July 25, 2000: Journal entry:

Kim:

We had breakfast on the 22^nd floor again. Then we met the group for today’s sightseeing trip.  First we were off to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.  I thought the babies were supposed to be blessed there but nothing happened that looked like a blessing.  Then we went to a jade carving factory and made a few purchases.  Then we went to a department store where we bought Brenna a red quilted jacket.  Then we were off to lunch Cantonese style.  I was okay here until they brought out some kind of bird with its head still attached.  I ate mostly rice and egg drop soup with corn in it.  We tried to do a group photo when we got back to the hotel but 3 of the babies were asleep so we set the time for 5:00pm.  We were off to our room to wait for our visa and to wait for late enough to stand in line for seat assignments.  I went down about 3:15 to wait and was 3^rd in line.  Doug came by at about 3:45 – they had screwed up Brenna’s name on the consulate package so he left Brenna with me and went back to the consulate to get it fixed.  I was starting to get nervous because I needed both of their passports to check in.  It turned out not to be a problem.  Doug made it back before they got to me and after trying for some time to get the first person checked in, they finally found out that the computers were down and no one could check in until 6:00.  Then we went up to tea on the 22^nd floor so I could eat chocolate and then met the others for the red couch photo.  Seven of the babies showed up (Cate was asleep) so we went with what we had.  Brenna did not scream even though babies around her were screaming and grabbing at her.  Brian and Doug were behind the couch to keep the babies upright and ducked every so often so we could snap photos – it was kind of a mad house.  Then we went back downstairs to wait for 6:00.  Luckily the woman who was 1^st in line at 4:00 thought to ask for numbers so we could keep the same place in line.  Unfortunately it didn’t help any.  Even being #3, we didn’t get a bassinet.  I haven’t figured out how that can possibly be since there are 6 sets of bulkhead seats in premium economy and since you’re not allowed to get seat assignments until 24 hours before the flight.  What a sucky flight that’s going to be.  We went upstairs and I went out to get the laundry.  Then we started packing.  Doug tried to get rid of the large sized Huggies that we have but had no success.  He went out and got rolls and beer from the Deli Shop and then it was off to sleep.  This was not a good night either – just what we needed after such a sucky day.  Brenna was awake every 20 or 30 minutes whining.  I finally brought her in with us hoping we would all sleep better – she still woke up whining a lot but at least I could pat her back and she calmed down quicker.

Doug:

(didn't enter anything for this day.)