Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A Day Full of Surprises!

This morning we went with our guide, Jessie, to the Inner Mongolia Museum.  It is a one year old building with several floors of exhibits all relating to Inner Mongolia.  We spent almost 3 hours there.  We had an English speaking guide from the Museum take us around to various exhibits.  This is a photo of the outside of the building.  
The largest dinosaur fossils found in all of Asia; 12 meters high and 26 meters long.  Very impressive.  
"The happy bunch."  Lilymei was a little intimidated with the crowds and she clung pretty tight to Scott and I.  Everwhere we went we were on display as many people looked at us, took photos, and tried talking to Lilymei.  
Nate and Drew, dressed as twins, as a few people stated, standing next to an exhibit of a yurt.  The boys groaned this morning when they saw I had these shirts laid out to wear. "Again....yes, the rest of your clothes are drying on the shower curtain rod."   
Family photo next to a few traditional Inner Mongolian outfits, with our museum guide.  Yesterday we purchased 3 of these outfits for Lilymei for when we get home.  We were really impressed with the museum and would have loved to stay longer but now that we have a toddler that's not always possible.    
Nate and Drew at lunch in our hotel at the Thai restaurant.  It was delicious.  We had Spring Rolls, Yellow Curry, Chicken, Fried Rice, and Noodles.  Yum!  Lilymei ate as much as I did and more than the boys.  She has not turned her head away from any kind of food.  We told the boys to learn from her.  
Here is the first surprise of the day.  Smiles that Mama and Baba got to see for the very first time.  Lilymei really opened up this afternoon.  She loves to play with Drew and Nate.
Lilymei reading one of her books.  Isn't that smile precious?!!!  Surprise number 2:  Lilymei laughed out loud, with the boys, of course.  That was a first today.  It brought tears to our eyes.  We did capture the laughter on video.  I hope we can post it tomorrow.
"Are you going to keep taking my picture?"
Look at that beautiful smile.  What a relief!  We can't wait to see more of those tomorrow.  Surprise number 3 happened after we put Lilymei down for the night.  The room was dark except for the light of the computer as Scott and I were getting photos downloaded.  Lilymei started talking.  We don't know what she might be saying but it was so cute!!!  We did get a few video clips of her talking but haven't had a chance to edit it yet.  We'll try to put that on the blog tomorrow too.  

Tomorrow is our free day.  We were thinking of taking the Grasslands tour but decided to forgo it.  It is so far of a drive and the tour lasts most of the day.  We might take our guide, Jessie, with us out shopping in the morning but we hope to sleep in a little.  All three kids were very restless tonight after lights out.  

It's been a great day and we look forward to what tomorrow will bring!

10 comments:

William said...

What a great smile, she is so beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your trip, I'm sure it is much different now that you have Lilymei -- in a good way!

Shannon said...

Well I had to laugh when you decided not to do the Grasslands tour....my experience is NOT good PR for the Grasslands!!! I think you made a wise choice! I love seeing her smile...she is just precious. The museum sounds neat. Hope you continue to have many more wonderful "suprises" while in Hohhot! Blessings!!!
Shannon Seibert

The Princess's Mommy said...

Precious girl, beautiful smile! I love the museum pictures! Have a great day!
Love,
Monica

Anonymous said...

Her smile made my day!
Love,
Aunt Amy

Anonymous said...

Lilymei is soooo cute!! Her smile is so sweet. I just want to cuddle her, NOW!!! She looks like she has dimples. LOVE, OOOXXX MfmlG

Anonymous said...

You guys look like you are loving every minute being with Lilymei... How could you not? She is absolutely beautiful! My heart is full for your family and I am thrilled to be able to share your new experiences with Lilymei while you are there. I keep tearing up, what a blessing :) Can't wait to see her in person! Keep having fun and enjoy!
Love, Tisa Collier

Chad and Kristy said...

Her little face melts my heart and I just can't wait to meet her. I think the "twins" look adorable too! (I am sure they will love that:)) See you soon!!

Kristy

Heather BT said...

What a difference those first three days makes eh? It's like you are handed a child that looks like yours, but has a whole new personality, of perhaps just has a more obvious one. Such a joy for us when Acer came out of his shell and laughed.
Heather BT
http://adoptakid.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Praise God! What a beautiful girl that the Lord has blessed you with. It is truly an amazing responsibility we have. I pray you have a great time there and a safe trip home. I can't wait to see her.

The Clinic is falling apart without you, Scott!

See you soon

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you made it there safe. When I saw the pictures they brought tears to my eyes. She is precious. I can't wait until you get back.
The clinic is not falling apart without you but we do miss you. Have fun,
Shakeera

Lilymei joined our family...

Lilymei was born...

Drew is...

Nate is...

Jean and Scott have been married....