The Dragon Lady's Summer Palace

After a night of play, which ends up in front of the computer winding down with Disney's "101 Dalmatians", we started this day with a trip to the Summer Palace. This was the Empress Dowager "Cixi's" Summer getaway when the weather was TOO hot in the Forbidden City. NICE & COOL!!! Can understand why they might want to retreat to this location! The walkway beside the lake was laden with a different painting on the inside and the outside of this tunnel like structure every few steps, which was VERY impressive to say the least.
Little Miss Jodi loves all the attention she's getting, even from her new "extended" family that we get to share in these trips with. She makes us laugh a lot, and can be a challenge at times as she exerts her independence. She's good at asking for things, and doesn't fuss too much when the answer is no, unless she's tired or very sleepy. She is also good at sharing whether it's a meal, a drink or a treat. She likes to help too!! She helped me bring back our dinner last night from Subway carrying one bag while I carried the other. When she's not RIDING in her "new" stroller, she loves to help push it along. She has "wowed" us on several occasions... She's good at throwing away her trash, folding her clothes, and putting things away, which was obviously taught to her at the orphanage. She is a big HAM! It's funny to watch her imitate us, and also neat to see things about ourselves that she has in common with us. Just a great reminder of the Hand at work...

As I finish this up -- the other three left for the market to pick up some things for dinner some time ago... Now I've got to try and catch up with them, or should I say find them!?!?! --Fred