Buddist Temple Blessing and Park

I got to post 2 days today so make sure to read April 10, too!

Beibei woke up right after 6 this morning which was when I wanted to get up anyway. Daddy gave her formula while I got ready. Then Daddy got ready. We ate a good breakfast again. Beibei had several handfuls of scrambled eggs and a little oatmeal. She wasn't thrilled about the rather tasteless canned pineapple. I wasn't, either. Fresh is better.

We brushed our teeth and packed the backpack for today's outing. We thought Beibei was trying to do more than wet pants today so wanted to be prepared.

Joyce took us in a taxi to the Six Banyan Buddist Temple. Very beautiful. People come and offer incense to Buddha. Incense is not a pleasant scent for me. There was a (daily) service going on and we could hear the people chanting. Soon they were filing out of that building still chanting (we have video). Joyce said they were going to the Great Hall for more of their service. We headed to the place where blessings are done. When we got there Joyce explained that the woman kneeling had bought some things and was having them blessed. When we got inside the gate I could see that she was putting away some gems and jewelry. Then it was our turn. Shoes off, we went in and stood where we were told. Eventually we were told to kneel and the priest/monk (not sure what this man's title was) did the blessing ceremony. Joyce recorded it for us. Beibei was very good during the ceremony which only took a few minutes. This temple is familiar with international adoptions and will do these blessings regularly.

We got in another taxi (cheapest way to get around) and went to a park. This park was very perfectly manicured and had lots of trees and flowers and many miniature trees. Joyce took our family picture a couple of different places. After a while we came to a little amusement park for young children. They had all kinds of rides (we have video and some pictures). Also there were people doing exercising and dancing lessons. One dance lesson's music sounded like country music!

It was getting warm so we walked a little more and caught a taxi back to the hotel. Joyce asked if we wanted to do something tomorrow or Monday. We thought the zoo might be a little crowded on Sunday so we will do that on Monday. The other Holt families will come in on Monday night.

It was around noon when we got back and Beibei was acting grumpy again. Daddy gave her a bottle and I went down to post yesterday's post. After posting I bought more things. We like to buy from that shop because they are nice people and let us use the internet every day!

My next job was to find some food. Tony was hungry for a hamburger so I went to Lucy's Bar & Cafe down the street. Someone had told us they have grilled cheese sandwiches. They have everything including Mexican, Chinese, and American food. (I even saw a 28 county NEBRASKA license plate on the wall!). I got us a cheeseburger and a grilled cheese sandwich. I got back to the room and there was NEWS!

DADDY had gotten to change the first dirty diaper! She'd been working on this one for a LONG time! He couldn't believe that much came out of this little of a person! I couldn't, either! He wishes he'd had the camcorder going when I saw -- and smelled -- it! Wow! He did a fine job cleaning her up!

She had not had a nap yet and was just walking around the room checking things out carrying the BOX for the animal cards around, wanting up, wanting down. You know...normal kid stuff!

We ate our American food including French Fries and enjoyed it very much! Tony was tired so laid down. Beibei got into my lap and fell asleep pretty quickly for her nap. Once I got her into the crib, I laid down, too. Nap time is WONDERFUL!

After Beibei napped for 2 hours, we went down to the play room. Today there were several other families in there and we were able to visit with the other parents and hear their stories and ask questions. Beibei charmed everyone. She still goes to anyone without checking for us but we hope that will change soon.

Then we went out shopping, exchanged some shoes for something that fits her tiny feet better, got something to eat and came back to the room for quiet time before bed.