Hi All,

So I've been up since 4am today. Not really on purpose, obviously for those who know me. But today, Monday is the day we will meet and function as a family of four. I have been awake thinking about God's master hand in family design and feeling dreamy about this little boy we get to call our own today. We walked around West Lake yesterday morning and saw so many beautiful things. We may go out on a gondola type boat for a ride across the lake. The paddle boat men that lined the walkway, all with their own boat seemed more than anxious to take out the Americans. The archetecture is great, and people dress with so much color and creativity. And the children, more boys than girls, are bundled up so much they look like miniature sumo wrestlers as they waddle around. We've tasted some great chinese things already. Last night I had eel and Karen tried the chicken feet. Esther is partial to egg rolls, but hasn't had any that she considers better than Master Chan's. (her Tae Kwon Do master). He should be proud.

People are very kind here, and they love to look at and talk about us Americans. Lauren, our adopted neighbor is particularly popular when we're out and about. The locals call her "lucky girl" and want to know what province she is from. They love to look at her and touch her hair.

Friends of Joes took us to the silk market yesterday and we had a lovely time shopping and talking. Esther and Lauren met a young friend who taught them some easy Chinese street games and Joe found a wonderful fried egg tortilla treat. We are having fun and looking forward to adding Maximus into our adventure today. Stay tuned for pictures.

The joes