Terracotta Soldiers, lots of bonding time...and a Pallace Show!

 We had an early morning wake up call (7am China Standard Time...whatever that means) to get dressed, eat breakfast and meet Celine and Mr. Leo (our driver, who by the way is awesome and the girls love him because he helps them into the van each day...lots of giggles!) to travel about 1 hour outside the city to see the mausoleum of China's first emperor and the Terracotta Soldier army he ordered crafted around his tomb (I think?!?!).  See above a picture of the girls standing in front two soldiers and General Meritt.

It was incredible to see the number of soldiers and horses (over 6,000) that had been handcrafted out of the red clay.  Unbelievable detail...down to the fingernails and treads on their shoes.  Really cool...the girls where mildly entertained...it was cold!  See below a crafty picture I took in front of one of the exhibits...its a reflection of us...but you probably already figured that out

After returning to our room around 2pm, we had about 4 hours to play prior to going to a Pallace Show that Celine recommended.  We colored, got stickered and bowed up (always a good look), and just hung out.  It was awesome...the girls really enjoy playing with each other...absolutely love Meritt...and seem to find some humor in messing around with me.  They find a great deal of joy in loading me up with bows in the few hairs on my head, placing stickers all over my face and then parading me to the mirror to begin the giggle process...I love it because they grab my hand (which makes my day...more on that in a minute)...the getting pulled to the mirror for exhibition time is just icing on the cake!

After play time...and a little bit of dad time (I got a trip to the gym!)...Meritt is awesome to give me this time each day...we got all dolled up in our best wares and headed to the show.  Above Maggie enjoyed sampling the wonderful dumplings stuffed with shrimp, vegetables, meats and scallops...I think she has at least three in her mouth for this picture.

 Check Mary Henley out on the left...I'm pretty sure she has the REST of them in her mouth at this point.  They really enjoyed the eats tonight.

 The show was awesome, very pretty dresses, music and dances.  The girls eyes were glued to these very pretty young ladies in these awesome gowns dancing across the stage.  It was a wonderful treat.

Back in the room and ready for bed in our matching footy pajamas...at least I think that is what you call them.  No trap doors...just zippers up the front in case you are wondering.  I did...hence the comment.  Can't help but point out the wonderful smile on Maggie's face...that's the face Meritt and I fell in love with when we started this journey 18 months ago.  Mary Henley is the extra-blessing He knew we had to have to make this journey complete.  It's like with Marshall, Macey and Matt...despite being the bonehead (His description would be "stiff-necked") that I am, He chose to bless us (to be clear...Meritt is not a bonehead) with a glimpse of His glory.

As if all of the above wasn't enough with regard to what a wonderful day we had today...here's the best part...at least from my perspective.  While sitting in the chairs facing the stage at the show, we were all holding hands...not the kind of hand holding that is just palm to palm...but the real kind, where everyone of your fingers are interlocked with everyone of their little fingers...the kind where you know they don't want you to let go...and you don't want them to let go either!

Tomorrow is our orphanage visit.  As it stands tonight, I will go by myself to take pictures, thank Maggie's caregivers and deliver gifts.  We are making such good progress in our bonding with her, that I just can't bear the thought of putting her through the emotional turmoil that may come from seeing her friends and caregivers again.  Meritt is good either way (she has the ability to see the big picture...this is a marathon not a spring kind of thing)...I just sense there is more downside risk...it may be selfish...I pray that it isn't.

Friday will be a day of packing and preparation for our evening flight to Guangzhou...despite the difficulties in packing up and toting three women and four bags to the airport...it is a welcomed chore as it means we are that much closer to COMING HOME!!!