Qing Zhao Tomb

Wednesday, we visited the Qing Zhao Tomb which means Luminous Tomb. It is more commonly known as Beiling Park, since it is in the North. This is one of the largest and best preserved of China's imperial mausoleums. It is the tomb of Abahai (1592-1643) and was built in 1643. It is a massive complex with many gates and buildings. The tomb itself is a mound that apparently has not been unearthed and remains sealed to this day. It is a beautiful area and we enjoyed hearing the history.

Zach continues to brighten our days. He giggles and laughs at bedtime when we say our prayers and give him goodnight kisses. He says "wo ai ni" (I love you) to us spontaneously and smiles, laughs and goofs around with Dad. He has a great personality and seems completely comfortable with us already. He always wants to hold both our hands (which is a challenge on the crowded sidewalks), and gets concerned when one of us is gone longer than he likes.

We asked Maggie to translate some words/phrases for us -- like "obey" "now" and "no whining" (which he does when he doesn't get his way, the universal language for kids!). When she translated "no whining" for us, there is not a direct translation in Chinese. So, what we are saying to him when we use the phrase she gave us is "don't be chickie!" We think that is so funny!

He is trying to learn more and more English and can now count to 8. He says "thank you" and "you're welcome" and repeats other phrases he hears. His nannies told us that he is better at learning language than math (which may be more a function of poor vision than ability) so we are hopeful for better communication in the months ahead.

And Eliza, Maddie and Katie -- he loves to straighten up our room! He is always putting things back where they came from and organizing our suitcases. We definitely think you will be learning a thing or two from your new brother!

Well, we are counting down the days now. Tomorrow, after we receive the documents we need from here, we leave for Guangzhou, where the US Consulate is. That is where we will receive Zach's visa to come to the US. We are looking forward to checking into our last hotel, especially one with a swimming pool and warm weather.

We really just want to come HOME! We miss our girls soooo very much (by the way, the picture of the marble horse is just for you! It is a statue honoring the emperor's horses named Big White and Small White who saved his life many times).

Steve & Hannah

Steve & Zach

Cindy & Zach