Sun. 6/7/09 No big plans for today. After breakfast, we headed to the playroom at the hotel. Jenna and Sarah had fun playing on the slide, rocking on the horses, and kicking balls around the room. We had the place to ourselves. Sarah loves to imitate her big sister. When she saw Jenna slide headfirst down the slide, she couldn’t wait to try it out for herself. She’s a daredevil.
We took a leisurely walk around Shamian Island later morning. We see people of all ages playing badminton every day. Some of the small parks have play areas for kids, some have benches, and some have exercise equipment. We’ve noticed that most of the people exercise in the evenings when it’s cooler.
At night, many of the buildings are lit up with neon colors. One of the buildings near our hotel projects advertisements on the entire building. It’s got to be 20 stories high!!
Late this afternoon, one member of each family met with Molly to finish up the last of the adoption paperwork. Hallelujah!! Margaret is the paperwork person in our family.
Five families met for supper tonight at Lucy’s. Tim and I split an order of sweet & sour chicken and you guessed it - french fries! Jenna ate spaghetti. Sarah ate two ears of corn on the cob and egg & noodle soup. After supper, the kids enjoyed running around the park by Lucy’s. There’s a large open area with trees, shrubbery, and planters full of flowers. One of the older kids picked off a flower petal for her mom and pretty soon all of the kids were plucking off flower petals. One of the planters got a little bare looking . . . . oops!
We picked up our laundry on the way back to the hotel. Many of the small shops take in laundry for the tourists. We’ve been told it all ends up at the same place to be washed. When we get back to the room, we see that two of Margaret’s shirts and her pajama bottoms have yellow stains on them. What’s going on?? Guess we’ll have to complain tomorrow. Good thing it’s almost time to head home! We didn't bring that many clothes on the trip.
Everyone in our group is counting down the days left in China. On Monday, our group plans to go sightseeing at Yuntai Gardens. It’s a 20 minute bus ride from Shamian Island.
PLEASE POST COMMENTS TO OUR SITE. We absolutely LOVE reading them. It makes us feel like we’re not so far away from home. Thanks to those that have already posted. Hoping to hear from everyone soon!
We took a leisurely walk around Shamian Island later morning. We see people of all ages playing badminton every day. Some of the small parks have play areas for kids, some have benches, and some have exercise equipment. We’ve noticed that most of the people exercise in the evenings when it’s cooler.
At night, many of the buildings are lit up with neon colors. One of the buildings near our hotel projects advertisements on the entire building. It’s got to be 20 stories high!!
Late this afternoon, one member of each family met with Molly to finish up the last of the adoption paperwork. Hallelujah!! Margaret is the paperwork person in our family.
Five families met for supper tonight at Lucy’s. Tim and I split an order of sweet & sour chicken and you guessed it - french fries! Jenna ate spaghetti. Sarah ate two ears of corn on the cob and egg & noodle soup. After supper, the kids enjoyed running around the park by Lucy’s. There’s a large open area with trees, shrubbery, and planters full of flowers. One of the older kids picked off a flower petal for her mom and pretty soon all of the kids were plucking off flower petals. One of the planters got a little bare looking . . . . oops!
We picked up our laundry on the way back to the hotel. Many of the small shops take in laundry for the tourists. We’ve been told it all ends up at the same place to be washed. When we get back to the room, we see that two of Margaret’s shirts and her pajama bottoms have yellow stains on them. What’s going on?? Guess we’ll have to complain tomorrow. Good thing it’s almost time to head home! We didn't bring that many clothes on the trip.
Everyone in our group is counting down the days left in China. On Monday, our group plans to go sightseeing at Yuntai Gardens. It’s a 20 minute bus ride from Shamian Island.
PLEASE POST COMMENTS TO OUR SITE. We absolutely LOVE reading them. It makes us feel like we’re not so far away from home. Thanks to those that have already posted. Hoping to hear from everyone soon!
Congratulations Tim and Margaret! What a beautiful family! We will be praying for you as you travel back home. Can't wait to meet Sarah.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dave, Carrie, Lauren, Braden & Alyssa Bourland
Yeah! I am not a total computer illerate dope--I got in! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL! And your stories are great! I'm so happy to see the happy family safe and sound! And you look surprisingly SANE! My prayers are with you, and I am anxious to meet the newest member of the Piepkorn family!!
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
Jo
Glad to hear that Sarah is doing so well after all of her shots. Yes children are bottomless pits, remember they are growing and they burn up just about everything they eat. It seems as though Jenna and Sarah are getting along well despite the language differences. Sarah will pick up English soon and then you'll be wishing for peace and quiet. Hope your trip home is a safe one.
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping you in my prayers. Deb
We continue to cheer you all on as you enjoy the rest of your time in China. But know we are thrilled to get you back home safe and meet your new daughter. Finally figured out how to post comments! You will find a ton of notes from an emotional Wendy when you check your home email! So fun to read your daily events and feel all the anticipation and joy through your blog. Love the pictures and to especially see Sarah smile so huge in that orange shirt picture. Sounds like she is a healthy happy girl who looks up to Jenna. Bet Jenna loves that new attention. Take care! Thinking and praying for you all. Wendy, Marcus, Alex, Andy and Aidan.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that children look so angelic when they are sleeping?? I have loved your blog and look forward to seeing you all at church again soon.
ReplyDeleteBetsy Asher
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad to see that things are going so well! Sarah is a sweetheart and your photos make me want too go back to China! Although I do remember just how OVERWHELMING it all was...
Enjoy your last few days there, it has been quite chilly here!! Can't wait to meet the new little one and hear all about your trip in person!! Sarah seems to be doing so well!? And Jenna, too! You guys make it look EASY!!
We'll keep you in our prayers for a safe journey home!! Jayna is having her eyelid surgery tomorrow at Children's so I am home the week...
Friday I will drop off dinner, so answer your door if you see it is me! I won't stay as I know you'll be tired and want to rest!!
You're in our thoughts and prayers!!
Love,
Kelly, Tad, Tristan & Jayna