Today our guide (Kathy) took us to see the famous Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an. For those of you who do not know, they are 7000 plus earthen warriors made for the 1st emperor of the united China’s tomb (well, the surrounding area of it anyway–his actual tomb has not been excavated due to lack of technology to preserve after it is excavated). Emporer Qin (CHIN) ruled from 246 to 221 BC, and his clay warriors were only just discovered in the 1970s. It’s a pretty interesting story, which I’m sure all of you will just run out and Google about as soon as you’re done here. Heh heh heh.

Anyway, we went to see the warriors today and it was pretty cool. The pictures help to tell the story much better than words, however, I feel I must mention that in the photos today, there is one photo that is not Kosher and definitely not vegan! So, if you are squeamish about pelts of any sort (especially those of the “pet” variety) you may just want to have a buddy with you to tell you when to look away or something…I don’t know (okay, Jaime, this means you….seriously…get a buddy to help you.)

Later on this evening we went back to our room, after some more time in the Muslim District (didn’t get enough of it when we were there last time…) Savannah and Jade were having a ball playing around the room. This is a big deal because this is the first time Jade has walked around the room to play (usually she doesn’t want to walk, only stay in one place). But she is venturing out more and she and Savannah were having a ball. I was on the floor playing with them too and once when Jade came by laughing, I swiped her up and gave her a kiss. She didn’t cry (I think because she’s always in a good mood when she’s playing). I pretty quickly put her back down, but was glad to see this small step forward. Earlier in the day I tried to pick her up and she cried pretty hard and I had to give her to Mark, so I’m glad to see a little progress on the picking up front. For all of our sakes I am hoping that before we come home I will be able to hold her (because if not, she’s going to have a very miserable time–and so will I and Savannah–when Mark leaves for work that first day). But we thank God for the little steps forward.

With love to you all, and thank you all for all of the comments you have posted! I love seeing them all and reading them. I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to respond to each one, but it just seems like there are not enough hours in the day to get done all that we want to! How can that be? Huh. Anyway, we love you all and are so encouraged by your comments. ;o)

With Love,

Melissa, Mark, Savannah and Jade