Today was a down day since it was Sunday, so most families went out to Shamian Island for the day.  But we stayed on the island the first two trips to China and, while we enjoyed it, we were ready to see something different.  So, Helen, our guide for the day, took us to Liu Hua Hu Park.  It was a very beautiful park set around a lake and was full of people enjoying the warm November day!  I believe Helen fashions herself a little bit of a photographer, so we went over the top as tourists and she took pictures of us everywhere!

And here …

And here …

And I have more but I will save you from them!  The park was a great place for people to get together and play Chinese Checkers.

Or sing a song or two.

Maybe just sit and talk with friends.

There were fish in the lake that the girls enjoyed people feeding.

The girls also enjoyed watching a group of young boys put on a Karate exhibition with their Sense.

Riley took Peyton across the stepping stones, although they were not that challenging without the water to surround them!

We came to an open area where maybe a couple of hundred people were crowded around to sing along with the accompaniment of a small ensemble.

This sweet little lady was truly enjoying the music!

Riley worked double duty manning Peyton AND Madison for much of the day.

There was an area of the park that had playgrounds and a small amusement park.  We tried to get Madison to enjoy some of the activities but she said it was for little kids.  Teenagers!

Peyton was not so sure about going on any of the actual rides, so I had to warm her up a little bit.

Then she was willing to step up the excitement a little bit with mom.

Brave a water ride.

And get a little more daring with Jessie along for support.

They had a huge exercise area with equipment that was donated by a large life insurance company that is located in Guangzhou.

Ok … maybe one more family picture.

I am including this picture only because I risked certain imprisonment by standing on the grass to obtain it.

Peyton started to get a little tired with all the walking around!

In honor of Charlie, we decided to institute his ice cream rule from the last trip.  He declared (because he is the little boss) that any day the temperature was above 27 Celsius, we would get ice cream.  And we pretty much stuck to that.  Today it above 27, so …

Tomorrow we head to the zoo and the circus!  We are looking forward to the day, but we will not be back until very late so I am not sure when the blog will get updated.  Might be a day delayed!

Cameron