Ok we went shopping!

So we finally did some shopping today. We had a long and exhausting day, but it was lots of fun, and the babies got lots of fresh air. It was also great to get away from the hotel room. Today we visited the Jade Factory, The Great Wall and the Friendship Store. Yup.... we spent a lot at the Jade Factory. Actually we did not buy much, just a few things but they were expensive. Oh well, we didn't come all this way to not buy a few expensive things! One thing I purchased was a grade A jade bangle. Apparently in China these bangles are passed on from mother to daughter on her wedding day. I am supposed to wear mine everyday until Maggie gets married and then pass it on to her. Maggie then passes it on to her daughter when she gets married, etc, etc. Now all I have to do is find something similar to wear and pass on to Gracie when she gets married. Ummmm, more shopping??? I also bought really nice jade pendants for Maggie and Gracie. The Friendship Store was absolutely amazing, however our Guide told us to be careful, as we can get similar products in the local markets for a portion of the price.... so we did not spend much there.
We are completely pooped, and heading to bed early tonight. We have to be ready at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning to get the babies medicals done.... so we have to get a good night sleep. Here are a few pictures from our full day.

This is a man at the Jade Factory actually making Jade. Amazing! Sculptures at the Jade Factory.

This is the Great Wall. It is actually 3600 miles in length! Brent, Maggie and I only climbed about 10-15 steps, took a few pictures and then came back down and shopped. The stairs are way too dangerous for us and a baby! We actually did take a few family pictures at the Great Wall, but unfortunately they did not turn out so well.

Here are a few pictures of the other families travelling with us. This is Tammy, Brian and Mia (Newfoundland).

A few more pictures of little Mia.

And this is Lily Roche (Newfoundland). She has one of the biggest appetites in the group, and she is a real social butterfly! She is also sporting a jade bangle from the Jade Factory. Check it out in pictures #2 and #3.

Lily Breneol... (Fredericton, New Brunswick).

Abby Lynch (Newfoundland). How precious is this picture!

Samuel and his mom Ginette Johnson (New Brunswick).

Mia Forest (Dieppe, New Brunswick).

And last, but certainly not least.. Maggie!

We are heading out to get the babies medicals done tomorrow morning and are going shopping in the afternoon to Pearl Market. On Tuesday we are going to the Silk Market (looking forward to that one!). On Wednesday we visit the Temple of Heaven and then go out for a "Happy New Family Dinner." And finally on Thursday we head home! The flight to Toronto will be about 13 hours (ouch!). We should arrive in Toronto on March 15th at 4:10 p.m. (flight #AC 0032), and then home in Newfoundland on Friday, March 16th at 4:40 p.m. (flight #AC 0692)!!!! We can't wait to see you all and to give Gracie lots of hugs and kisses!