Day 9 (Free Day)

Today was a scheduled free day. It was what we might consider USA day, more details on that as we go.

After another astoundingly awesome breakfast, we decided to check out the hotel amenities. First up was the indoor playground, which had a most (un)welcome "out of order" sign on the door. Seriously, bro? When it's 78 bagillion degrees outside you want to pull that stunt? So we played for approximately 11 minutes on the outdoor swings and slide until we were gasping for breath. Lacey wasn't a big fan of the swing. She thought the slide was OK since we helped her down. It was just us, though - we kind of wanted to see her play with other kids. Then we checked out the outdoor pool, which looks great. We'll be hitting that for the next few days, I hope.

Then, it was time for a trip home. We went to *sniff* Starbucks! Then *full blown weeping* we went to McDonalds!!! And *hysterical blubbering* IT ALL TASTED RIGHT!! Thank You, Lord! It felt a little like home - except we ordered a cup of corn for Lacey. Corn at McDonalds? What's the world coming to?

After a nice nap, we met a bunch of other folks to take a trip to the jade and pearl wholesale markets. Time to get yo' bargaining hat on! I got completely ripped off. No, just joking. We got a nice little jade piece for Cindy's charm bracelet. They opened at 30 RMB, so we took a lap and came back. Different person running the table, and he started at 100. Huh?? So I offered 20. He said 60. I said 20. He said OK. Not bad for about $3. Then We got a few cheap (read: practically free) DVD's before hitting the pearl market.

We wanted to get Lacey a string for later in life, maybe her 16th birthday or something. First shop wanted $50 for a pretty lousy strand and wouldn't go below $45. For a much better strand, the next shop wanted 200 RMB and settled for 180 (less than $30). Lemme think. So with our stuff in hand, we walked out happy.

Got back to the hotel in time to wait 40 minutes for laundry to show up. Wretched traffic! Great deal, though. Two huge bags of a week's clothing for three people came to about $22. While I waited, Cindy ordered...wait for it...wait for it...Papa John's pizza!! We had that, Pepsi, and even a couple of Oreos. Nice day for American taste buds!

Lacey continues to get better with us. She tries to get away with murder, but she's starting to realize that isn't going to happen anymore. She even said "please" and "thank you" some today! Lots and lots of laughs, peek-a-boos, tickle fests, and kisses to go around. She loves it when she does something really good which gets Mommy and Daddy to clap and say "Yay, Lacey!!" So, so cute. Considering we've been with her less than a week, she's doing great. She just needs to get home, see what structure and scheduling is, and start to interact with her sisters. I really feel Lexi and Ava are going to help out so much in getting her adjusted. One of the real highlights of the past few days has been seeing Lexi and Lacey play peek-a-boo thousands of miles apart! Oh, and the "tooth picture" below is always hilarious when we Face Time with Lexi!

Tomorrow, we are heading out early to Shamian Island to do some more substantial shopping. We hope to get some things for our two sweeties at home (and a replica Omega watch for yours truly).

We're missing church for the second straight Sunday, which brings us both great sadness. Next Sunday, it will be SUCH a joy to remember the Lord Jesus with His people!! As long as Lacey isn't a handful, of course. Enjoy your day!

Thanks for reading,
Daniel

P.S. I want to just point out one of life's annoying little things. When you wash your hands with bar soap instead of liquid, how annoying is it when chunks of the soap get stuck on your wedding ring? AM I RIGHT, PEOPLE??