Monday April 22nd

This morning we had an appoint at US Consulate.  It was really chaotic - imagine about 20 kids and their parents - 1/2 crying/talking fidgeting including our two and the Officer said ok it's very important you listen to these directions.  Of course we couldn't hear everything but caught one of the most important parts - that we are not allowed to open the folder they hand you tomorrow when you pick up your child's visa.  Once you go through first US port at the airport you hand that sealed envelope to an immigration officer.  Basically when we land in New York Emmie will automatically become a citizen and receive a certificate about 1-2 weeks later.  We had to take an oath that all our information was correct to the best of our knowledge...and it was so cute...when Emmie saw the whole room of parents raise their right hand, she raised her hand too!
Everything went smoothly at the appointment and we had some time to relax at the hotel before more sightseeing in the afternoon at Yuntai Garden. Our group from FTIA has 9 families - which is the most they have had in a long time.  We took a big group photo at the entrance to the garden.   I was expecting another traditional Chinese park.  Was shocked to walk in and see "Dutch wonderland" windmills and all.  It was like Disneyland without the rides.  Maddie had a fantastic time running around the park with the other big sisters ("jie jie" in Mandarin).  Emmie napped most of the time.  Michael ran after Maddie and took lots of pictures.
In the evening we had an early dinner with Mike and Kona at a Chinese restaurant at the hotel across from ours.