Summer Palace, Hutongs, and Acrobatic Show

What a busy day! We started out at the Summer Palace. This is where the Emperor and the Emperess spent their summers. It is a huge place. It was packed, today. There were some beautiful buildings. We took a dragon boat instead of walking back through. The boys and Julia especially enjoyed the microwave popcorn they sold at the concession stand.

We went to the Pearl Market and then had lunch. Lunch was not very good. We all just ate rice. We did meet a couple using our agency for dinner. They are leaving for a different region tomorrow. We will see them again in Guangzhou.

Visiting the Hutongs was an eye opening experience. We began by riding rickshaws into the hutongs. The Hutongs are common neighborhoods. We visited a man who lived there and his place consisted of 3 very small rooms. His kitchen is not part of his house. The bathroom is shared with 4 other families. He pays about 30.00 a month for rent.

After resting for an hour we headed to the Acrobat Show. There were various acts. We were all too tired to really enjoy it.

I will post pictures later. We are all exhausted and to pack up tonight or in the morning. We are so glad to be heading to Fuzhou. First we will be going to the Forbidden Palace and lunch.

A couple more pictures

Julia is the center of attention everywhere we go. This lady wanted to take her home with her. They are all workers at the Jade Factory. Our guide says it is due to the one child rule. So many people want daughters but can't have them because of this rule.

Our guide is the one coming down the stairs beside the boys. At the Great Wall there was 2 ladies with their daughters that wanted to take pictures of all of our kids with theirs. They were surprised that we had so many children. They thought they were beautiful. So do we!

The Great Wall

We made it to the Great Wall today. First we stopped at a Cloisonne Ware factory. It was pretty neat. They showed us how they were made. We bought a vase to place on the mantle and a Hummingbird for my Mom. It reminded me of her and she would have liked it.

Next onto the Great Wall. It is quite impressive in person. Julia and I didn't go too far up. The steps were steep and uneven. Lots and lots of people there. Dallas and the boys made it pretty high. They were very excited about making it so far.

On the way back we stopped at the Jade factory and ate lunch. It was pretty good. They prepared several dishes and put them on a lazy susan. We were able to chose what we wanted to eat. The kids stuck mainly to the rice. Then, we headed to the rest room. Dee-this picture was taken just for you.

Dallas has now gone down the street to get some water and snacks. Another couple using our agency is in our hotel. We connected via email before we left the States. She called a little while ago and we may meet them later at the pool.

We are enjoying our time here but are eager to get to Fuzhou to get our little girl

As we ride down the streets you see so many people walking, riding bikes,working, etc. I have been thinking good thoughts for them all. It is sad that they don't know what we know.

Construction is everywhere. They are getting ready for the Olympics. We saw where the Swimming Events will take place, hockey, and the Bird Nest.

Marcy-I tried anonymouse, I can't seem to get it to work. Says site has been moved. I have been able to get to a place that let me chose English to make my blog entry but can't always seem to find that place. It is all in Chinese this time.

Thanks for all the comments. I will be posting more pictures soon.

Glad to see that last post worked. It is now 1:06 a.m. We were asleep by 7:30. I still haven't figured out how to see our blog in English. I had some cheats that were supposed to work but they didn't. Sorry about all the typos in the last post. Lack of sleep and not being able proofread once I post.

Thanks for the comments! They are emailed to me so I do get to read those.

Two more days until we fly to Fuzhou. We can't wait to meet ? Grace. Also, I would love picking a name so I can quit calling her that.

The kids did super on the flight. They wouldn't stop feeding us. We got on the flight about 12:30. We had peanuts and a drink, fish or steak and a drink, chicken sandwich and ice cream, another drink, omelet meal and a drink. By breakfast none of us were very hungry. We skipped dinner last night, too, we just wanted sleep.

The posts should get better this afternoon. I will also try and post some pictures.

We are Here

Our trip was pretty uneventful. It is one long plane ride. We were all very glad to get here. We gate checked our stroller that we bought secondhand. We loved this stroller. It was a double stroller and rolled with such ease. At the gate they said go to baggage claim. I told him that can't be true but he wouldn't believe me. So guess what we no longer have that stroller.

Our guide was waiting for us. I went first with the kids while Dallas attempted to find the stroller. The kids and I scanned the crowd for the sign bearing our name. At last we saw Braxton. I explained the situation to her and she understood not a word of what I was staying. She is very nice but it is difficult to communicate.

On to the hotel. We were told a little a Beijing. Zachary was more interested in the cars. The hotel is nice. We had room issues. The representative from our agency admits it is her fault but that doesn't help much. Dallas and I were just too exhausted to tell with it right now. We are sleeping on a box spring with no mattress. I am not joking here, we looked under the sheets. Good thing we are both so tired.

Tomorrow is the Great Wall. I will post some pictures then. Off to bed.

Almost There

We are almost ready. I have a few more things to do. No use going to sleep. I have to get up at 3:30 a.m. to leave for the airport by 4:30. It is still hard to believe our journey is about to begin.

I never thought I would say this but I ironed all of our money tonight. For those not familiar with adoption, we need to take crisp new bills. They are not always easy to find. So sometimes you have to iron them. It didn't work as good as I had hoped.

We had planned to pack light. I did the best I could which wasn't very good at all. We have 4 medium suitcases weighing between 40-42 lbs. We each have a carryon. They boys' bags probably weigh about 10 lbs. Dallas and mine weigh about 15. Dallas' computer bag wasn't in the picture. Plus we are taking a double stroller. Our guides in China probably won't like us too much.

I made a scrapbook for ? Grace's foster parents. It turned out really cute! I just hope it gets to her. I am making little thank you cards for everyone we need to give gifts to. It has ? Grace's picture on the front. I will try and remember to take a picture while in China.

Until next time.............Newark, NJ or Beijing, China, time will tell

It won't be long now

Before Picture


Mom, I'm Ready!


After Picture