The Return of the Mack Daddy!

Okay, back by popular demand, it's the Mack Daddy! Well, we are truly approaching the homestretch now. We did some of the final paperwork today and the consulate appointment is tomorrow. It is hard to believe that we are closing in on two weeks here in China. It has been quite the ride. We are starting to get anxious to head home. My wife has the packing and lists are in full gear; so those of you that know her, understand the fun I am having. We have 25 lists and several bags are packed and we aren't leaving until Saturday in the a.m.! Not a move is made without checking the list.

Other than the paperwork, it was a rather relaxing day. We had a fun time in the playroom after breakfast. Audrey used the walker but apparently feels that she needs to do everything at mach 10 speed. She was like Danica Patrick at Indianapolis, racing around and crashing into things. Madeleine is more into soccer as she kicks the ball around the playroom causing other families to duck. I have a feeling that both girls are going to be quite active and that means we are going to have our hands full. I wish I had half of their energy! I can see these girls involved in several sports and activities. Don't fret though, I am sure my wife will give me a detailed list telling me where to be, at what time and with which kid!

I had a chance to do some shopping sans Monique today, which means not much yuan was spent! I looked around in most all the shops and was done in an hour. My wife has been shopping straight for 10 days and is still going strong. Thank goodness for a decent exchange rate. I am sorry to report that I was unable to find that plasma TV or home entertainment system. I guess there is always Santa!

Speaking of which, the Christmas vibe here is a bit odd. They have some signs up and the hotel has a tree and the hostess' dressed in red with Santa caps. We were surprised that there was as much signage about the holiday given the fact that it is not celebrated here. It still is weird that the holiday is less then a week away, it seems that it is far away. Perhaps it is because thanks to my wife's shopping, the cupboards are bare or maybe we have other priorities. I believe it is a combination.

The evening was a picnic outside the rooms with the other AAI families. We ordered subs and sandwiches and had Coke Light (diet coke). It was a ball the kids played the parents laughed and ate. It was a nice cheap dinner. We have a very diverse group which makes these get-togethers fun.

My beautiful wife is diligently working on list 26 and therefore it is time to wrap this up and put a bow on it (you all know that my wife is truly a godsend and a wonderful caring person, but if you can't poke fun at the ones you love, who can you poke fun at!) By the way, ignore her comments in yesterday's post, she was just jealous at the attention that my heartfelt sentiments gained!

Well consulate tomorrow, Audrey's visa and passport Friday and then home Saturday. I am hoping it will be good weather for our return! Well until tomorrow, this is the daddy mack signing off saying piece to the Homies and I am Audi 5000!

P.S. Taught Madeleine to wink and give the thumbs up, here is a photo of her showing off the new skills!