The Great Wall of China

We are one day closer to Graeme. We had another really busy day of touring…not as busy as yesterday but still busy. We went on a tour of a Jade factory and then headed to the Great Wall. Wes and I were much more conservative this year and only climbed to the first tower. It was soooo hot and the stairs are uneven. Lily fell once and that was it for us because we want to be sure we are all healthy when we meet Graeme in 2 days!!! Lily and her new friend Madison were quite the sight together posing at the Great Wall. They have developed a great little friendship. After the Great Wall, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch and a tour of a Cloisonne Factory. I have a new found respect for Cloisonne after seeing all the work that goes into each piece. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped briefly to take some pictures of some of the new structures built for the Olympics. They are still not open to the public but were quite amazing to see. It is hard to believe that the whole world will be watching the Olympics and we were here right before them. Amazing. Lily fell asleep on the bus and is still sleeping next to me now. I think she is out for the night again or at least until 3:00 a.m. which is the time she woke up this morning.
We have met some amazing people on this journey. We all fly to different provinces in the morning and some will get their babies tomorrow. It is interesting how quickly and uniquely the bonds of friendship develop. We will miss Madison and her parents, Holly and Mark and my e-mailing buddy, Allie and her boys Tate and Corey as they travel to other parts of China to meet their children. We will all meet again in Guangzhou in about a week. We get to travel to Anhui with Tamara and Andy, also here from Kentucky…small world and are looking forward to our new adventure.
It is really hard to believe how close we are to holding Graeme for the first time. I hope he is prepared to meet us and I hope he transitions well. Bless his heart. I worry about taking him away from all that is familiar. I also worry about Lily and the changes as our family grows to a family of four will affect her. Just keep sending positive thoughts to help us through this exciting time. Graeme, we are on our way!

Lily and Madison
Our family of 3

The Great Wall (sorry it was a little hazy)

Lily and Caroline on the tour bus

The "bird's nest" where the opening cermonies for the Olympics will take place

The countdown clock near the Olympic venues