Day 6

Today was a fun family day. We slept really well after a late dinner last night of brick oven pizza. Yummy! We took a few shots of the neon along our walk from the MTR stop to our hotel from last night. It really is a cool city.

After a bath and a cartoon we were all sound asleep. I think that may have been our best night of sleep yet – almost 8 solid hours! We got up, had some breakfast, and then met Pink and Manny's English tutor for 1 last good bye. Manny got a little sad but was really distracted by the idea of heading to the space museum. We Skyped with family and then headed out the door. It had been raining really badly all morning and we were worried it would be a wet walk but it ended up being once of the nicest days here because the rain cooled things down a bit. We started at the Batman exhibit located in a mall in Times Square. It was really neat but we missed the quota for the scavenger hunt to get a limited edition Batman coloring book. I was a little bummed but Manny was oblivious.

After Batman, we went to the Space Museum. Along the way, we found some fun outdoor artwork that we posed with. The Space museum was a cute little museum with lots of hands-on activities. We also saw an IMAX 3D movie about space and whether there is life out in space. I only saw the opening and ending because I honestly closed my eyes and took a little nap. :) Manny decided to pose like an old man with the umbrella.

After the Space museum, we went to Outback for a late lunch/early dinner. I will be honest, after 6 days of noodles, rice, and things I can't identify, I was more than ready for that steak and french fries. Manny had spaghetti and chicken fingers. Let me tell you, this kid can eat!!! He polished off all of it plus bites of my salad, Nick's soup, and a bite of my broccoli. I am a little worried he'll make himself sick but he seems to be ok.

We are back at the hotel for now, resting and digesting. I may send the boys swimming in a bit but I think we may have a quiet night in since we are supposed to head to Disney tomorrow.

Day 5 - Our Gotcha Day!

We got to bring Manny home (well to the hotel) this afternoon!! We went to pick him up at the foster home and he was so excited to show us his suitcase and everything until he realized he really did have to leave Mr. Tong. He gave him this great big hug and didn't want to let go. Honestly, it's a good thing on many levels but it hurts to watch him hurt. He cried great big sobs as we walked out. Nick carried him and Pink and I carried his things. He watched that home get further and further away as we walked to the MTR and it hurt my heart to watch him cry. I know it means a lot of good things from a developmental stand point – he can form healthy attachments, he understood that he wasn't coming back for a long time, he has started to bond with us and hung on to Nick for dear life – but wow was it hard to watch. I was so grateful for Pink being there and helping to reassure Manny that all would be well.

Pink came with us to the hotel and up to our room to show Manny some of the things we got for him and rest for a bit before lunch. We then went to one of the restaurants in the hotel to have lunch. By then, Manny was back to the silly boy we knew. He got to try a marshmallow dipped into the chocolate fountain. What a treat!

After lunch, Pink left. Manny was a little sad but we reminded him we'd see her tomorrow and then we distracted him by showing him where the pool was. He was scared at first but then he reached out and stuck his fingers in it. I think we will be back when the weather clears up and try our hand at swimming for real. We went back to the room but housekeeping swung by so we went to the eClub instead. We had a drink and looked at pictures for a while and then came back to the room.

We are now just hanging out and looking at all the pictures Pink took of us this past week. She got some really good ones and a couple videos of Manny singing with his choir from yesterday. When Manny saw it, he started singing along.  Now the boys are watching Tom and Jerry or dancing to Asian MTV while I finish typing this and uploading pictures. LOL It is so blessedly normal to just hang out now. We're still working through the language barrier but it is getting easier. Thank you God!!!! Now I just want to get on the plane and come home. :)