Catch Up, Sort Of

Ah, I'm so behind I may never get caught up.  This blog was supposed to be about Ryan's birthday, which was today!!, but it won't be because the pictures aren't uploading fast enough.  For now, I will quickly add captions to the pictures I already uploaded from the two previous days.  I just haven't had time to write anything.  Busy, busy, busy.  That's me!

On Thursday we made a trip to an animal hospital.  No, we don't have a pet; we have Mom.  If you will recall I mentioned that she had started feeding some stray cats and kittens who live outside the building next to us.  It turns out that several people feed and look after these little darlings but there is one cat that was having a lot of trouble eating and was very sick.  His breathing was rattled and he drooled terribly.  After several days of asking around we finally ended up at a vet's office.  We borrowed a cage from another cat lover and  with a little difficulty caught the cat.  

After quite a drive we finally found the place.  It certainly wasn't the cleanest place around and the most it had going for it was the fact that the old lady vet really seems to care about animals. 

This guy sort of resembles the real vet.  Eerie! 

After getting Tian Ye to help translate we ended up leaving the cat at the hospital for three days.  It didn't have feline leukemia but I believe had a nasty lung infection.  We hope to hear from the vet tomorrow to find out if we can pick him up.  The only problem now is that there really isn't anyone to take him in once he comes back.  The lady we borrowed the cage from said she would look after him but I don't know if that means taking him into her home (if he would even stay).  I guess we will do our best and see what happens.

When the vet experience was over we went to the Mix mall.  We had a snack at Starbucks then checked out a new department store there.  I found some items for decorating Ryan's cake then managed to find a "3" candle at Ole.  On the way home we stopped at Riverside Garden and I was able to find some white icing and chocolate decorations.  We looked around for icing sugar but had no luck, which is why I had to get the packaged stuff.

Friday Mom and the boys and I finally made it to the science museum.  It was okay but not great.  A lot of the exhibits need work or someone to run them, which they didn't have that day.  Most of it was a little too old for my kids but there were a few things they really liked.

Always with the tongue out...

We only stayed at the museum long enough to explore the first floor then a snack on the second.  When we got to the top of the escalator Nicholas sniffed and said, "Mmmmm, doughnuts.  Can I get a doughnut?".  There was a heavenly smell of cinnamon and sugar throughout the place so we headed over to the snack area to find the goodies.  We found no doughnuts but only wieners cooking on a grill.  I couldn't believe it, but the sweet smell was coming from that, not any tasty doughnuts.  Against my better judgement I let Nicholas try one.  He ate most of it but I don't think we'll be rushing back for anymore.  It was just odd.

After lunch we decided to finally go to the Liaoning TV Tower for lunch.  Nicholas has been wanting to go and it was on our list of places to take Mom while she is here.  It wasn't the best day as far as air quality, but it was a good experience anyway.  We invited Tian Ye to come with us and it was his first time going up.  It was fun!

There were photos of the world's other tallest towers.  This one look familiar?

Tian Ye trying to find his home.

The revolving restaurant

When we ordered orange juice I had no idea they'd bring us the whole box.

The food was pretty good but not the best we've had.  Still a fun experience though.

By the time lunch was over we had to go home so Mom and I could have our massages.  It's a tough life!  In the evening Tim and I went out for supper at the Thai restaurant and had a fabulous meal.  Afterward we went to Traders Hotel and sat at the lobby bar and watched people out the window while having some drinks.  One of the people going by was Tian Ye so we invited him in to join us.  We had fun just chilling out.

Tomorrow morning I will try uploading the pictures from Ryan's birthday before we head out for more site-seeing and shopping.  We are all going this time so who knows where we will end up.  Right now I know exactly where I am going - to bed.  I'm very sleepy.  Have a great day everyone!