Flight and first day in Guanzhou

 Saturday we spent the day packing and flying to Guangzhou. Nathan did great at the airport. This was even his first time to venture away from me and say hi and clap hands with a Chinese lady. Then we got on the plane and his happy sweet demeanor that he has showed us all week changed. He cried and did the limp noodle act almost the complete 2 hours we were on the plane. We went through every snack and drink we had packed. We then used our two free drinks, water and apple juice to add to his bottle. He finished the bottle off just minutes before we landed and finally fell asleep.

 

This is one of the few moments of calm sitting on the floor at daddy's feet playing.

 Once on the ground, he woke up and was happy as long as he was allowed to walk on his own around the airport waiting for our baggage. Then back on the bus for a 40 minute drive to the hotel he screamed the whole way. One of our guides Raymond sweetly held him the last few minutes and spoke Chinese to him. He seemed to calm down a little after that. Once in our room he became the energizer bunny. He was running, speed crawling and laughing. I'm really scared for our 24 hours of flights coming up this Friday. If you think about us say a little prayer. We are hoping he will do better this next time. We are going to be stocking up on lots of snacks.

 Dressed and ready to go. He woke up in a good mood, but shortly started loosing it at breakfast. I thought we may have to skip the touring. We decided he felt a little warm and gave him some ibuprofen. That made him happy, and off we went. He did pretty well, but still fought the bus transport. I tried to keep him occupied with lots of patty cake.

 

 The 6 Banyan Temple

It's a Buddhist temple and was so sad seeing people presenting their offerings hoping they will have a better life in the future by doing great works.

 Past Present and Future Buddhas

 The Chen House

This house was built in only 5 years. It is amazing to think that such great art could be created in such a short amount of time. Everywhere you looked there were amazing carvings. We bought the boys some scrolls and had them write their name in Chinese on them.

 The Doctor

Zhengzhou Park

Friday before we left Zhengzhou, we finally had a beautiful sunny day to enjoy the outdoors. We decided to walk the two blocks to the park. Due to construction, we were forced to cross the street and then cross back to get to there. We found a walk through underpass to get back across. It is crazy trying to cross the street not to mention walking on the sidewalks you risk being run over by scooters. The get so close at times you can feel the air blow past  you.

This is Robert by the rain gauge in the underpass. I imagine the water was up some, down there during this past week. It rained like crazy. Nathan is guessing 1.4m.

 

 Some of the cute landscape at the park.

 This park was absolutely beautiful. I really wish the boys had a chance to see it.

 Sweet Nathan

 Selfie in the park

 I loved this bridge. Everything was just so pretty. There wasn't a bad view.

 I took this for my dad.  It was titled. The Fish

 Nathan decided he wanted out of the Ergo. He just wanted to be held.

Aquarium

Our first day without rain in Zhengzhou. We ventured out to the Aquarium for our first play day with Nathan, and last full day in China with the big boys. As soon as we got off the bus we were bombarded with women trying to sell these light up dolphins. They were hanging them on our children's necks and asking for money. We ran and said bu yao and they left us finally.

Good news for my dad, Nathan loved the fish. He was pointing and staring intently at them.

You would never see this in the US, but for about $1.50 you can bottle feed the fish. They were fighting for a chance to drink. Jon and Luke had two different strategies. Luke let each one drink as long as they wanted. Jon would yank it out of their mouths so each fish had an opportunity to drink.

Next up was sea turtle feeding. We were the last to purchase the cabbage, so there was only one piece left so the boys had to split one piece.

This glass tunnel went on forever. We saw a seal show, and the seal danced to Gangnam Style .After the tunnel there was a mermaid show. They played Beauty and the Beast along with other American music. Nathan loved it all. He seemed to understand what they were saying and was clapping at the appropriate times.

All my baby chicks. Nathan is usually hesitant about the boys holding him, but this picture turned out so cute!

This ship was on the third floor, up near the penguin display. Some of the décor is so random, but cute for pictures.

 Our first trip to Walmart. It you blink, you miss the sign. We needed new diapers. The Chinese diapers were too loose and causing him to have blowouts.

 Since we will be missing Luke's birthday next Tuesday, we decided to get a cake and have an early celebration. We stopped by a bakery and they had this cake ready for us in one hour. It was a chocolate mouse. Very good minus the cocoa powder on top.

 

Singing Happy Birthday. They gave us plates, forks, candles, and a serving knife for free.

We didn't have a lighter, so we did a fake candle blow out.

Nathan was ready for his bottle and bed. Last family photo until we get to the US.

Rest Day (Finally!)

Our first day off. It was a much needed day. Last night Nathan decided that he wanted mommy to hold him especially when he is sad or tired. I ventured out into the hall to visit with other families, and that was not for him. He would not let me put him down. He was much more content to hang out in the room and bond with us in peace and quiet. The rain did let up a little around lunch time, so we ventured out across the street to the Small Restaurant. That is the name of the restaurant, but nothing about it is small, but the price. The servings were huge We ate fried rice, wax beans with pork, and sweet and sour chicken. The boys loved the chicken! They have been struggling lately trying to find foods  they like to eat. I'm so  glad they were able to get enough food.

The boys spent the afternoon working on school work. We have been going so much we haven't had much time to spend on school. The boys were not thrilled, but they will be glad to have it done once they are back at school and don't have to worry about it anymore.

We are trying to get Nathan to spend some time with daddy. He will only go to mommy or daddy, but prefers mommy.

This is his third outfit change today. Tooo many blowout diapers. I am glad I packed several extra outfits.

He is such as sweet, happy boy. I am so thankful he can play independently. He of course loves to play games with us, patty cake and peek a boo are his favorites. Teaching him to love the Aggies early.

The boys just can't get enough of their little brother. We do get a lot of quick smiles and giggles, but he is holding back from showing us his any big smiles and continuous giggles. We will take what we can get. He loves us to kiss his hand and neck. He is also very ticklish. He loves daddy to tease him with tickles.