Consulate Appointment was a Success

We had our consulate appointment this morning.  Ellie didn't want to wake up early to go, but once awake, things went smoothly and quickly.  The new consulate office is beautiful!  I am excited to have that complete so we can get ready to head home.

Our girl is a thumb sucker:)  And a great sleeper!  She really didn't want to wake up!

She wanted to play cards with the kids.  She loves to organize things.

She would lay the cards out like the kids and then stack them back up. 

We took a cab to the Pearl Market where Jocelyn and Grace helped me buy good quality pearls at a great price.  I picked up a set for Ellie Mei to give to her (with earrings) on her 16th Birthday.  I did the same last time for Lan Lan girls.  We had so much fun shopping at this mall.  It was huge and very Chinese.  We left Baba and Ellie home.

We went swimming and Ellie had a blast.  Hurray!  

We love the water, so that was exciting to see how well she did.

The kids swam a ton on this trip.

She loves this sweater and won't take it off.  She sleeps in it if she can.

It needs to be washed, but it was her after-pool cover up today.

This tree grows beautiful pink flowers.  This is just a little one, but Monkey wanted a photo.

Chinese Outfit Family Photos

Today was the day that we did family photos, or what used to be known as the Red Couch Photos.  The lobby was so crowded that I requested that we do them outside, which worked.  I guess there is a Pacific Island President staying here, so security has been tight and the lobby crowded.  I thought the security had to be for us:)  Anyway, we loved them outside.  Aren't those nine beautiful adoptees so darling!  They are all doing so well.  And I think our family photo turned out great as well.  Monkey boy and Princess found some very beautiful outfits as well.  I can't wait to fly home to our other two and try on their outfits! 

 Francois, Suzanne and 

 Terri & Darren

 Kevin & Jen (from Utah)

 Sam & Stacey

 Suzi & Ron

 Derek & Juie

 Kati & Steve

 Logan & Carla

 Our guides, Jocelyn and Grace

 Our group of 9 Families

Shamain Island

 We took a taxi to Shamain Island, played on the exercise equipment, visited the statues, ate at Lucy's and did a little shopping.  I love it there!  It is sad that the White Swam is closed.  It is so beautiful and peaceful there, but I do like the China Hotel...it's just in the business of the city.  Good family times!

 I served my mission in Pennsylvania during 1990-1992, and my maiden name starts with a D, so I love this license plate that they put up in my honor :-)  So glad it is still there!