Hello, Scott here. Renee is currently feeding a very, very cranky Ivie her bottle. We are hoping she will go down for a nap shortly thereafter.

It is 4:00 p.m. Thursday November 2 in Nanchang. I think Renee left off the blogging with family nap time yesterday afternoon. After family naptime we decided to just stay in. Renee and I ate noodles and played with Ivie all night. She went down at 8:30 p.m. and woke up this morning at 4:30 a.m.

This morning our group went to Tengwang Pavilion, the historical and cultural center of Nanchang. There is a story associated with the Pavilion, but to be honest, I don't know what it is. But look at the pictures we've attached, and you'll see that a verbal description is not necessary. The Pavilion and surrounding park are stunning. We spent about an hour wandering around the Pavilion and the park. There are statues of all the animals of the zodiac, fish ponds, smaller pavilions, and great panoramas of both old and new Nanchang. It is quite a cultural shock to see a modern city skyline behind simple fishing boats.

After walking fully around the Pavilion and through the park, we climbed the 89 steps to the main entrance to the Pavilion. We then took an elevator to the top of the Pavilion. There were several shops to browse, and we bought Renee a purse for 10 Yuan (about $1.25 US) and Ivie a small drum toy, also for 10 Yuan. But the main event at the top of the Pavilion was the Chinese dancer and musician show. Ivie was fascinated, as were all the other babies in our group. After the show, we were all allowed to get on stage and try out the instruments.

After the show, we took a panoramic walk around the top of the Pavilion. Quite an amazing set of sites. This part of China is really beautiful.

Our restaurant for lunch was right across the main entrance from the park. We ate another tremendous traditional Chinese meal. Nanchang is know for its spicy food, and man was our food spicy. But for the value (33 Yuan apiece, or $4 US), it was some of the best food I've ever had. This is real Chinese food. I will never again go to a "Chinese" restaurant in Milwaukee and think I'm eating real Chinese food. It's amazing how Westernized those restaurants have become. Ivie apparently can eat a watermelon slice on her own. She just grabs hold and slurps/chomps away.

Renee and I can't imagine loving anyone any more strongly than we love our dear Ivie. She is just perfect. We are so blessed. Ivie is learning to recognize us, and we are learning more and more of her personality quirks. We think we know when she's wet vs. tired vs. hungry. When we first started every cry sounded the same. Now we can differentiate them a bit. But overall she's a very happy baby. Every time she smiles or especially laughs, daddy's heart grows warmer.

More later. Love to all of you.