Wednesday morning we had to meet Elvin at 7:55. Early wake up for everyone so we would have time for breakfast before leaving. When Elvin arrived we took some photos with the other families. Such fond memories of our time together!
We loaded the bus and headed to the United States Consulate. After 2 security checks we arrived in the adoption room. There were the 3 families from our adoption agency and 1 other family. An official gave a little speech and the each family was called up individually to present the remaining paperwork. It was a bit emotional, our last step before bringing Alyssa home. The U.S. now recognizes her as our daughter.
After we completed our appointment Elvin took us to Pedestrian Street. It was the same area we had went shopping with Ann but different stores.
Elvin took us to some great stores. One of them was a cd and DVD store. You could get Disney movies for $4. We got Alyssa some Pleasant Goat cartoons and a chinese lullaby CD. Julia got a Justin Bieber CD and Grace got a Barbie movie.
It was time for a snack. Elvin said the BBQ squid was delicious. Everyone tried some except Dallas. It really did have a good flavor. In our family Julia and Alyssa liked it the most.
Instead of taking the bus back to the hotel we decided to explore China on our own. We were walking distance from the island so we wanted to go there one last time. There are so many stores it was fun looking around on our own.
When we were walking to the island there was a street vendor making bikes out of wire. It was incredible watching him. We wanted to buy 3 of the bikes but the police came and chased him away. We were only able to buy one.
On the island, we were able to finish buying gifts and get a stroller for our trip home. There were tons of photographers on the island today. The models had trunks of clothes and would change often.
Dallas and Zachary left us sitting on a bench while they went to pick up some of our purchases. Julia, Grace, Alyssa, and I once again became celebrities. One young man asked if he cold have his photo taken with us. I said yes and the next thing you knew we were surrounded. We must have had 30 photos taken. I think the young man apologized to us. His talking to us was all charades because he didn't speak English.
After finally arriving back at the hotel around 4 we were exhausted. We all took showers and put on our pjs. Dinner was the usual peanut sandwich or noodles.
Have I mentioned how hot it is in Guangzhou? Not as bad as it was when we travelled in August but pretty close. At one point during the day Elvin handed me a tissue because the sweat was pouring down my face.
That is the cutest dress ever on Alyssa! Did you buy it or make it? LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
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