Birthday in China

Hi Everyone! I have to say it has been a birthday unlike any other. Claire had a rough night and I rang in my birthday sitting on the floor in a Guangzhou hotel, between the two air mattresses that Sydney and Claire were laying on. A little surreal, I admit. Fortunately Claire settled down and the rest of the night was decent. The day "dawned" either incredibly smoggy or incredibly foggy. From our 24th floor suite, we cannot even see to the other side of the Pearl River. At least it's a little warmer today. No "field trip" today - we spent the morning preparing our paperwork for the U.S. Consultate appointment tomorrow. Then in the afternoon, a ten minute walk for the girls' medical exams. Sydney passed with flying colors. Everyone laughed when the ENT pulled out the tongue depresser and she opened her mouth wide, without being asked. Walked past the elementary school here on Shamian Island, where they were doing military-type P.E. exercises. The children are all in uniform and were so amused by Tony's crutches and boot (as is everyone here). We took photos to show Claire and Sydney what they missed by not going to school in China. Guess they'll have to settle for wearing flip flops and sweat pants through the Herndon school system. Just had a lovely little birthday surprise - Marcy just stopped by with a quart (that's right - QUART) of Tsingtao Beer for my birthday. Came nicely giftwrapped in addition to being nicely chilled! I am sharing with Tony. Tonight we're headed out to Lucy's Restaurant again - they seem to have the best selection to suit everyone. Then we're going to stop at a deli next to the hotel on the way back for Haagen Daz ice cream with which to celebrate my birthday. Despite what my friend Barb says, there will be no pigeon cake with squid icing! Tomorrow we're headed off to a park in the morning and then a boat cruise for dinner. We're a little concerned about what we might see in the water on the boat cruise - we've witnessed multiple oil slicks in the river in addition to a variety of other trash. But we do need to celebrate our last full night in China in style. So we continue to count down the days. In just over two, we'll be heading to the airport. We are more ready with each passing day. Miss you all! Love, Katie, Tony, Joe, Sam, Claire, and Sydney