Fwd: Swimming

Thankfully there's a nice pool here at our hotel that we've made good use of--- we've been swimming daily which is a great outlet for the squirrelly-ness of two energetic boys. The great news is that Josh loves the water. I doubt that he had ever been to a pool before, but immediately loved the water (he's a bit of a rough and tumble thrill seeker---- guess he'll fit right in!).

We bought both Jackson and Josh swim goggles here. They both wanted to put them on while we were shopping, walking around Guangzhou. Guess we shouldn't be suprised that we've been getting strange looks from the locals :)

Fwd: Chopsticks & Cornflakes

I shouldn't be suprised that a 3 year old in China knows how to use chopsticks, but it's still remarkable to see Josh's dexterity using them (he also uses a spoon, fork, knife).

Jackson fulfilled another one of his goals for the trip.....holding a live eel! Many restaurants here have aquariums outside where patrons can pick out their entree.  The assortment includes many kinds of live fish, shrimp, turtles, and sometimes eels.  Jackson went up to look at the eels and the manager picked one out and let him hold it.  The one time we didn't have a camera with!  We'll have to go back tomorrow.

Today was a finally a very sunny day and reached about 70 degrees here.  To warm for jeans for Jackson and I (we wore shorts).  Our hotel is in a non-touristy area, there are apartment complexes and neighborhood business all around us (which has been great for walking and getting a feel for everyday life in Guangzhou.  We're a bit of a novelty here as the only tourists seem to be those adopting (adoptions have shrunk to 5k last year vs 14k 3 years ago).  Jackson, Josh, and I walked around the neighborhood businesses today looking for some toys :)   At one small shop, a small crowd gathered and people were gawking at us.  My initial reaction was that they were admiring my white legs, but I realized they were astonished that the crazy Americans would wear shorts and short sleeves in this "cold winter weather".

-Brad

Tired Boy

Mom & Son

Joshua Feeding Fish

Forbidden City

Big Brother