Olympic training 101

Today was our eighth day together as a family. Isla is now smiling and laughing often, eating from a spoon like she always knew how, eating bigger portions and trying to walk. Yep squeaky shoes have taken her to another level of delight. For those of you who do not know squeaky shoes you soon will since Isla will not leave home without them.

We knew she could cruise around in the crib a little but when she got new shoes that squeak when she steps on them, she started dancing around the crib. We started to walk with her a little and soon we were off to the races around the room. I think the floors will need polishing and the carpets replacing when we leave the room!

We spent most of the day hanging out with Isla in the hotel room getting over the long journey we had yesterday. She was all fun and games until we attempted her afternoon nap. At that point it was a wiggling struggle to return to walking laps around the room. In the end sleep prevailed but not after a long battle with youth.

Tomorrow is our first appointment at the US consulate. Our guide will go on our behalf to submit the paperwork. For some reason she also thinks she can arrange to have us swore in (a ceremonial thing all families have to do before they give out the visa) so we may complete the process here tomorrow. It is hard for us to believe the time has gone so quickly and that we will be returning home in only three days.

We feel this has been such an amazing trip. Not only have we begun our life as a family we have also met so many wonderful people and seen some beautiful parts of China. It will be sad to leave.

Ok, enough with the text. Here are some more pictures to keep you up-to-date with the athlete training for the Beijing Olympics (marathon walk).