Zach's pictureof Bella.....

Bella had her first Oreo the other day on our walk....I tried several times to take a picture of her with the chocoloate all over her face, but it never came out......Zach took the camera, and on his FIRST try, got the above picture........could be a budding photographer in the family.......he has been taking a lot of pictures with his camera, as well as our digital camera.........another good night of sleeping for everyone last night.....all of us crashed around nine....Tina up first...then me....Zach.....and last but not least, Bella......it is Friday morning.....weather looks to be humid again...as previoously mentioned, off to the mountains and caves this morning, then back to the hotel. They are possibly arranging trips for us to the cities/areas where the orphanages are from...Bella and Laina are both from Laibin orphange; the other 2 babies are from a different part. We may travel tomorrow to Laibin with the other family to see where Bella was from.......on some information we received from her, it was stated that she was left on the grass, under an umbrella, by a hospital in Laibin.....we could possibly see that area.....We realize that the mom did this so that Bella could have a better life, and we are confident that we can provide that to her. hope all is well in Mass.....any snow???? Sanjaya STILL on AI? Is Dice K undefeated?

Chinatown Dragons......

Riding the Dragon at the park.......

Dad and Bella at the park.....

Parks.....sleeping babies.......party in the hall...!

Today we went to the Nanning City People's Park, which is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel....it is a gorgeous park, with ponds, plenty of trees/shade.....a small amusement park......old fort......we went as a group, but we ended up breaking off by ourselves to go to the amusement park (we are the only ones with an active 6 year old in the group)......Its amazing how much power of persuasion a 6 year old has over you.....having a small fear of heights, next thing I knew I am in a rather high Chinese Ferris Wheel, overlooking the city........My immediate thoughts were that we'd get stuck up thre, much to Zach's delight.......All ended fine, and we proceeded to go on more rides......mini roller coaster that spun.......a tilt a whirl type ride....and the best.....a large 'circle' that you sit in and pedal it around this large track....course, pedals weren't big enough for Zach to pedal, so here dad is pedalling like crazy.....before we got on, we noticed a small silver pedal.....i smiled, pointed at it and said 'brake'....the operator grinned...and nodded.....so off we went....less than half way around the track, a winded dad stopped pedalling, turned to Zach and said we need to take a break...(i thought to myelf, how long is this track???)...Zach put his foot on the silver 'brake' pedal, and off we went....!!! Yes, the damn ride was electric, and I did NOT have to pedal the whole time.....after the park, back to the hotel for some lunch and a quick swim.....we then went with another lady on the trip to Wal Mart to stock up on some supplies (mostly munchies for Zach and Bella, who SNACKS as much as he does), and some beer and wine for the families back at the hotel...(4 altogether, including us)........after we got back to the hotle, we had an impromptu party in the hall......all of us are on same floor, and have rooms next to each other....we opened our doors....put blankets on the floor for the kids....had munchies...some wine....beer.....very nice and relaxing.....kids had a ball.........Bella was the life of the party...laughing....giggling.......when we were at the area of Wal Mart, we got Zach a cheese pizza at Pizza Hut......'real' Chinese food for lunch and dinner is starting to wear thin on him..so he relished the pizza.....Tina and I both said that we WOULD love to have a nice steak dinner one night........Anyway, tomorrow it is off to the 'caves'......guess they have caves that are similar to the Polar Caves, so taking a trip out there......should be fun.......

What have we missed....?

It is almost 5 PM, Wed, 4/11.......We have been here almost a week.......only news we get is from the internet.....but, did find out that........Sox are in first place...Dice K is 1 and 0....Sanjaya is still on Amerian Idol (????)......Tiger lost at Augusta, in spite of playing in the final group......Larry Burkhart IS the father.........Food has been great here......discovered that food in Nanning, where we are now, is MUCH better than Beijing...even Tina agrees......Incredible dinners and lunches....we laughed at first, as they were initially giving 'french fries' with the dinners (not that very good...), and we asked one of our guides, why? They said that everyone in America eats french fries....we said no need to keep doing so........but, they try and change up the dishes...rice....low mein/noodles......spicy dishes.....chicken...pork...seafood......it has been great.......side note to my friend, George, you would LOVE it.......!!!!! Zach, unfortunately, is having a tough time.....can only Chinese food so many times....i did discover McDonalds..Pizza Hut...and KFC a little ways down the street...(yes, near that traditional Chinese shopping store, Wal Mart)...think may treat him tomorrow for a break........We have been dealing with the language barrier fairly well......Tomorrow, we think we are going to do some more sight seeing....Guess there is a big mountain nearby that offers incredible views....there are polar type caves to explore......and, of course for the ladies, there is Shopping.....!!!!! amazing HOW cheap things are here.....we got Zach a little carry on bag (for all the stuff he has accumulated..and will get more tonight for his birthday), for less than 10 dollars......We do miss having ice, but have been warned not to risk having a drink with ice in it.......All and all, the group we are with are fantastic.......we believe we will remain in touch with several families.....especially the one on the Vineyard.....Can't hurt to have Vineyarders as friends.........Hope folks dont mind these 'rambling' posts....but get caught up in the day.....the excitement of being in China....the new baby, and its nice to express our thoughts and feelings to friends and loved ones......

First Dolphin Show.....

Zach, Mom and Bella checking out the Seals and Dolphin show at the Nanning Zoo...

BIG Brother taking care of baby sister.....

.....Snap the picture already.....!!!!