She has us wrapped!!

Today our guide took us into downtown Nanchang.  Fortunately, we were with our guide and a driver.  No taxi for us today!!  The ride felt so much safer.  Among all the chaotic traffic here, safety is not even on the radar.  It makes me nervous everytime we venture out.  You know us Army families.... we are always up for an adventure.  :) 

We went into the city market.  Oh what fun us girls had!  Kailey and I bought a couple of scarves for just a couple of dollars each.  It's truly amazing how much they'd cost back home.  Ruthey got her first pair of "real" shoes today.  I must say, she is fond of them.  We put them on her and she just kept putting her feet up to her face and staring at them.  It's the first time she's ever had shoes on her feet.  Oh, how sweet.

We then went on to the porcelain shops.  As I've mentioned before, Nanchang is known for its porcelain.  We bought a couple of small things; two things for Ruthey to have when she is a little older.  There were so many beautiful things, but no room in the suitcase and not to mention trying to travel with porcelain back to the U.S.  As we walked along the streets and browsed the shops, all the Chinese people kept wanting to hold Ruthey and continued to talk with her each place we went.  Dont' worry.... we all held onto her for dear life.  She has four personal body guards that protect her at all times.  :)  As the title today states... she truly does have us all wrapped.  Brady and Kailey say she makes their hearts just melt. 

After our venturing, we actually ate lunch at McDonalds.  That's right... we ate at McDonalds.  For those that know me well; I hate McDonalds and don't like my children eating there at all.  Sometimes it's just nice to have a little taste of home.  Needless to say, the kids loved it, but Greg and I did not.  The kids got ice cream cones.  They decided to offer their sister some; she absolutely loved it!!  Believe it or not... Brady actually let her taste his.  Now that just shows how special she is to him.  NOONE touches his food and especially with their mouth. 

Arriving back at the hotel, we thought a nap was in order.  Ruthey was lying on our bed sleeping.  Kailey was lying next to Ruthey and Greg made her move because he wanted to be close to Ruthey.  Funny. By the way... Uncle Randy and Aunt Connie, they may not have Dairy Queen in Oklahoma City, but they do in Nanchang, China.  Kailey and Brady thought of you both. :)

This evening we went to another more "westernized" restaurant.  It was probably the best meal I've had yet. Do you all see the pattern here?  We continue to search for food we will actually eat and that we recognize.  Greg had turtle yesterday and he didn't feel too good last night.  I think his adventurous taste buds might have gotten the best of him.  Last night, I found them all breaking into the Reese's peanut butter cups like they hadn't eaten in days.  As mentioned in previous comments, the Hershey candy is for the gift bags for the different govt. officials.  Well... there's not much left for the gift bags.  Before I know it, there will just be red tissue paper in the bags and nothing else.  We'll just have to hope they don't open the bags before we leave.  I think I might have to find a secret hiding place for the Hershey's kisses.  :)

We leave Nanchang tomorrow for our next step in the journey.  We will meet with the U.S. Consulate on Monday to get her U.S. Visa in order to bring her into the country.  We will be home in one week!  We praise God for all that He has done and how He has knitted this precious little girl into our family.  We rejoice for HIS great gift of Ruthey. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!"  Philippians. 4:4