The Summer Palace ~ June 6th

Anna at the Summer Palace.

Randy writes... Well as you can see, it's been non-stop ever since we arrived. Every day is crammed with things to do and places to see. Too busy for my liking actually. It's really hard to adjust to parenthood when you're living out of a suitcase and travelling about constantly. Yesterday was the Great Wall, tour of a Jade factory, lunch with the group, and visa pictures taken of Anna for the journey home. Today we went with the group to the "Dragon Lady's" Summer Palace, and visited a pearl factory. Afterwards, I stayed back with Anna at the hotel while Julie tried her hand at bartering at the famous Silk Market. No doubt they met their match when Julie walked in...

 Anna and Thea

 People often ask to get their picture taken with us - too funny!

 Bridge to island - both the lake and a mountain are man-made. 

(Mountain not shown here...) 

 This older lady is paddling like crazy while the man reclines. Hope they took turns :)

 This tree is supported by the steel brackets.

In the meantime we're still busy trying to figure Anna out. For the most part I think she's pretty predictable but there are times when we're not sure what's going on. Is she sick? Tired? Hungry? In pain? Or just uncomfortable? But as long as we're always on the move the way we have been, I suppose it will be difficult at times. Fortunately Anna is usually very happy. And remarkably resilient, too.

Tomorrow we're off to a medical clinic for a checkup, and then the Canadian Consulate to apply for a visa so that we can bring Anna back into Canada.

Julie and I wish to thank everybody who has commented on our blog, and given us support and encouragement. We check back with the blog everyday and look forward to your comments on the pictures. We're so fortunate to have friends like you. Bye for now, love, Randy and Julie