BAIYUN MOUNTAIN

Today was the highlight for us as far as touring is concerned.  We hiked to the top of Baiyun (meaning White Cloud) Mountain.  A lot of the hike was on paved paths, but Jack knew a great detour that led us away from the crowds and onto secluded, rocky terrain with breathtaking views.  Living in an enormous city for the past 2 weeks has worn on us.  We are NOT city folk.  Charlotte's about as city as we get, so the fresh air, beauty, and tranquility were a welcome change.  I am a fanatic when it comes to snapping tons of pictures.  I have been good about not posting too many of my scenic photos, but I couldn't help but to add a few this time.  Everything was so beautiful!

Quinn was a trooper in the Ergo carrier.  She typically likes to run around, but you can see that she wasn't too upset this time around:)



There were beautiful monuments and tombs along our hike.  When we reached the top, we ate lunch at an outdoor cafe that overlooked the city.  It was one of those pinch yourself moments it was so gorgeous.  On the way down the other side of the mountain, we happened upon the touristy part of the enormous park.  As you can see, they were getting set up for their Christmas celebration.  It was quite elaborate.  Lights were hanging from every banyun tree and there were Santas and reindeer set up in every nook and crannie.  Christmas, you ask?  As a matter of fact, we have discovered that the Chinese have quite an affinity for all things Christmas other than Jesus:(  They have certainly bought into the commercialism that has become Christmas.  Christmas carols play in the elevator in our hotel.  Every shopping mall has a 20 ft decorated tree in front and there are Santa and reindeer pictures plastered in even the smallest shop windows.  It is really sad to us that a holiday is being celebrated here that has no relationship to the true meaning of the season.  In fact, I think I'll ask Jack if people in general know what Christmas is all about.  I'll report on it.  Despite the hype about Christmas, Chris and I have not felt at all like it's coming up.  We cannot wait to be in our home with our family.  THEN it will feel like Christmas:)

Anyway, here are a few pictures from that part of the park.



Now on to our hilarious little girl...she is ever blossoming into this little person with opinions and personality.  In fact, she has become quite the terrible-twos toddler the past two days.  She whines to me "maaaa-maaaa" when she doesn't get her way then pouts and sulks when I continue to say no.  She won't come when we call her and grins a sneaky grin as she stands firm in her spot.  She wiggles to get down when she's carried then whines to get up when she's taken two steps.  She's really easy, though, compared to some terrible-twos.  We had just forgotten about this stage and didn't anticipate that she'd show this much of herself to us this early on!  She's really attached so we'll take it...whining and all:)  To show her spunk and personality, take a look at the following pictures.  These were taken within 30 seconds...she's such a ham!

Tomorrow we have our US Consulate appt at 8:30 am.  Then we have the rest of the day free.  We'll try to get in a little  more shopping so Friday can be spent PACKING:)  The boys are counting down and so are we!  Love to you all.