Day 3 With Crosse

Day 3 as a family of 5. This was a busy one. Tomorrow we will struggle to keep the kids occupied as it is a free day with no guide.

Today, we visited the Terracota Warriors. As most of us, we had seen it on television and in pictures. It was awesome to see it up close and personal and have our private guide give us the history. Of course Dallas and I were they only ones really interested. :) This trip took most of the day. It was an hour drive each way. We had a great meal there as well.

Crosse continues to be a good eater. He understands the sign for "more" and is eager to help himself in the buffet line. He continues to look after Lin-Ley and Tru - he holds the elevator door for them, keeps an eye on them, makes a warning voice to get their attention.

While Tru, sometimes, still does not get Dallas' sense of humor, Crosse is definately beginning to catch on. He is smiling more, occassionally laughing and looking for Dallas' approval often.

Today, our guide asked (using writing - Chinese characters) how Crosse was feeling. Crosse's only comment was that he wanted to see his friend in America. We found out on his first night with us that Crosse had a good friend, from his orphanage, that was recently adopted by a family in America. When we mentioned this to the orphanage director, he instantly knew the child of which Crosse was speaking. He opened his little black book (literally) and gave us the name and address of his friend's new family. Surely, he was not supposed to share that information. However, we will certainly be contacting his friend who now lives in North Carolina. Won't that be a reunion to see!

So far, we have been a number of places where we sign to Crosse, "you want?". He has said no to most things. Today, we wanted to buy him some special keepsakes from his province. He chose a very nice Terracota Warrior replica. He tried to talk us into a sword! Later, we went into a bakery and he brought us an ice cream indicating "I want". Yes, he is our kids. "i want". But the funniest "want" by far was when we passed by a street vendor and he stopped to look at their wares. He pointed to the chicken feet. "That." "You want?" "Yes. That." So... after much laughter, including his, we walked back to the hotel with a small bag of grilled chicken feet. Later, he laughed out loud as he ate them and Lin-Ley and Tru watched in dismay.

So, if Crosse's biggest concern is that he wants to see his friend in America - which we have assured him will happen - we are on a good path here!