Every picture tells a story don't it?

Today was another one of those "do-nothing" days, with much waiting on

external entities (like the Embassy) and more pool time, and just general chilling out-- as Adam is going to demonstrate here:

So we really don't have anything especially interesting to relate now, other than some great news today:  the American embassy did OK all our paperwork, so we are one step closer to coming home!  Tomorrow we go before the Consulate and swear an oath to want and love for our daughter, and care for her unconditionally... I can't wait.  

After that, we should get Betty's travel visa by Thursday, and Friday morning we are bound for Hong Kong and a mid-day flight back to the US of A!

In lieu of interesting or amusing stories from today (since, alas, really don't have any) I thought I would just post some of my favorite random pictures from our China "vacation" thus far.  They say every picture tells a story, but of course I will try to briefly explain anyway.

I previously described our adventures walking around Beijing with three little American boys, and how the Chinese people -- women especially-- could not get enough of them... that has tapered off more in the southern area of China.  But--- one of us is still getting some envious glances and looks of wide-eyed wonder:  imagine being the mother to THREE SONS in this culture!  We have been told on several occasion that the beautiful wife would be treated like an Empress: that sounds pretty good to me.

I wrote a few days ago about the large family that traveled to Shenyang with us, and how great our kids interacted, and what good friends they have become-- they really are a beautiful family.  They have adopted two older children on this trip (boy 14 and girl 7) and the girl has been vying with Adam for Betty's attention all week too.  

And mine too... not that I am complaining...

It often seemed that the youngest siblings would attach themselves to whatever situation the older siblings were involved in: the pool, the park.... even climbing precariously high rock walls ----}

And Daniel has been insisting for days that I post this picture below of him 

with his new best little buddy:

Now, Daniel and Betty had been "pen-pals" somewhat over the years, just via email, so they had some familiarity when they first met last week... AJ and Adam also cannot get enough of their "new" big sister  -- they were so excited to finally meet her that they immediately got their toenails painted (isn't that what sisters do??)  

Can't believe I forgot to mention that one.

Betty and Daniel have their "older kids" thing going, and will use the Translator to discuss current events (actually Dan usually peppers her with questions, to which she usually just giggles);  Adam and Betty have their well-documented adoration attachment; and tonight Betty and AJ found another common bond of interest:  origami and folding paper.  AJ absolutely loves that... he can sit all day with a paper book and fold shapes and make cool stuff.  Betty showed him tonight over dinner (and nothing says authentic China like two nights of superb Japanese hibachi food!) how to make paper hearts, boats, stars, and a flower for his Momma.  

I am still trying to figure out the story on this rabbit above, but when we were at Yuntai Gardens the other day, Betty insisted on having several pictures of herself with this bunny character, and we immediately e-mailed them to her friends here.  And I am obviously new to the whole "teen-daughter" scene since I had never seen someone squeal and giggle so much as when Betty read her friend's reply e-mail.  It was quite exciting.

This has been a very long week, and a wonderful, life-changing vacation too.  Nothing really fascinating going on today, however, tomorrow and Thursday we expect to have big fun days- and no more waiting or paperwork.

Time to go get some rest...

"Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13