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2.22.2010

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!



24 comments:

Heather said...

WAHOOOOO LOVE THE UPDATES!!!! :) Going back to read them carefully -thanks for the photos "around town" :) Okay back to reading.

Laurie said...

I knew there was a reason to come back to the computer this morning. Yeah! SO fun reading about all your adventures and to see the kids getting along and having fun together. Is Darcy getting more beautiful by the hour? She is just sooo pretty! And of course I laughed at the American eating part, since we ate nothing but American food our 2nd time around. Ha!

Heather said...

Chinese McDonalds I remember tasting sooo much better than ours here at home, ha! The picture of you and Darcy is so wonderful but the one of all of you at the Lake -incredible! Looks like the weather is great and you are getting to really see the area and it looks beautiful. :)

Jess Danielson said...

Oh Kristi-you all look wonderful! So glad things are going well while 'out and about'! I love the pic of the 3 kiddos! Kylie and Caleb must be enjoying seeing their China~what a great thing for all of you!
Oh and you followed our blog-we ate at many a 'american' food place while we were there-sometimes it was just easier!! LOL Hugs to you all!

Rachelle said...

Darcy looks BEAUTIFUL in her pearls! Reminds me so much of how we are taken in to God's. One day we are lost.. the next day... we are welcomed in his family and lavished with precious gifts. Adoption is just beautiful.

C.C. said...

Wow, so much beauty in this post! The place is amazing...I'm gonna have to read that book.

The picture of you and Darcy is priceless! And the one of her looking at her necklace is breathtaking! She is incredibly beautiful!!

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

Congratulations on your new addition. Darcy is very beautiful! What a wonderful looking family!

Cindy M said...

It's taken me all day to get to the point I could read your blog. My computer is dead, and Jon is working on ordering me a new one from Dell. So...

LOVE the picture of you and Darcy. LOVE the picture of her with the necklace. I think that family photo of all of you is precious. Remember some of my group shots? One I distinctly remember Caroline arching her back and nailing Mickey in the mouth, just as I snapped the photo. :-) Oh, and that one of all three! Love it, too!

West Lake is beautiful. I still regret not visiting that park with the lake by our hotel in GZ. How in the world did we manage not to do that? Oh, well...guess we have to go back, eh?

You'd better put us on the list for Skype when I get my new computer. I know Caroline would so love that.

AND, finally, FIVE nights in a row of Chinese? You are a far more stalwart soul than I. McDonald's and Pizza Hut are way more my cup of tea.

Nancy said...

Congrats on your impending aunthood! Your mom's heart must be bursting with all these cute grandkids!

Love the photo of Kylie's arms around her beloved siblings! I also love the photo of Darcy and her pearls. She is such a pretty child. You have a beautiful family!

ps - After you are home and settled, let's Skype... I'd love for the kids to "meet"! I'll email you about it, maybe in the early summer when things settle.

Cindy M said...

Re-reading...was Ian standing in the WATER taking that darling photo??

And whistles? Really? I'm dying laughing and just one teeny tiny bit grateful we're NOT along on this trip...cause you know MY kids would have to have one. The thought of Mickey and a whistle sends shivers up and down my spine. I'm just sayin...

Leslie said...

Oh, I love all these pictures! I'm getting my "Miller fix" now. Ahh... the relief...

That picture of you and Darcy is priceless. That's my favorite so far - probably tied with the one of Darcy with her arms around Kylie.

We would LOVE to Skype with you. We could even do it at LG tonight if you guys are awake (though I think that's REALLY early in China).

jody said...

Thanks for sharing your trip! The kids look great together! Enjoy your trip, you all look really happy. What a blessing for all of you to be together! See you soon at play group! Jody

Angela said...

The pictures, the stories, the love...it's all so beautiful! His fingerprints are all over the place!!! So, so happy for your family!

Lisa said...

Beautiful gardens, beautiful pearls and a beautiful family!

Anonymous said...

Too many great pictures to comment on each one, but I love the picture of Darcy admiring her pearls. She looks like such a beautiful little lady.

Anonymous said...

Lol... Whoever made up that song had to have been walking down that street. Where else in the world...?
Darcy looks so beautiful with her necklace! She looks like she is fitting right in with you guys! I love the whistle picture...
And is that an albino peacock???
Never seen a white one.
YOu are doing better than I anticipate we will do eating Chinese that many days in a row... you know Adam and his ordeal with Chinese food! lol
Can't wait to hear more!
Love
Aunt Cici

Mary Taylor Setliff said...

Just wanted to let you know that Drew, the entire Setliff family, and I have been praying for all of you. We spent the day Saturday going through your posts. Bobbie and I both cried.

I really cannot believe that you walked past a McDonald's, McDonald's, KFC, and a Pizza Hut. Reading that made me laugh out loud.

Darcy is absolutely beautiful, and it is evident how much she is loved by you, Ian, and her sweet sibling.

Know that we will continue to pray for you in the coming months.

Love,
Mary Taylor

Sharon said...

Lovig watch it all unfold....the sister pictures are precious. I have truly loved watching my girls (now almost 13 & 15) share such an incredible bond...listening to them giggle at night in their room or talk until we have to scold them to go to sleep, defend each other, hold each other accountable and individually come talk to me when something is bothering the other one...Yes, they fight too but they are truly each other's best friend....Darcy is already showing the glimmer of love and life in her eyes that magically happens as they days go on.....

Shannon said...

Well - have been gone ALL day and come home to lots of precious pictures and stories!! what amazing children! what an amazing family! What beautiful children! What a beautiful family! I just love God's handiwork! He is Greatly to be praised! Enjoyed hearing each of your voices last night! Can't wait to be with you live and in person!
Love and hugs!
Shannon

kimberly said...

So glad to hear everything is going well. Thank you for taking time out to share how things are going. The updates are wonderful as well as the pictures! I agree the picture of Darcy with the necklace if beautiful!
Tingle(Stephanie's friend)

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

Found your blog through Pam. What a precious family you have and Congrats on your new little girl!! Look forward to following the rest of your journey!!

Unknown said...

I just caught up! Things look as they are going well. Cant wait to meet Darcy!

Harsch Family said...

Malee and I are sitting here looking at you all and Darcy. She wants to know if Darcy is funny!!
It was wonderful talking with you the other night - Skype is the best!
I am glad that Darcy and Kylie are becoming friends. Nena and Malee have such a bond of sisterhood - I wish the same for your girls! And Caleb can terrorize them!!!
Can't wait to see you Sunday nights!
Melanie, the girls and Glenn

Grandma Shultz said...

Oh, the pictures! Kylie you are such a wonderful big sister! Holding both Caleb and Darcy in the picture. Darcy, you look so lovely with the beautiful pearls around your neck. Caleb you are a fun brother for Darcy and Kylie.
Love all of you,
LaoLao