Last Post from China

This will probably be the last opportunity to post until we get to the US.  They charge for the internet in HK and we will only be there one night.  We did some of the last of our shopping today.  Hoping we don't have to buy another suitcase to get it all home.  I'm getting a bit better at the bargaining. Gracie slept in her crib until about 3 am and woke up soaked.  I keep one eye open when she is restless as I'm afraid she'll fall out of the crib.  I changed her in the middle of night and kept her w/ us & partially slept.  Was pretty tired today.  I threw the wet diaper into the corner on the marble in the night so I wouldn't wake her anymore than necessary or Dan.  Well, of course, this morning at 6 am she wanted up right away and went straight to that diaper (being a new and interesting thing within reach) and then she wiped her face on it!! -before I could get to her.  Apparently thought it was a nice cool, wet wash rag.  Once again she has questioned whether these parents she's acquired are really certified for this job.  The other day she went and threw this paper bag and for some reason, it looked so funny that Dan and I were paralyzed w/ laughter for several minutes.  She has this long deadpan look when she's deciding whether something is acceptable to her or not.  It's hilarious.  When she is upset, there is a longgggg, silent pause w/ her eyes shut and a deep frown. 
We were hoping to take more pictures today but it was raining.  A lot of the scaffolding is made of bamboo at construction sites &  it will be built several stories high. Dan doesn't think it looks like an appealing way to do skyscraper construction. 
Forgot to mention that yesterday at the Consulate, they specially recognized a couple children due to their birthdays being close to their adoption time.  They called out Gracie's name since her birthday was Aug. 12th, the day we traveled.  Yesterday was my brother Brian' s birthday &; as many of you know, Gracie and my dad share the same birthdate.  Today was the 40th birthday of one of the dads here. Their  little Sophie is incredibly cute.  Gracie is currently trying to break a little bracelet I bought her by wrapping it around the cell phone that she already broke.  After about the zillionth request for us to fix the mangled flip top, I whisked it away into the garbage when she wasn't looking.  It is so satisfying to put one over on her occasionally because it is very difficult to avoid her overly observant eyes.  I suppose I shouldn't admit that on this blog.

We ate at Lucy's many nights. All kinds of Hollywood posters and license plates from all over including one that Christian Zimmerman gave them  An Idaho plate w/ a "Z" on it.

White Swan Hotel. Our home for 2 wks.

What can I add?

landscaping near hotel

We look so forward to leaving but can't help feeling a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see more of China.  We are taking home a priceless souvenir though, so it's ok.Well, it's late and we will be losing a lot of sleep in next few days. We fly out of HK at noon Saturday and arrive in Boise close to 3pm that same day.  We will however, have actually been traveling for about 17 hrs.  The flight from HK to San Francisco is about 13 hrs I think.  I'm sure it is going to be very challenging w/ the busy girl but we'll get through.  Guess that's all for now. Can't wait to see those three  boys of ours and friends!!!!!!!!!!!