Buddhist Blessing and Chen Family Museum

Malia was doing so well yesterday. We ended up with a late lunch and then met another couple for a later dinner at the Station Restaurant (inside of train box cars). We all had a really nice dinner but it all took forever. Therefore it was around 9 when we got back to the hotel and almost 10 before I could get her to fall asleep. Then on top of that it was a early morning for sightseeing. Needless to say I had a cranky girl on my hands but now she is down for her nap. Let's hope she wakes up in a better mood. It was a nice sunny morning but this also meant that the temperature went up to the mid 70's but 93% humidity (very, very sticky). I don't know how people do it that are here in the summer because all of us were melting after 2 hours.

The temple was great. We got a lot of nice nods from the Chinese people so it made me feel better. The monk did a Buddhist blessing for the group and especially the kids. Malia's favorite spot was the water fountain with a waterfall. I think she would have stayed there all day. I guess water is her favorite and that explains why she liked the bath so much. The other thing she liked to do was light the incense. I was so nervous with her around the fire and lit incense sticks but a nice Chinese women helped to get hers lit (see the photo). It was such a cute moment.

The next spot was the Chen Family Museum or Gardens. It was very pretty and my dad loved seeing all of the wood carvings. I feel like I didn't see much because I started to lose Malia and myself. We tried the stroller, hip hammock, letting her walk, but I just think the lack of sleep caught up to her. It was a very pretty area and luckily mom helped with Malia and dad got photos.

So far it is going really well. She definitely is 2 and I think part is from that and some might still be the adjustment. We are working on getting her to go to my parents but so far she will still only let me carry her and if she is in the stroller I need to be in her line of sight. From an adoption standpoint I know this is a really great thing but a rest for my back and arms would also be appreciated. Things are going well. The other two families joined us today and we are at the tail end of this part of the adventure. Before you know it we will be home and back to the normal schedule.