China - Day 9

Today we visited Renmin Park, also called People's Park. It was the first park in Zhengzhou and opened in 1952. But most importantly...it's gorgeous!

A couple gentlemen were practicing calligraphy with water. 

I made everyone pose on this bridge - haha! Except Ben who I think was mad at us at the time.

Then our guide brought us Cabot's passport so we could catch our next flight to Guangzhou. This is when things went a little sideways. We left in plenty of time to get to the airport but it took FOR.EV.ER to get checked in and through security. The kids were whiny and irritable and the adult's patience were wearing thin too. We had to walk approximately 400 miles to our gate and our plane was already boarding. There was no time to get any water and everyone was thirsty after the ultramarathon through the airport. Oh and I forgot to mention not only were we not seated together on the flight, they actually assigned the six of us to six different rows all throughout the plane. We were able to adjust seats so Ainsley could sit by my mom and then Jeremy had to sit with Ben and Cab because they couldn't find two seats together for me to sit with a kid. Cabot made it through most of his first plane ride pretty well but the last 35 minutes were pretty rough.

Cabot's first plane ride!

Then we finally got off the plane, which was 1000 degrees, and Cabot screamed bloody murder ALL through the airport. I mean SCREAMED. I was completely sure someone was going to call security about us kidnapping a child. We were very thankful to get out of the airport and take an air-conditioned van ride to our hotel.

 It took SO long to get checked in and they initially told us there was only one room ready but then they decided to upgrade us to a gigantic suite so we could get into both rooms. #blessed

Ben and Ainsley had to take a bath in the huge tub before bed.

Then when Baba had to take a shower Cabot had to stay RIGHT outside and wait for him to be done. Ultimately he just couldn't stay away from Baba and walked into the shower with his pajamas on. Hahaha.

We all got a GREAT night of sleep. Our beds at our last hotel were VERY hard - we have bruises on our hips from side-sleeping on them - so these soft, comfy beds were ah-mazing.

Thanks everyone for following along on our journey and for all the comments and support. We truly appreciate it!