(Wednesday Dec.2nd)

We were blessed again today with a blue sky! We have been so fortunate with the weather during our trip. Gorgeous sun and a high of about 9.

It was a lovely day to stroll through The Summer Palace. Hannah is slowly getting a little more used to her stroller. The first time I tried the stroller was the day before we left Nanchang and it was only for 5 minutes. She wasn't impressed not being carried around in her carrier on me!
This week however, we haven't had much choice but to use our stroller more and more. Because the visits require a lot of walking, it makes the most sense. She is happiest in her stroller either holding my finger, or eating cheerios and cookies (Mum-Mum's and Bin Bins)!

The Summer Palace is one of my favorite places to visit in Beijing. It even has a man made lake there called, "Kunming Lake". Kunming is where Mara-Grace was originally from. Anyway, the Summer Palace was once again, much enjoyed. There were the usual people selling their goods there. New and worth mentioning was a clown face. Plastic nose, glasses and a mustache that inflated (it was ridiculously funny really and Kev regarets not taking a pictuer of it!) and also the Panda hats!

We had a beautiful walk through the lovely scenery and paintings/pictures which line the walkway. Despite the crowds, it was a serene, majestic stroll.

After this we went to eat as a group in a local restaurant. This wasn't nearly as good as our lunch yesterday. It was served buffet style and had many groups eating there. It lacked the flavour and atmosphere of the restaurant yesterday.

After this we made a stop at a silk store and the bank. Kevin exchanged some travellers cheques and they made him fill out each one. He was in there almost an hour! YIKES!
Thankfully no one was waiting on him (except for his 'girls' in the bus!) as they were all shopping for silk.

On our way back to the hotel Sandrine our guide announced that our babies visas were ready! And then she requested that , "Chef" (Group leader) Kevin accompany her to the embassy. So, out they went. I went back to the hotel with Hannah and had a grand time playing! Poor Kev only got back about 3 hours later.

We had a nice supper in our hotel tonight and Hannah Faith had her bath and 'bottle' (formula in her sippy cup!) and she went off to sleep. She must have been extra tired tonight as she only had her nap this morning.

So, Hannah is officially a Canadian citizen now!!!!!!!!

Also, another exciting bit of info that I have been neglecting to write is that Hannah responds well to her name when called! She even says, "Hannah" but we aren't sure if this is coincidence or not! She has been calling Kevin , "Dada" and she calls me, "Mama"!!!! Melt my heart!!!!!!!!

I remember dreaming about the day that I would kiss her cheeks in person. I am so thankful that here we are now...

Tomorrow is our last full day in Beijing. Time has flown.

Much love xoxo