Day 5 Update

Friday was such a long day that I didn't get to post anything. Better late than never. But we are all great!  At breakfast, Marin finally took me up on an offer to try American food. We had all been offering for the first few days, but she always refused rather adamently. Well, today, she tried a piece of a waffle, and then went back up to the buffet and got a plate. Covered in chocolate syrup. That's my girl :) And then she went back up and got another plate. She is finally realizing that she will have plenty of food at every meal so she doesn't have to gorge herself whenever food comes around. It really made me smile when she went back up to the buffet by herself. Those of you who have adopted older children may understand this. It's a special thing that is taking place as I watch her become more comfortable and secure. It's quite beautiful.

Another first - she tried and liked ice cream! We eat a lot of it in our family so we were all thrilled that she enjoyed it so much. We know that some older children don't like the coldness of the ice cream. But Mei Mei does! Speaking of Mei Mei, that is what we have been calling her. We like it, she responds to it, so that's what it is for now. :)

After breakfast, we went to the Banyan Temple. It was great for the kids to be able to see how other people worship. There were thousands of incense being offered, and people were leaving fruit, juice, and money at the alters of the Buddha. Very interesting. Our guide said that in China, most Chinese do not know anything about Buddha - that worshipping him is more of a cultural thing that they do simply to bring prosperity to their family.

We came back to the hotel for a short bit, then headed out for the circus. It is a world renowned circus called ChimeLong, a combination of a Cirque Du Soleil and the kind of circus back in the states. It was a bit of a drive, but well worth it. There were acrobatics, and dancing, and bears on bikes, and many wild animals prancing around for short periods of time. The kids loved it! We got back to the hotel rather late and everyone collapsed :) Our guide asked Marin what her favorite part of the show was, and she said the horses with the girls doing tricks on them! We may have another horse back rider on our hands! She also loved the bears on bikes....haha!  Her smile throughout the show - simply priceless!

Pictures to follow :)