Yesterday we took Jefferson to the US Consulate. It was our LAST appointment in China. WAHOO!
At the consulate, they reviewed our immigration application, approved it, and had Matt say the oath of allegiance (on Jefferson's behalf). The consulate employees kept Jefferson's Chinese passport, and we'll be able to pick it up tomorrow with an immigration visa inside. That means, once our little man goes through customs, he's a bona fide American.
There are absolutely NO electronics allowed in the embassy. They even held Matt's smart watch at the front. So, below is the only snapshot we got of the event.
Outside in the very short "US Citizens" line.
The line for foreign applicants was around the block!
Today we had a free day while waiting for the passport and visa to be prepared. In the morning, we went to Yuexiu Park with a few friends from the travel group to check out the Five Ram Monument. Matt missed out on Yuexiu Park last time because of food poisoning.
It was a hike up the hill to see the statue,
but we made it!
While taking the picture above we got absolutely ambushed by a Chinese travel group (they looked like a dance troupe) wanting to take pictures. It felt like being caught up in a flash mob! Our group probably took several dozen pictures with them before we were able to break away.
After lunch at the hotel, we went to Shaman Island for a walk to see the statues and the shops. The boys were a little irritated at us for making them stay in the carriers the entire trip. But, they've pulled the bolt and run move so many times on this trip, we kept them in lock down. Consequently, most of our pictures are of the girls. Sorry boys!
Jade boat statue in the White Swan hotel.
Outside the former "British Club" for foreign expats.
It's pretty common for adoptive families to take a picture
of their new little one in-line with the statue. But, since
Jefferson was in the carrier, his sisters filled in.
Perfect little lady
Post shopping pic, Adelaide volunteered
to carry the souvenirs, including the panda
puppets Matt bought the kids so Melinda
could have a few more minutes to look around.
The girls also scored some beautiful fans.
Adelaide can help you with that abacus.
The evolution of the Chinese woman.
Adelaide thought the one in the middle
looked the best.
We also had an opportunity this afternoon to take the famous CCAI "stairway picture" of all the families in our adoptive group.
Lots of babies going home to great families!
And, family pictures are pretty much like this now...
We've got Jefferson's passport back, and we're ready to go! We're taking a van to Hong Kong tomorrow, where we will stay until Sunday. We're all pretty exhausted and ready to be back home and in our routine, but we're also excited to be able to see a little of Hong Kong before we fly out.
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