Day 12- free day

We had another free day today while our social worker went to the US Consulate to present all of the families paperwork. No wake-up call, no worries- we still are waking up at like 6/7AM, then heading to breakfast. After breakfast we went to the Swan Room, a play room they have dedicated here to the adopting families. Anna was sweating when we left, she had played so hard. We then came back and watched some cartoons (the most popular cartoon over here is about a goat and wolf).

Princess of the bed with her Barbie and ghost antlers given by the ladies at the Italian restraunt.

We then headed out to the antique mall where we were going to look at the pearls, but only found jade everywhere. We were at the center of the city which everyone said resembles Times Square at night. We had to make a quick stop for some Mickey D's- but still no SWEET TEA!! Which by the way, I will be brewing a pot of tea within an hour after I hit home to make some sweet tea, and let Anna have a taste of American tea- not Jasmin, green, or hot tea!

On our taxi ride back to the hotel, (which by the way we have only seen 1 wreck on our trip,which is amazing if you could see the driving over here) we had a small run-in. A van ran a red light and knicked our taxi on the front end. Our driver got out, the cop who was out directing traffic came over, and they all had a yelling spat and it was over. It taught us to WEAR the seatbelt at all times, even if it is a 10 minute ride for 10 yuan!! Thankfully we were fine, just a little adrenaline rush. I then went back out shopping because on our previous shopping excursion, I spent less than $1 on 2 bracelets for Anna to try to shut her up, because she hates riding in a stroller. Daddy's back is sore from carrying her when we go out, so we made her stroll.

There are many little shops around the hotel, and are all named by peoples names: (michaels place, sharons place, jennys place, etc) It's quite hilarious. And everyone does laundry, of course at 50% off. Another trend I have picked up on is all the women wear leggins and boots, a trend I hope doesn't make it to the US. All of the little shops are used to people bargaining and haggling with them, which I enjoy. I only found a few things, and I did get the flag for free below. Anna loved it!

We diverted again from the planned meal- Traditional Cantonese dinner. Instead- PAPA JOHNS delivered to our room, and we had dinner with 2 other familes and enjoyed a nice night hosting.

Anna has really opened up and has warmed up to me. Those first couple of days, I was a wreck and it was not good. We both said today we can't imagine not accepting her, and if we had rejected the referral, we really would have missed out on a very special little girl. We hope that once we get back to the states and settle in, that her limp can be somewhat corrected, and that some day, she will be able to run with her brothers and sister, and friends to come! She is a bundle of energy, a chatterbox, and at times very sassy (in Chinese).  I was almost sure I got cussed out tonight in Chinese for telling her to do something. Luckily, it normally takes about 3 months for the kids to lose their Chinese once they get back to the states- looking forward to it, because it kills me not to know what she is saying.