Guangzhou at the China Hotel Marriott

We'll we've been in GZ about 24 hours now and have finished the dreaded part of this stay.  Ian made it through the physical without issue and was a trooper through the blood draw.  He only came out with one band-aid, which is a good sign!  No tears going in or coming out and he didn't really seem overly nervous.  He has had several surgeries and so we asked Elvin to explain to him that this was not a pre-op visit to help ease his anxiety.  He seems to have good vision and vitals all looked normal, too.  The other kiddos did well; Katie wanted her turn at vitals though.  I think she is missing all the ladies at the office!

The breakfast buffet was huge and had about everything you can imagine!  Lots of random choices but plenty of the comfort breakfast foods I wanted too.

After the breakfast and the medical, the boys went swimming and the girls napped.  Tim said the pool is wonderful and warm.  It is an outdoor pool, the first for this trip, so hopefully we will get some pretty weather.  Ian is still doing well.  He has learned how to spell his name and has begun learning the alphabet.  He is definitely happiest when he has something he can help with; he is enjoying his sibs still.  Jay and Kay are doing fine with sharing us; I had thought that might be an issue.  Laura is still being super sister and managed the littles while Tim and I stayed with Ian for his exams.  She has been so much help on this trip; I don't know how we would have done it without her.  Mitch is supposed to get here sometime tonight, hopefully his plane will eventually get off the ground from Shanghai! Tomorrow is a free day, so at least he will have a little time to recover before we have more scheduled activities.  :)  

From here, the schedule is pretty easy.  Tomorrow is a free day, the following day we have to spend some time close to the hotel waiting to get the Tb results and then that evening we will take a river cruise.  Lots of families have done this in the past but this will be our first time.   Then Tuesday is our Consulate appointment.  They are very serious at the American Consulate.  You cannot go in if you don't have an American passport, so even our guide cannot accompany us.  You have to leave all bags and electronics behind; they won't even allow a diaper bag!  You can bring a diaper and a few wipes in a clear bag but that is all.  You also have to go through a metal detector.  Wednesday is another free day and then Thursday is our Safari Park day.  I can't wait!  It was one of the highlights of the last 2 trips for Jaden.  Then Friday we leave for our last stop before home, Hong Kong!

As always, I want to say thanks for all the good wishes!  It is so comforting to know we have the support of our family, friends and extended community.  Blessings, y'all.