Panda Park and more

We had a very full day today! We went to the Panda Park, the Lakeside Park and McDonalds! For the most part it was fun and the kids had a great time. However, sweet Matthew threw a MAJOR temper tantrum (see photo) because he was not allowed to buy a toy at the park. We had just finished riding some of the amusement rides and were headed to lunch when Matthew asked to buy a toy, I told him no and he started crying, stomping his feet and then he eventually threw himself onto the ground. Boy did he attract a crowd! I tried to carry him but boy is he heavy. Dave had to finally carry him and Matthew screamed the entire way. As you can see from the photo he sat next to me, threw off his shoes and screamed. When we got into the van, he was swinging his arms and feet, hit Dave a few times but David held him down and kept telling him no. Eventually he calmed down when Dave told Catherine to tell Matthew that his behavior was inappropriate and that he would not get McDonalds if he continued. The behavior stopped and Matthew eventually told us he was sorry.
The rest of the afternoon was calm and full of smiles and laughter!
We went into a butterfly park and as you can see from the photos Matthew was very good at catching the butterflys and letting them go. We got lots and lots of smiles and laughter during that time. That was part of the reason why the meltdown was so unexpected....
During the rides Grace and Matthew went on one ride where you go up and down. He does not like heights...he kept telling Grace, "too high" and you could see the fear on his face. When they got off the ride, just like a true brother, he pushed Grace on her back, not hard and said, "TOO HIGH!"
Matthew is speaking lots to us and is trying to speak English. He has said his name, "Matthew" a few times and seems to be in agreement with it. He is curious about everything and asks lots of questions. I sure wish I understand just 1/2 of what he said!
Sarah is better today, no problems eating. Grace's asthma is acting up but the new nebulizer works like a charm. I am doing great, except for being tired. Dave took the kids back to the park after lunch so I could take a nap. It was refreshing.
We are ready to go to Guangzhou and have had enough of Fujian. It is a beautiful province but we know the corner that Matthew will turn once we move on.
We are experiencing ups and downs but overall we are becoming a family....