We had the option of going to visit a Buddhist temple or hanging out on Shamian Island for the afternoon.
One guess which we chose.
My boys have such fond memories of this place as Asher and I stayed on the island when we traveled for Vivienne and Dalton and I stayed here when we traveled for Tallula.
Many ice cream cones consumed in this place.
I kinda love it myself, for lots of reasons.
It’s gorgeous.
It has a Starbucks.
It’s full of quirky little shops.
It’s gorgeous.
It’s the one place I can remember taking each of my kids when we came to China to bring them home.
And it has lots of wide open areas, perfect for kids to run around and play, all under huge old trees strung with Spanish moss.
Considering all the sitting and waiting and being patient these two have had to endure lately, I thought they might really dig some time in the wide open.
Did they ever. And in opposite directions, no less.
Good thing I’d just powered down an iced coffee because despite having an unrelated heart defect, Miss Magnolia has got some legs on her. 
Clementine knew the drill – she ran all the way to one end of the area, turned around and ran back.
Magnolia? Not so much. She started going in a direction and just kept on going – not even glancing back when we called.
Grinning and giggling all the way.
We took turns chasing her down the length of the park and scooping her up to bring her back, which only caused her to want to run and giggle more.
This scenario caused Clementine great.concern – she simply could not understand why Magnolia was running away. 
She would vocalize her concern for her little sister loudly – hands cupped to the sides of her mouth for emphasis – and then cheer happily upon her safe return. 
You might *possibly* alternately interpret it as Clementine tattling on her little sister as loudly as possible, then celebrating when her escape efforts were foiled.
I suppose we’ll never know.
Of course lots of running must be followed by lots of refreshments and so off to Lucy’s we went. 
Most of their American-themed menu is unremarkable, but the fries are always perfect. Especially when you’re the littlest bit homesick.
My boys agree. And while Clementine was non-commital, Magnolia thought they were good when pairs with lots and lots of ketchup.
We headed back to the hotel with tired legs, full bellies and some sweet (if exhausting) memories made.
All signs of a really good day.
And it was.