Monday the 22nd ~ West Lake

**First of all, I just have to say that today is exciting because it is JUST ONE MONTH until my sister meets my niece and nephew!  28 DAYS!! 
This morning we tweaked our plan of attack at the breakfast buffet and while we still have room for improvement, it was better than yesterday...

Following breakfast we had the chance to Skype with our adoption fellowship group from home.  Kylie and Caleb were excited to see some of their friends, and Darcy pointed excitedly at the screen when she saw "China Abbey" and said something that sounded like China while she pointed.  Kylie told our guide several times that she got to talk to her friends, so it was a pretty big deal to her.  That said, if you have Skype, let us know if you want to try to schedule a time to chat.  I think it would mean a lot to Kylie and Caleb (but particularly Kylie). 

Then it was off to a morning at the West Lake.  We walked, took a boat ride, and then wandered some beautiful gardens.

Pictures speak much louder than words...

 

Even though Kylie is totally digging having a sister, she still has room to love on her little brother!  (All I asked for was for them to look my way...)

 

Who knew I was married to a movie star?  It was refreshing because this guy asked if he could have his picture taken with Ian rather than try to sneak one of us with our kids.

I was reading Peony in Love by Lisa See (set in Hangzhou) when we received Darcy's file.  There is a true story about a girl who died of "lovesickness" referenced in the novel, and the woman's tomb is under the pagoda beside the bridge.

I just love this little guy and his idea of what makes a good smile.

  

At least the Chinese tourists stopped to look too. 

 

A new favorite of mine!

  

The gardens near the lake provided many serene backgrounds for family pictures.  Unfortunately someone wasn't exactly cooperating.  I won't mention any names...

Savor pointed out that these gardens are a very popular spot for wedding portraits to be taken.  I can see why!

The kids were thrilled to spot many peacocks, but I was more excited when this one decided to show its tail feathers!

As if Caleb really needed any assistance in the volume department, Ian decided to buy the kids a one yuan whistle as we were walking out of the park.  I wasn't protesting because of the cost...

 

The lighting is horrible, but Darcy's face as she admires the pearl necklace we bought her at the West Lake is priceless!

The rest of the day consisted of Ramen noodles in the room for lunch, a power nap by everyone except for me (our entire family seems to be either trying their best to share or doing their best to fight off head colds), a little play time in the room, and then an evening walk (about 8 blocks) to the nearest Pizza Hut with a stop by the McDonald's on the walk back for an ice cream cone.

(Two comments to add here.  1.  Don't judge us for going to the mecca of America while in China.  We did eat Chinese (really good Chinese at that) for FIVE nights in a row.  and 2.  Our CCC friends will appreciate that as we walked down the block we passed "McDonald's, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut! ~ Really in that order.  We found it hilarious and had to laugh out loud.  Well, we also were laughing at the whole "walking freak show thing" too, we just figured that laughing would make us look like we were more self confident.)
Okay, kids are appearing from the bathroom wrapped in towels, and I'm gonna call it an early evening again tonight!

**I spent nap time catching up on missed posts today, so be sure to scroll down if you haven't seen the "Sisters" post or the "Our second day with Darcy" post!