"GREAT" Day

Today we started with a very windy and cold day at the Great Wall of China.  Jerry, Mitchell & Allie started off on a journey to conquer 5 watchtowers while Alice had to stop after the first watchtower. Sarah and I ventured up a little past #2, and then she needed to sit down and got really cold. So, we decided to do what we do best and go do a little shopping!!  About an hour and a half later Jerry, Mitchell & Allie made it back from the adventure - so jealous of how far and how much they were able to see. They were pretty proud of themselves I think they said they did about 10 watchtowers. 

After leaving the Great Wall we had an authentic Chinese lunch and headed for the airport. We met more craziness from our travels - the zipper on one of our suitcases broke. We thought it would be ok and we could just buy a new one in Nanchang. Never that easy - that's the one suitcase (out of the 6) that customs called out and wanted to look through.  Once Jerry opened it and they looked - they were unable to get it zipped back. I so wish I would have taken a picture! 

While at the airport we met the Nanny who had Braxton for the trip to Nanchang for the big day tomorrow.  She was still very protective and we decided to let her care for him until tomorrow when we officially receive him.  Mitchell was thrilled when he went through security and the nanny handed Braxton to him while they scanned her.   He cried some, but no major screams like we heard yesterday.  While sitting and waiting on the plane the kids played with him and it was so good to see him respond and laugh. He has the cutest smile / laugh. 

The flight was about 45 minutes late taking off and I just knew he would be fussy being on the plane that long, but he did pretty well. I am not sure what the nanny told the flight crew, but they came to Jerry's seat and asked if the baby was his, he said yes and he had to write out that he could handle the flight with his heart condition and sign it.  He has a lot more flights to make it home - this was just the start. 

While on the bus ride from the airport to hotel our guide asked if we wanted to keep Braxton in the room with us?  Of course – what do you think we came all this way for??  The nanny said she was fine with letting him stay with us.  YEAH!!  While he has had some crying fits – mainly when we hold him, he would rather just lie in the crib.  The kids are thrilled that he is already with us.  Can’t wait to tell you about tomorrow eating breakfast, staying with us for a whole day, etc..  Mitchell, Allie and Sarah are all great with them and can make him smile – which is what I have so longed to see! 

We are still trying to recover from the jet lag - kids were up at like 4am this morning. Praying tomorrow we can possibly sleep until 5:30 or 6. For those that know me - I AM NOT a morning person, so to be up at 4 just seems crazy!!