Tuesday ~ A Free Day

The park near the Pearl River
Mollie's first taste of ice cream
The desserts we found
Mollie choosing which dessert she wants

Mollie at breakfast Tuesday morning
The courtyard at our hotel
Our princess
Mollie and Daddy
A walk in the park

Today (Tuesday) was a free day, no paperwork or meetings. After breakfast, we decided to put Mollie in the stroller and go for a walk. We of course did a little shopping. We walked through a beautiful park that is right on the Pearl River, very close to our hotel. It was full of people dancing, playing games and just relaxing. The flowers and all the palm trees made me feel almost like we were at the beach. Shamian Island is beautiful. Many couples come here to get married. We've seen at least one couple everyday since we've been here taking photos for their wedding. There also a lot of really neat statues on the island. There is a playground also that we haven't made it to yet and a Starbucks. We may try to fit that in on Wednesday.

After a little shopping we stopped at a little deli/bakery where we found Haagen Dazs ice cream!YES! I said Haagen Dazs ice cream. It tasted so good. Mollie had her first taste of ice cream and didn't much care for it. I think it was probably the cold she didn't like. We could tell she had never had it before. They also had wonderful pastries that we will try another day. We've never seen desserts like this before in China. (so much for losing a little weight while I'm here) Their idea of dessert is watermelon.

We headed back to the hotel for lunch then a nap for Mollie. She slept about 2 hours (a good little sleeper). When she woke up (always wakes up happy with a smile) we decided to head up to the pool. The Vogel's, Nancy and Dan, were their with their three little ones. They are such a sweet family. They have 3 older sons out of the house and 3 beautiful daughters Julianna 5, Grace 4 and their newest addition 2 year old Annie. We enjoyed swimming with them. Mollie absolutely loved the water. I at first didn't get in the water, so Mollie loved going to David in the water. He loved it too! She would hold her arms out to him and just giggle. She is such a happy baby!

We are looking forward to coming home. Only a couple more days here in China. It's kind of bittersweet. There are so many things I will miss here in China. But more than anything, I miss my 4 other beautiful children! Only 2 more days and we begin our (long) journey home!

I am so thankful to God for all He has given us!

~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We love you all!

David, Barb & Mollie