Guangzhou at last

Ethan is nearing the end of his Chinese adventure. We made it to Guangzhou and when we ate dinner at Lucy's Bar and Grill where they have American food he said "I like this Chinese grilled cheese." He has been quite a trooper and is a wonderful big brother. We are all looking forward to being home and see a trip to the Hula Hut in our future. We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon!

Cooling off

Ethan enjoyed time at the pool here in the hotel. He liked letting Annelise splash him a little (not too much, you know). He brought her a floaty ring so that she could be like him. I think in a few years she will give him a run (or should I say swim) for his money in the pool. Brother and sister had big fun together in the water!

Big attraction

Ethan is a big hit with people in China. They like to touch his cheeks and talk to him - something about American boys really makes the girls smile :) Here we are at the Yue Lue Academy where he was smiled at plenty :)

Brotherly Love

Annelise has really started warming up to Ethan. This morning she actually went to him to let him hold her. He was so proud and happy to be holding his Mei-Mei. She made a game of going between me and Ethan - he really likes his new role.

Big Brother

Ethan liked watching Annelise sleep

Hey, I'm a brother!

It's official - Ethan is a big brother. He was so wonderful. When we first saw Annelise he said that she was so precious. When they gave her over to us he kept whispering in her ear "I'm your big brother, I love you." He is a little dissappointed that she didn't want to hold his hand right away (heck, she didn't really want any of us right away). He has been playing with her a bunch and has made her smile several times. He is really enjoying his new sister :)

Hero

Starting the Great hike
Ethan and Cameron climb together

Ethan and James on the top of the watch tower

James and Ethan at the bottom - we made it to the 2nd watch tower

There is a saying in China that you are not a hero until you have climbed the Great Wall. Well, I am here to report that Ethan is officially a hero :) There are many (myself include) who had their doubts about his ability to enjoy the Great Wall without one of us carrying him. His excitement built all day and when he could see the Great Wall from the bus window he started yelling “I see it! I see it! There it is! There it is!” He could hardly wait to get off the bus. He started up the ramp to the part of the Wall that we would climb at a jog. I was sure he would burn out after a few minutes. Not so this little hero. He climbed and climbed persistently. We made it to the first watch tower and I thought that was pretty good, but he wanted to keep going. At the next landing area we tried to convince him that would be far enough, but he didn’t buy it. We told him we could go up to the next watch tower. Our reward for this extra effort was being able to climb up in the watch tower and walk along the ramparts. It totally rocked. If we would’ve had the time I really think he would have walked that Wall until he passed out. He loved it. Because of time restraints we had to descend (which was a bit treacherous – very steep). He fell asleep hard tonight! Today he was a hero on the Great Wall, tomorrow he will be a big brother, which of course is a whole other kind of hero :)

Ethan's first friend in China

Sleeping Panda

Ethan and Cameron at the Summer Palace

Temple of Heaven Gate

Today Ethan made a buddy. His friend Cameron is traveling to the same orphanage as we are to get his new baby sister as well. As soon as the two met they were both excited to have someone to talk to. They sat together on the bus and held hands often as we were sightseeing. He was quite the trooper for our sightseeing tour. There was quite a bit of walking, but he did very well given the lack of sleep that we are all suffering from. At the restaurant where we were served traditional Chinese food Ethan ate some of the chicken offered (you go boy!). He also enjoyed some chocolate ice cream. He told me that his favorite part of the day was seeing the pandas, where he got another new friend whom he has named “fun panda bear”. He wants his class to know that (and I quote) “I bought a really nice fluffy panda.” I hope that Bill and Fun Panda hit it off or it could get ugly J He is looking forward to breakfast and to walking on the Great Wall.

Ethan goes to China

Ethan sleeps on route to China

Ethan and Bill share a bagel in Chicago

Ethan and Bill are ready to leave Austin

On the plane

Ethan succesfully made the journey to China with his faithful companion Bill. He made the flight pretty well taking a few naps here and there. He sacked out at 7:30 pm China time but woke up at 2 am ready to do "work". After a snack, he went back to sleep until 5. This morning he's already done some school work and ate breakfast (I think he thinks he hit the lottery with the breakfast buffet - we stocked up for the day). Today we will be seeing the zoo, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. (We have accomplished a lot this morning and it's 8:00 :)

The Night Before China

'Twas the night before China and all through the house, every creature was packing and getting ready to go :) Ethan and Bill (he is the white bear who comes from Ms. Taylor's kindergarten class) are all ready to go to China. Here they are having fun on top of the suitcases. Do you think we will have enough stuff in China? Well, we have all got to get rest for our early morning flight!