Days 11-12

Tuesday we ventured on a highly anticipated outing to the Safari Park. Everyone who has gone has shared it was the highlight (with the exception of meeting their child) of the trip. The day started off promising with the sun peeking through for pretty much the first time since we have been here. We caught an early breakfast then broke from the rest of our group who headed with their little ones to the Guangzhou Zoo. We had debated the timing of our trip and had considered last week but didn't want to overwhelm Kinley with such a big outing so soon. As is turned out, it was probably still way too soon. Bless her heart that we don't have the ability to communicate with words to understand but this mama understands body language pretty well.

We arrived at the zoo and took an amazing tour on what they call 'Safari on Wheels'. We were at arms length with many animals and still not 100% certain how they keep some of the more dangerous animals in their habitats. That part alone was worth the trip (or so I keep trying to tell myself). The day was becoming beastly hot and humid as we ventured onward. We took in some exhibits and headed to the elephant show. It was every bit as good as our friends' the Arnolds had shared. Monday-Wednesday are holiday here so we were wtih thousands of our closest Chinese friends. In the midst of the show, the heavens opened up and out came a deluge of rain. Back up to a couple of hours earlier when we decided we didn't need to tote our umbrellas around for the day so left them with our driver.

The rain was hit or miss for a while and then it became clear it was there to stay. We hunkered in a lunch place with probably 86% of the occupants of the park when the height of the storm passed over. We were quite the spectacle as we decided we best still get these littles their lunch. I stood in the middle of both strollers facing me. Jenna stood behind and handed me lunch accessories. Steve stood in front of me with the lunch tray. I proceeded to alternate feeding bite after bite until their little mouths stopped opening. We think the smiles of onlookers meant they approved. Towards the end, a young woman came up and spoke to us in her limited English. She was sweet and told us we were good parents. She asked where we were from. Then as we prepared to head to the exit she offered to come home with us???? Not sure if that is what she really meant to say and it also makes me wonder what I might be saying when I am attempting to communicate with Kinley???

We decided to plan on visiting the Safari Park when we return one day on the children's Heritage Tour and try not to be too upset over the rain out. (however, please don't bring it up! LOL)

I am guessing our quest to meet Kinley's needs in the midst of the day earned us some brownie points. The true highlight was when it came to nap time. As always, I offered to have her cuddle in the bed or go in her crib. She reluctantly pointed to the bed. She had this look on her face like she had been contemplating this decision all day. Needless to say, I decided I could easily take a nap as well. I hunkered down between the two kiddos (taking one for the team of course). She still takes quite a while to wind down (thanks Cherie M. for teaching me about getting regulated...I would have thought she was OCD) Kinley even gave me her monkey to sleep with!

At story time before bed, she again made the same choice. Baba lovingly and in his animated way brought 'Pout Pout Fish' to life. She was even making fish faces throughout the story. After lights out, she got antsy so Steve asked where she wanted to get settled and she picked the crib. I had gone out into the other room. However, when I came in a short while later little Miss re-thought her decision and had climbed back into the bed. Talk about a HUGE step in the trust department. Maybe our mishap at the Safari Park was all worth it.

Today we headed to Shamian Island with our group. We spent only a short while doing some power shopping. It was the prettiest day we have had here. Our group then went for an amazing lunch. Not surprising when we let our guides order how good the food is. Looking forward to feeding the Koi and bubble blowing this evening.

We are so happy to be in the home stretch. The homesickness has been helped this trip by having Jenna and Liam with us. However, we miss Lauren and Ryan like crazy. Other things I miss from home: 5 point harnesses/child safety seats, green lights meaning go and red lights meaning stop, cars abiding by those white lines in the road, and my own mattress even if it is 17 years old.

Pictures: Safari park-my fav the giraffes, cute baby and cute but no so efficient stroller, curious Chinese clowns, Liam teaching Kinley how to raid the mini-bar, Steve exploring just how comfortable (or not) it is to sit like so many Chinese we see, the littles playing Memory, bedtime stories with daddy, a beautiful Christian shop owner, Jenny with her son Michael, people taking pictures of our littles as we took their pictures, and Liam pointing out the warning sign on the window that says "in the interest of safety, please do not push on the glass"...as he pushes on the glass.