Interrupted by rude Chinese tourists.  Won't miss them!  They took pictures of Malia and Joe in the pool today.  Cameras not allowed, but they don't think that applies to them I guess.   Just ready to get out of here.  Can you tell?!  LOL!

"Mom, I'm done posing and am ready for the pool you promised!"

Fake smile! 

Yes, I'm cute, but lets go swimming!

How long do I have to give this fake smile?!

Finally, a real laugh for Daddy!

This is the laugh that gets the whole world laughing with her!

Daddy's girl already!