March 8, 6:30 a.m.

Before I get to this morning's posting, here's another attempt at providing guidance for how you can enter a comment on our blog. Greg Knighton passed along the following, and it has helped him to post a comment.

When posting, you're asked to type in a randomly generated "word verification" that appears on the screen. Unfortunately, the word never appears - just the message, "Loading..."

I've typed the word "Loading..." into the field, and hit the Finish button. That action seems to reset the word verification process, and allows you to correctly follow the instructions on screen.

Give it a try. We welcome other successful "comment posting" stories.

Yesterday, we went on a walk to a Chinese temple and the jade market. Abby went from the orphanage to pearl and jade shopping, all in one week. The temple was particularly interesting, and there were many people lighting incense and praying out in the open. Abby seemed to be familiar with the statues and relics in the temple; I wonder if they had a shrine set up in the orphanage. On the way to the temple, we walked through Chinese markets, where we saw live scorpions and many other creatures.

The people from the Chinese countryside who are tourists in Guangzhou or Beijing think Ana is exotic looking, with her fair skin and hair, and they always ask to take her photo, often with them in the picture too. At first, we declined since it seemed a little scary; however, Trevor said it is a common occurrence, one that he's experienced as well. (We're waiting for Ana to begin charging for this service, as a way to get more dolls when Uncle Trevor leaves.)

Last night, Trevor took us on a dinner cruise along the Pearl River in Guangzhou. The city is beautiful, particularly from the water. The river is lined with lights, and the high-rise buildings with their neon lights make it a sight to see. Abby had a meltdown in the middle of dinner, probably because she couldn't eat the entire buffet. But daddy came to the rescue and turned her tears into laughter again. Mommy continued to eat. (Figured I'd get the food in now while I can; I'll pay my dues when daddy returns to work.)

Trevor flies back to Beijing today. Ana was teary-eyed last night just thinking about it and asked him to stay. We don't know what we would have done without him the past week. He is great with the kids, and he was a needed extra set of hands and feet for Steve and me. His presence allowed us to relax and enjoy the experience more; what a gift. Trevor, you will always be a part of our family.

It's early morning here, so I'm about to wake the girls and daddy. (Daddy was up late with Trevor, while the "three" girls went to sleep.) Abby is an early riser, usually about 6 a.m. Ana would sleep all day if we let her. We're headed to the zoo today. Should be fun.