Chen Family Museum & Pearl Market

Today was just a day to be a tourist - no appointments or paperwork to be done. We went to a museum that was initially a type of shrine built by one family as a tribute to its ancestors. There were porcelain, embroidery, jade, bone carving, ivory carving and drawing exhibits. They were so amazing. These embroidery pieces were stunning and looked more like portraits. After that we went to the pearl factory and spent a few hours looking around and ordering. What a fun place! In the same mall, there were jade, turqouise, silver, amber, and so many other markets. Next door was a clothing market where we found Sydney a pair of sandals that fit a little better. We ate lunch at Pizza Hut. Pizza never tasted so good. Mike said last night that he was so sick of Chinese but didn't want to hurt our guide's feelings, so we were both relieved when David suggested pizza. Sydney was not happy with it, but we were able to order her noodles with chicken and mushrooms in cream sauce. Evan preferred the noodles, too.

And for those of you wondering about the bonding: We'd hoped to see more of an improvement today. She slept with Mike last night because she kept crying out. She was finally able to relieve her constipation this morning, so I can only assume she feels SO much better! She cried when I dressed her and later when it looked like I was going to touch her. Other times she was OK with me touching her or picking her up. At least we did not regress. She is coming to life more around Mike and Evan. She really seems to love Evan. Thank you so much for those of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it and know they have made a difference. I am determined to be close to this little girl whether she likes it or not.

I forgot to post earlier about Evan's first experience with a squatty potty. She has been saying all along that she wanted to stay in the hotel the whole time because she did not want to have to use a squatty potty. When I asked if she would like to live here, her only reason for not wanting to was having to use a squatty potty. Well, I am proud to say that she is now a pro - as long as I go with her to keep her from falling in the hole!!