June 25, 2009

Today Xiaomei, Mark & Miriam came over & we made a quick Starbucks stop before heading to the Yong He Gong temple.    It was VERY hot and humid today so we knew the interest level would decline quickly. After the temple we took the girls to lunch and went to Chinese Children’s favorite store for 2 hours of playtime in the sand pit.  All three girls loved it and Mark, Xiaomei and I had a good time just relaxing and talking.  At 5 we went our separate ways because our friends had a prior dinner date and we took quick showers and had a nice dinner in the mall. 

Zoe and Yihui watched a movie in the hotel room after dinner. Tomorrow we get Yihui’s passport and leave Beijing to go to Guangzhou.  The American consulate is there and our appointment at the consulate is July 29^th.  We must have a medical examination and Yihui will need one vaccination before leaving.  The process in Guangzhou takes a few days and then we leave for home July1.  Although we are having a great time in Beijing, it is important for Yihui to leave Beijing to fully understand how her life is changing.  We have seen many changes in Yihui over these 2 weeks.  Her bond to Zoe is complete and she is starting to bond to Bob and I while trying to figure out the rules of family life.  Zoe told us again how she wants to stay and live in Beijing!  It is a wonderful city and we all hope to spend more time in China so the girls can maintain their connection. 

 There may not be any post tomorrow with the travel.