SAFARI PARK

Today was incredible. The days keep getting better and better, or at least the days we spend with Hank and Michaele. We met up again for breakfast and then caught a taxi t to the Safari Park. It is an awesome zoo and I highly recommend those that will be adopting soon to make sure you put this on your MUST SEE list when here in Guangzhou. The zoo is quite large. We were only able to see half of the zoo and just a few shows so plan a full day. The zoo does a great job at getting you up close and personal to the animals.   The children seemed to really enjoy the day. Joshua was so animated when he watched both the elephant and tiger show. He clapped, giggled, pointed, screamed and I'm sure told us everything that was going on…in Chinese. After the tiger show, Hank and Phil were bringing them down a huge flight of stairs in their stroller. Both Joshua and MaeLynn had the biggest smile and then Joshua started to count each bump in Chinese and had the most infectious laugh. I did get a video and it is just darling.   After the park we met up with Hank's and Michaele's Ward for their Christmas party. It was held at a restaurant that some of their Ward members will be opening soon. The kids once again seemed to really enjoy themselves, but I have to say, MaeLynn went to TOWN on all the food. What was amazing is that she ate everything on her own and almost everything in sight. Even Hank and Michaela noted in just the day since they last saw her, she improved significantly. We are starting to finally see the true little girl that is inside and are so ecstatic. Joshua has taken to Uncle Hank and followed him wherever he went. He has become so enamored with him and it is quite endearing.   We did have one major setback. The restaurant has a rather steep staircase with about 20 steps. After Phil changed Joshua, he was coming up the stairs with Joshua behind and just as they reached the top, I looked over and saw just the tip of Joshua's head and then no more. I jumped to my feet with a scream and Phil immediately turned around to watch his little boy fall head over feet down the hard staircase. Phil ran to grab him but no luck. However, a Ward member did manage to grab him at the very bottom, but all the members grew quiet with worry as this poor little boy started screaming in pain and fright. Phil came to the top of the stairs and I wasn't sure whose heart was beating faster, mine or Joshua. We have been told to make sure his pulse stays below 100 beats a minute and have medication to bring his heartbeat down if necessary. Unfortunately, I left his medication at the hotel. Needless to say, I grabbed Joshua in my arms and Phil announced to everyone that he is okay.   Yes, the little guy is a trooper as he calmed down rather quickly and the next thing you know he was off laughing, screaming and letting everyone fall in love with him. He is such a cutey and one amazing little man. On the ride home we were mesmerized by the city. They do amazing things with lights and it is just gorgeous. We are just having an amazing time and so glad that Hank and Michaele are out here as we are truly enjoying spending time with them. Tomorrow we will be hooking up with them for church and actually rather disappointed that it will be our last day with them. We are truly falling in love with China and the people and most important, our two little cherubs.