Good times in Guangzhou

We have been having a pretty good time here in Guangzhou - on Saturday we ventured out to Shamian Island for some souvenir shopping.  The Island used to belong to Great Britain and France and was a colonial outpost for trade with China.  The architecture reflects that and because of that and the cleanliness of the island we felt a little more at home walking it's streets.  It is really beautifully dotted with gardens and shops and many of it's streets are pedestrian only.

A rockin' Chinese garage band.

No matter rain or shine or freezing temperatures - in China, pants are totally optional. ;)  My favorite is when the control top of their pantyhose is six inches lower than their skirt or shorts.

We had a wonderful time and even went out for some ice cream at Lucy's.  Though it wasn't as good as the stuff at home the girls slowly enjoyed each and every bite.  Pearl was especially careful with hers - savoring tiny little bites so that it would last forever.

Yesterday was Sunday here in China and we decided to go to church.  Another adoptive family here in our hotel is also LDS and was going to church which made it even easier to feel comfortable venturing across town in a taxi to a small LDS branch that meets at a hotel.  It was such a wonderful meeting - the girls even went to primary and said they had a great time.  We were nourished by the Spirit and afterwards went out to lunch with that other family and a couple we met at the ward.  Turns out I knew the wife, Kimi from BYU!  Anyhow, it was great to be a spectacle with all of our Chinese children and white parents.  We spent a great afternoon together enjoying good food and English conversation and got back to our hotel just a little before we had to leave again to go on our river cruise.

Guangzhou is located on the Pearl river and like many Chinese cities - it buildings are lit up with dazzling light shows.  The river passes several different districts and provides dinner and entertainment as well as a deck up top to watch the city pass by.

While we weren't completely dazzled by it the girls were in heaven.  The entertainment for the night was a clown and together with a newly adopted friend Fuyu they had the time of their lives.

Esther videoed the entire performance.  

Things are going so well and our love is growing steadily each day.  The girls both trust us so much more and are eager to share things with us.  We couldn't feel more blessed.