Our first morning together
Both boys woke up happy, excited and ready to play.
They played all morning long.
We are adjusting well. Jon Campbell is learning to share first hand. We have our moments, but we bounce back well.
Making Music Together
One of our special gifts to the boys were hand made calabash flutes. We picked them up in Guangzhou. Our guide had told us never pay full price in Guangzhou. We should aim to barter down the price by 30%. Bartering with "Jack," the shopkeeper, was a hoot. I was successful and Jack threw in a nice carrying case for each one. They are made from a gourd and have hand painting scenes on the gourds. The mouth piece is made from ox bone. They work very similiar to a recorder.
King of the Big Wheel
Saturday, the 14th, was picture perfect weather. After playing inside until lunch Jon Campell and Jin played outside with neighbors Thomas, Audrey, Luke and another boy. Jin tried out the scooter, big wheel and tricycle. Inspite of difficulty with his foot he loved the big wheel. He drove up and down the driveway at least a hundred times. The kids also enjoyed a treat together- Chinese Strawberry Candy. It was good!
Story Time with Papa
Jin is adjusting well to our family schedule. From the first night Jin has been an excellent sleeper and was used to a strict daily routine. Bath time and bed time are full of excitement and giggles, for sure. We are (Clint and I especially) learning to laugh more, too :)
Rolling in the grass with Grandma
Grandma, Clint's Mom from Indiana, enjoyed the Sunday afternoon with the boys. It was another beautiful day so after church and a trip to Dunkin Donuts, they played in the leaves and rolled through the grass. Then we went to Dragon Park to play on the huge playground. Jin and Jon Campbell loved chasing each other, taking trips down the slide and rolling down the grassy hill again and again. We ended this outing with a trip to Whole Foods in Green Hills. We had to get a snack after all the fun. Jin enjoyed his first taste of gellato. He licked the bowl clean.
On the way home we were reminded of China's little regard for traffic safety, nor do they wear seat belts. Jin was wearing a seat belt without a problem until he realized he could unclick the belt himself. His big brother's "informant skills" (aka tattling!) came in handy that time as we drive down Hilsboro Road.
First Trip to the Nashville Zoo
Monday, the 16th, we all enjoyed a trip to the zoo. Look at that smile! Jin loved all the animals. His favorite is the monkey. He became very excited when he saw the zebras, too. He had a ride on the merry go round with Grandma. Oh, how he wanted to stay on that all afternoon. Throughout this journey, many times we have been struck with the thought that Jin has never done this or that or Jin has never tasted things like whipped cream and the list goes on and on. During our trip to China, Clint and I experienced a great deal of humility as we stood out like a sore thumb. For awhile Jin will experience, taste, encounter and live out many experiences we have done forever. My prayer is to remember how much we have and never to take anything for granted. We have been given much and much will be required.
Playing with a goat
Jin could have played wit the goats all morning. At first he was a little scared of the ones walking around free in the gated area, but when he saw the babies behind the fence he fell in love immediately. He fed the baby goat straw, brushed its hair and petted it with a huge grin on his face the entire time. (Of course, he might of been thinking they are tasty with soy sauce, too!) Please note- Clint added that final line.
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