and Part 2

After returning home from Dali where we had sunsets like this (a view from our hotel) we had a few days back at home, where we also celebrated July 4. Some friends had planned a small gathering/fireworks show, and Kevin and my dad had a great time setting off fireworks.

Trinity wouldn't go near the sparklers, and she and I stayed at home and listened to the fireworks from afar while the others went. But seriously, my dad and Kevin had a super time. What is it about males (of any age) and fire?!

Right before my mom and dad had to fly home, we set out for the big city (since that's also where the airport happens to be!) A friend had told us to check out the zoo, and we're glad we did. It's called a "safari park" because much of the zoo is seen via a tram that takes you through a path where animals are roaming free and uncaged. These guys below WERE caged, but you could feed them. For a fee, you could feed just about any of the animals at the zoo. They even had bottles to feed the fish. That just didn't seem right!

And really, where except Asia can you pay $1.50 and get to hold a tiger cub? Papa Jim couldn't pass up the opportunity. He asked Trinity if she wanted to hold a tiger and she said, "OK!"

Grace figured that since baby sister could get close, it must be alright.

But when we got to the big cats, we saw some serious warnings. :)

And yet, for a mere $2 you could feed them.

So that's what we did.

They were adept at jumping up to catch that raw meat.

We've seen some bad Chinglish here, but this one is, well, interesting. Somehow the "beasts of prey" exhibit sign got translated into the "Breast of Prayer Animal Region."

More folks feeding the wild "breasts of prayer."

We decided the giant pandas have quite the good life. All they do is sleep and eat! Other highlights from Granna and Papa Jim's trip:

• watching Mom join in the minority dancing outside our apartment one evening
• listening to Trinity say "Papa Jiiiiiiiim"
• Mom and Dad watching the girls so Kevin and I could go out on dates
• Mom, ever the teacher, giving Grace a reading lesson
• riding on a boat in the rain, and enjoying the local amusement park together

Mom and Dad, thank you for coming and blessing us, for lugging all kinds of stuff over from America, and for loving on us so well. We love you!