Group Shot

You all will have to forgive me if I get repetitive on the blogs. Usually the day shakes out w/breakfast, play time or excursion, possible appointment somewhere or sightseeing, lunch, nap. During nap is when I try to update the blog. So it is actually done in half days. Like today (Wed.)I'll try to update on our activities last night and what we did this morning. But w/o checking the previous blog, which takes forever on this connection, I may be repeating. So sorry!
Yesterday after nap we played w/some balloons and then went down to the lobby to have our group photos taken. It was really neat because many of the children had traditional Chinese outfits to wear and it was nice to have a remembrance of this chapter in Nathaniel's life. Denise and I were talking today, it's almost bittersweet because some families are actually getting ready to leave today, or are leaving this afternoon! Everyone was taking down information and photos yesterday so that when we all get state side we can (try) to stay connected.

After the family photo, the three of us took a taxi ride back to the "island" where the clinic and shops are located to pick up the drawings that were made yesterday. During the tail end of our paperchasing, once we had our travel plans and whatnot, Denise did some research and found a restaurant in Guangzhou called "Danny's Bagels". Apparently this Danny came over from New Jersey several years ago and opened a restaurant to try and offer as traditional Italian and Americana fare as he could. So we had the concierge write down the address so we could have a taxi take us over to the restaurant. It was a nice place to eat and Danny actually came out later and talked w/us for about 20 minutes just asking where we were from and how the food was and everything. I think he actually was homesick and pleased to connect w/some folks from state side who could help him feel reconnected.
The surrounding area of Guangzhou is kind of like a low-key Vegas. Lots of neon lighting, although what they are advertising we haven't the slightest. The weather cooperated, I don't know if I've mentioned before but it has been running about 70 or so, w/moderate humidity. Some days we wear shorts, other times, light pants are comfortable.
We arrived @the hotel about 21:00 and took a short tour around the fourth floor where the pool and various other activity rooms are located.

Mama snapped this one while we were horsing around on a bench outside.

This morning it was, you know it, breakfast again. We know, since today was pancakes, that tomorrow will be french toast, yeah! We had to be back in our room so, at least, one of us could be near the phone from 09:30 onward while our guides were @the Consulate. So, we got the balloons out again and played w/them. Nate was still sleepy since going to bed late, but still getting up around 06:00, so he was kinda crabby. We got the call from Amy about 11:30 that all was good and we meet tomorrow in the lobby @14:15 to take our trip to the Consulate and take our Oath! We went down to the playland inside the hotel since it was raining out again. Two other families joined us later on and it was nice to just play around some and discuss future plans. The one family is leaving this afternoon and the husband called us to see if we wanted any of their leftover groceries. Down the hall he comes w/a bag full of crackers and nuts. We're all set on the snack front, even if we had to stay for another 2 weeks! Thanks Rick and Donna, God speed and safe travels!

Denise wanted to snap this pick, perhaps reminiscent of her college days? "Have you seen a Cheshire cat come through here?"