First Dr appt

Tomorrow we take Emma to her first appt, Melissa was told we will meet with speech therapist and then her Dr that is cleft specialist. They will take pictures and we hope work with us on a plan to get palate repared asap.

Emma is really blossoming and we pray that tomorrows schedule of events will not send us back two steps.  Melissa gave her a baby doll today and she loves it.  She is taking care of it, feeding it, singing to it, just hanging out with it and really nurturing which is great to see.

The girls took another long bath and played for over an hour.  Lily continues to be fantastic with Emma and we are very proud of them both.

Settling in

We had a nice few days together since last post, got some new pictures to share. Emma is really settling in and we are beginning to take some quick little outings but after the outing we had today I am ready to stay home for awhile!



So before my story let me explain the pics above. Jonah and I took Lily to a fishing day at a park so Emma and Lily were playing with toy fishing poles before we went. Lily caught a fish (pic is on Jonah's camera so I will see if there are any good ones and post later). Emma really enjoys playing with hair bands and putting them on as bracelets. Since Emma likes water so much we saw a little tikes water/sand toy for half price so we had to pick it up for her. She decided she would rather sit in it than stand beside it. Works for us for now. We took an outing to Grandma/Grandpa's house and she did really well, notice the sunglasses and sitting down crossing her legs? Very cute. She did pretty good... found a picture of herself that Grandma had on her table, that was interesting. She stared at it for a little while, Grandma made her a juice. She made a scrunchy face when she tried it (we usually water it down, she is not used to straight up juice I guess). Everything is fine so far right? Okay, that brings us to this morning.

So, we have breakfast... rice and eggs with the mandatory watermelon. Emma has quite a bit of watermelon, and I think before we take a little outing she went potty but it is a blur now. We go to Home Depot (see picture of girls in the big cart) and all is going swimmingly. They use the little steering wheel to direct the cart and daddy swerves it all over the store to giggles from the girls. We check out plants, a lovely little plastic pond that would be great in the backyard for lots of water. We look at bathtubs for holding water, specifically I was looking for one of those bathtub mats to make sure you don't slip and fall in tub but we have one of those big tubs and the only ones we can find are for the standard rectangular tub. I digress... back to the story, Lily enjoys looking at all the cool new sinks they have and we continue to talk about water. It is around this time that Emma tells Daddy "neow neow" which means I need to go potty daddy. I tell her "no Emma we have to go home". I am so stupid.

So, next door is Target and all seems okay, Emma is doing fine and I think we can just stop by there real quick to look for this bathtub mat. Yeah yeah, all you mothers are just sitting there with that little smirk on your face because men are so stupid.

We have a lovely time in Target, no bathtub mat that will fit our tub, (I have forgotten about neow neow) and Lily asks to go to toys. Emma and Lily both enjoy toys for awhile and then I think Emma tells me again... neow neow? Oh, yes honey... lets go neow neow. I am telling Lily we have to rush home, she tells me "no daddy, Target has a family bathroom, we can all fit in there" brilliant idea, thanks Lily. We rush up to the front and Lily shows dad where the bathroom is. It's locked, we knock, no noise and it looks like light is off. I quickly search for target employee, ask him if he can open the door. "That lock is bad and it is broken, you can use the employee bathroom by the pharmacy". Um, Emma is getting a little anxious and I can tell. I am jogging now with Lily (I have abandoned cart, it is only slowing me down) We make it to the employee bathroom, it is locked. OHHHH I knock... hear some noise, after an excruciating 30 seconds the door opens and Emma is really beginning to shake and want to go in. Neow neow and I am trying to use all the Chinese I know... hada hada (we think that means, it's okay) and dui boo chi which is sorry or excuse me... yeah feeble. So, we get in, I clean and line the toilet and I reach down to ---- yeah, there she goes, all over the floor. All over the floor, all over the floor. So, Lily says "can we go back to toys now? She does not have to go anymore" um, "no" so off we go out to the car. I take off her wet bottoms and line car seat with paper towels. Emma and Lily take another bath and I am pretty much done taking the girls out alone. Melissa is standing over me laughing as I write that.

I think we will try to keep this blog up to date as best we can with stuff like this that you may not really enjoy reading that much but Lily consistently goes to the old website that detailed her homecoming and it basically is like a diary with lots of pictures that she really loves looking at. Lily and Emma have been sitting at the computer looking at pictures from the past when the boys were younger and showing Emma all sorts of family history stuff. So, I am going to try and document things as best I can and am encouraging Melissa to begin posting as well so her perspective is captured.

Have a great week!

Adjusting

Lily is being a fantastic big sister and really enjoying having Emma around. Melissa and I are still trying to adjust to the time shift and added activity in the house. We are tired, hoping to catch up on some sleep tonight. Here are a couple pics from today and a short movie clip of Lily and Emma.

Emma went to sleep pretty quickly tonight. Lily, not so much. It is 12:30 here and she is tired but just will not fall asleep yet, here are just a couple pics from today.

Home, day 1

Melissa let Emma and daddy sleep in a little late.  Lily dressed her up in a little princess outfit and they are cruising around on a cute little car that my friend Melanie got her.  Last night me and Jonah went by Albertsons (new rant brewing for self checkout only option for buying food after 29 hour travel day).  We got watermelon and fresh fruit etc.  This morning Emma had fresh eggs and rice made by chef mom and of course fresh watermelon.  Jeremy hung out with her so she is getting to know her big brother.  He cleaned the house and made us a welcome home sign with a welcome home Emma cake.  It was great to see him and wish he could have gone on trip with us.  For others contemplating taking your kids with you we are strong proponents.  If they are young our son Jonah is ready to hire himself out for free trips to China :)

Home

This morning when the alarm went off and we jumped up to get to Guangzhou airport was 29 hours ago.  That is a long day, we left China Friday morning and arrived in Dallas around 9 Friday night but oh my do we feel exhausted.  Poor Emma just cried before takeoff and the ONLY thing that finally helped was Melissa singing Bible songs to her.  The people sitting near us were getting frustrated but after a good 20 minute screamfest Melissa sang her to sleep. 

So, just landed in Dallas and Jeremy is picking us up.  We are going to sleep for a couple days.  Thanks to all who have been praying, commenting and following our journey.  Emma Faith is finally home and we are blessed.

Emma moments away from legal US citezenship

We just touched down in detroit so as soon as we step off the plane Emma will legally be US citizen!

Security pains

About to leave Guangzhou... After multiple security checks including one on the actual ramp to the plane.  Unbelievable. 

So, this first leg is to Tokyo and is 4 1/2 hours then we have a 2 hour layover. 

Lily and Emma are both doing great, Melissa Jonah and I are beat.

Packed and checked out

We checked out of room tonight and are all packed.  Have to have bags outside of room at 5:20 in morning and we get on bus at 5:45 so early travel day.  We are scheduled to land in TX after 9 friday evening. 

Last Day

Went to the zoo, US consulate... the Director of CCAA from Beijing was there, first time he has been down to see ceremony in new facility which has been three years. Heading to last dinner with our travel group at Lucy's. Here are some pics from Jonah's camera.

new pics

Almost done

All the paperwork went to consulate today, all was approved so today we took it easy. Emma seemed to have a fever so we have discovered Emma strongly prefers to not take any medicine.  I am wearing most of it, so had to change right before we are headed down to take the red couch photo with our group. 

We will go to an italian restaurant tonight that is supposed to be wonderful.  Will try to post pics again tonight.

Picture and Physical

Today we are taking it easy, breakfast then walked with group to take photo for consulate appt I think.  Then to little medical clinic so Emma could get measured/weighed, ear/nose/throat checked and other measurements and basically a little check up.  She was perfect and did not cry at all.  Most other kids fell apart during this (Lily fell apart 5 years ago during this portion of process). 

We stopped by starbucks on way back and just relaxed.  We are resting now and trying to keep Emma on a nap schedule (not working).

Tonight Jonah and I are going to go on river cruise and Melissa offered to watch the girls. 

Will try to post some pics tonight.

Paperwork day

Today we did US consulate paperwork and Meliss and Jonah went to big jewelry mall while I played with girls a the hotel.  

It is last day of mid-autumn festival and last night was really lit up. Full moon and kids were walking along river with moon lanterns and eating moon cakes. 

I am feeling pretty exhausted today and am trying to rest now. 

Shamian Island

Started the day at breakfast... Melissa was crying for joy because of all the chidren getting ready to go home.  Lots and lots of kids.  Then we took laundry, bought a stroller and took a walk.  Me and Lily got a vanilla bean at starbucks and Melissa got a vanilla frapp.  We walked around the park, saw lots of people getting wedding photos taken and enjoying the beautiful island.

Stopped at some shops and got clothes/shoes for the girls.  We are about to go to Lucys for lunch.  Jonah went on tour and we are about to hear about it.

Starbucks

We made it to Guangzhou without anymore incidents.  Thanks to Yisha for helping overcome all obstacles. 

Grace met us at airport and we all collapsed in the bus. Arrived at White Swan and are all relieved to be at last portion of trip. 

Just had our dinner, papa johns delivery.  There is a starbucks, 7-Eleven and room is nice and cool.

So, all is well and we are going to just relax this evening and probably skip tour tomorrow and continue to recouperate.

Watched Ike news on cnn international as it hit Galveston.  Good to see us news but sad to see the destruction and flooding.

OMG

So, we are almost to airport... Can physically see it and an old man on a moped full of cabbage runs into our bus. No joke, after at least 25 mins of chaos and 3 police cars driving right by finally an ambulance comes and takes him away. Seemed okay, just old and bruised up. We change buses and rush to airport... Plenty of chaos trying to make plane.  Craziness with luggage, security and stress galore.  We are on plane taxiing now.   Talk to you from guangzhou. 

Last meal in Zhengzhou

Girls slept well, this morning they were all snuggled together, Emma woke up first and then Lily. Very sweet peaceful morning. 

We are all packed and sitting at breakfast.  Emma likes the congee best (we mix in eggs and veggies). Lily likes steamed bun with meat, beans and a funny red fruit with white insides and black specks (seeds).  Jonahs favorite thing is meat bun and friied rice.  I like a sorta hash brown thing, the cheese is amazing and doughnuts.  Melissa likes steamed bok choi and her english breakfast tea she brought from usa the best. 

We will be on plane around 10 heading to guangzhou and it is 2 hour flight.  This will be Emma's first flight so please pray for her to have peace. 

Ouch

So today is about over, it is 8pm friday night and we leave for guangzhou first thing in the morning. We had a bright idea to spend the aternoon shopping so took a cab to an area Yisha recommended.  It was great, big four story bookstore.  Got books for Emma, movies for Lily and game for Jonah. 

Then hit a 6 story department store.  Huge, basically a mall in one store.  Movie theatre, gymboree play zone, multiple other kid zones. Workout gym... Then floors of stuff.  Melissa got a couple outfits for Emma.  All sounds fine so far right?  Oh yes, got some mooncakes, the mid autumn festival is this weekend and everyone liked the peach mooncake. 

Ok, here comes the ouch - if you ever visit Zhengzhou and expect to get a cab around 6 just forget it, no really... We tried for a good 30 minutes and then started walking while trying to get a cab.  Well we just got back to the hotel and never got a cab. It was miles of enjoying the streets of pain.  Every intersection is a game of chicken.  Every step is a game of chance.  Jonah had a hard time finding any videogames here and we determined its because life is a videogame.  Ever played frogger on hardest level?  Yeah. So we are pretty beat... Going to get showers/pack and sleep.

Pictures and Video from last couple days

Here is pictures and hopefully video of the girls from our time in Zhengzhou getting to know each other better as a family (with a picture of Jeremy until we get back home).

Scenes include us just hanging out, walking streets of Zhengzhou and checking out local shops. Eating at little coffee house nearby that we highly recommend (get the beef strips plate, first item on "fast food" items. It is kinda like a fajita plate but tastes amazing. Local veggies, rice and beef that is really really good.

For Jonah's birthday we went to Oktoberfest, big feast, hilarious German musicians and Everyone sang to Jonah and we had a great time. German Oktoberfest in China in September. Gotta love it.

Thank you family, friends and visitors (and rant)

Melissa and I just want to take a moment to thank you for being a part of our journey.  You may be a family member or friend or possibly someone we have not met yet. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts, e-mail and comments. We apologize for not having time to reply to all emails and comments but we are reading and enjoying them all.  Your encouragement helps us during the tougher times.

It is the first sunny day in Zhengzhou, we are going to take a walk up the street and just check out some local shops. The biggest challenge with walking up the street is the persistent stares, it does not seem to be rude to just look/point and talk about you.  Little unnerving but Melissa pointed out we do the same thing in America but we try to hide it and look away when noticed.

------ end of pleasant blog post-------

Read on for rant or just skip if easily offended


Culturally the people are "different" but there is so much americans could learn from this nation full of history, tradition and wisdom. I was talking with our friend who is the guide for this trip (and our last five years ago) and asked her what are the reasons for such low crime and lack of road rage in a city of such poverty and obvious need for freaking out driving in these crazy roads.  I was hoping to hear something we could import to the us and lower crime in our world.

Well... We can't import it, it is not from any laws, it is not from video cameras, it is not from security systems or police presence.  Nope --- it is steeped in tradition and culture.  Everyone is taught to treat others the way they want to be treated.  Hmmmm... To love your neighbor.  So, I want to send a letter to every lawmaker and encourage them to go ahead and try something crazy... Back when the ten commandments were taken out of schools stats show that our crime rate went nuts.  Go ahead congress, let's try a tiny little 100 year experiment and teach our children the ten commandments and see what happens.  In the big picture 100 years is nothing.  Sorry for the rant but you have to see the stark contrast between how people handle life here and in the us. 

I highly recommend everyone able to come to China for yourself and experience it.  Maybe every lawmaker should do it... For about 3 weeks, and while here why not give a child a home.  Oh, well... Most lawmakers pro bably would not meet the requirements.  Can't have police record, can't be overweight, can't be divorced, can't be single and have to have a stable home and family.  Well now, I might just be on to our primary problem in the US eh?

Thursday morning in China

Just wanted to post a quick update and will try to get pics up later of our Wed. 

We had a nice day, pretty relaxing overall... The only "event" was going to the provincial museum.  It was really amazing and Emma is getting more at ease with us every day.  If you want to see her laugh there are a few ways; 1. Tickle her tummy 2. Lay her on your legs while you are sitting and let her throw her head backwards and my favorite 3. Tell her "no" or "boo" in chinese.  This was the one that made her laugh most of the museum trip.  Yeah, we are in a museum where they have artifacts that are thousands of years old that are truly amazing and Emma wants to just run around and climb into exhibits etc.  "Emma, NO, Emma, BOO!... Boo yow, (Emma says, haahhahahahahah) and climbs into thousand year old exhibit in blatant disregard for daddy"

Well, nice to see her smile and having fun.  Today we may try swimming and see how that goes. 

We ate lunch at "new island coffee" kinda fun place.  The chairs are couches and it is very pretty/relaxing place.  Jonah got something really good, mine - not so good.  Got girls little bowls of soup than ended up being huge bowls of noodle soup that all five of us could barely put a dent in them. 

Emma loves rice and is really picky right now with food.  She likes what she likes, is open to trying anything but if she does not like it then she will not eat, end of story.

This will change at home :)

Lots of hours just hanging out in hotel hallway and letting the kids play together.  Lily especially enjoys playing with a big beach ball and singing/dancing ring around rosie with Lily and Avery.

Another day in Zhengzhou

Today was pretty cool, Emma is getting much more comfortable with us and beginning to act more like a toddler.  This means she is testing boundaries with us which she really did not do on day 1.  So we are saying no or "boo" a whole lot more and sometimes she listens.  :)

She had bowel movement which is great sign, all seems to be working as it should.  There is definitely some sort of challenge with walking and balance, Melissa has read that sometimes the cleft can have an effect on balance so we will check with doctors upon return.

Jonah and Lily went swimming in pool and Lily had a blast. Will try to take Emma sometime tomorrow.  We went to a local restaurant outside of hotel and fed 9 adults and 5 children for about fifty bucks.  What a country.  Emma ate all remaining watermelon in China.  Hoping they import more for tomorrow. 

It is around 3 am wed morning and I am the only one awake which is good.  Everyone had adjusted well, now is time to start praying for the return flight because I know that will be interesting. 

We fly to Guangzhou on Saturday, going to local museum today (Wed) so just thur and fri to get out of the way!

Pictures

Here are some of the better pictures from Melissa's camera. Jonah took a bunch on his so I will get those transferred and uploaded tonight probably.

Emma is asleep, she ate all the watermelon this place had... loves rice, noodles, veggies and more than anything - watermelon. Lily was the same way.

Great morning

Thanks to all who prayed for us.  Really great morning, Emma spent time snuggling with Melissa and I spent time snuggling with Lily, then we went to breakfast.  We took a walk after and are about to go get her a sippy cup and new shoes.

Hoping we can get back by 1 so Emma can take nap and I can post pictures. 

Prayer

Here are things I am praying and covet your prayers for us:

- bonding - specifically that Emma will quickly bond with each of us (Melissa, Lily, Jonah and Sean).  So far she is really only wanting to be with me and Jonah and from our last adoption I know how heartbreaking this is for Melissa and Lily.  Pray that today when Emma wakes up she will long to be held by Melissa and Lily as well.

- Lily's heart - she is understandably having a bunch of different emotions during this time and is very sensitive right now.  Pray that she will be secure in her place in the family and be strong and want to help Emma feel safe and loved.

- Time to pass quickly for this part of trip.  There really is not much to do, no kids playroom... this is not a city you would EVER come visit as a tourist so nuff said.

- Melissa to be strong in health and have wisdom for meeting both Lily and Emma's needs. 

Emma is sleeping/snuggling beside me and she seems content and happy.  Earlier she was sucking her fingers a little and seemed to be stirring.  I tried asking her if she needed to go potty but I keep forgetting how to say it in Chinese. 

That is the hardest thing right now, she really understands full sentences but not a word we are saying.  We are doing are best and trying to sign and introduce key english words but not sure what is best thing to focus on right now. 

Sorry about lack of pics, just can't do it yet.  Check Andy and Dave's blogs on the left, they posted some pics I think and may have pics of Emma.

Adoption official

Just left notary official office and Emma is now officially our daughter by China law. 

Once her feet hit us soil then she will officially be us citizen.

It was a long day with lots of walking and hot buildings with offices on 5th floor and no elevators.... Sigh

We are done and in hotel room just enjoying Emma and not doing anything else.

She is drinking milk and just sitting in my lap.... Pics later. 

Photo and registration

Ummm... Ouch

Had to walk a few blocks to photo center, mild rain and construction/mud and what's that? Oh, a giant hole in the road while me and Emma are looking at a leaf she just dropped.   Yeah, I fell... Held Emma up and sacrificed my leg and hand, she gave a tiny little cry for about two seconds and so far that is the only cry we have heard from her. 

Did photos, saw other families and now it is raining... So, walk a few more blocks in rain, mud (avoiding holes this time).

Now we are sitting in registration office and doing paperwork etc.  Emma sat on Melissa's lap and they played, leaning back laughing so we could see her pallette... Really not so big, we are both very happy to see. While we were walking Emma wore my hat and we hummed little songs, she is very very cute!

Emma is here

We have to go do paperwork and all that but we are in room together as family and all is well. 

Two babies are born

Its a boy... and a girl!

We are still waiting for Emma but it has been great to watch our new friends family grow before our eyes.

Beijing Day 2 Pics

So, as we "labor" we are all trying to keep occupied and wait for the minutes to pass... Here are some pics from yesterday.

Being patient

So, here is the scene... Within an hour or two three families are about to give birth in a hallway of a hotel.  Lots of energy and excitement.  And Amy says "and I am fully clothed, I like this". 

Arrival in Zhengzhou

Short flight, about an hour... Interesting in-flight meal, two slices of bread and mystery meat - nothing else, no mayo/mustard... Nothing

About 50 minute drive to hotel, this is not Beijing.  Extremely industrial, huge factories - huge.  It is raining, we checked into 5 star hotel, crown plaza.  Very nice, they have cuban cigar room and tonight is oktoberfest.  Very funny to see the Chinese locals in german beer maid outfits. 

This is last night without Emma, Melissa is nesting and getting everything ready.  Lily is "nesting" in the crib. Little concerned about her courage remaining in Beijing but we are letting her just do what she needs to do.  She is laying in the crib and I think will probably fall asleep shortly and we have not had dinner yet.

Went to the bank to change the fees from us into Chinese rmb.... Exchange rate is 6.7 and largest Yuan bill is 100 so quite a wad of cash to walk out of there with.

Everyone is very polite but americans are not as common here, especially with little english speaking chinese girls so we are getting lots of stares.
I will try to get some pics up tonight. 

Alternate perspectives

So... Since I am dropping the ball on updating the blog pictures and since we have two families with us I thought you might enjoy seeing the trip from their eyes.

http://moriahmei.blogspot.com

http://ameimeiforavery.blogspot.com/

China courage

After another day of Lily being very outgoing and comfortable and actually going out of our sight multiple times Melissa said "Lily left her courage in China 5 years ago and on this return trip has found it". Now we are hoping she will bring it back home with her. 

It is Sunday morning now, we are about to go try and get close to birds nest and water cube on our way to airport.  We fly to zhengzhou (gin-joe) around noon and this is our last day without Emma. 

So yesterday on our way back from Great Wall we stopped for lunch and our tour guide setup a birthday party for me.  In China if you see someone with noodle soup and an egg on it you know it is their birthday.  So, I had noodle soup and she got a big birthday cake with my name on it. The candle had a little flower that basically was like a torch, it blooms into four more candles and has little habby bday song in it.  Yeah... And the whole place sang to me and I had a little crown (sorta like burger king crown).

We got lots of pictures but won't be until tonight to get them posted. 

Driving back to hotel we got a glimpse of the birds nest, it is truly massive structure.  Paralympics opening ceremony was last night and lots of excitement around the games. We have seen the athletes in our hotel, at tour sites etc. and China is doing a really good job of hosting.  The chinese tv is showing touching stories of people who have overcome serious car accidents and battled depressiona and overcome to compete.  Very cool to see. 

Last night I got massage including foot... Very painful but very good idea after climbing great wall.  The family was a tower of support for me... Not!  They just made fun of me, no respect.  Melissa took the kids to mcdonalds (she had promised they could go once while in China... They are never allowed in usa) Jonah and I went for a walk and just sat and watched all the commotion on the streets outside the hotel.  It was really great to just sit and take it all in.  We walked over a bridge towards a mcdonalds I got a big mac with a vanilla sundae.

We woke up around 4 am to the loudest storm I have heard in awhile.  Strong thunder/lightning for a couple hours.  We watched some chinese looking discovery channel type of thing with huge wasps.  Then a chinese sit-com with kids over acting about some gross smelling soup.  It was fun, we made up what they were saying and had a nice morning hanging out together. 

Got a little breakfast. Lily had more of her "critter soup" and we are sitting in the lobby just hanging out. 

Gonna go finish packing for our travel day, cheerio.

Great wall bday party

Yeah... So, just got my first bday present.  Jonah bought me a "I climbed great wall" plaque inscribed with my name and todays date.  Pretty sweet.

I can say that after climbing it five years ago in the winter and now climbing in the summer... Neither is fun. Next time we really must come do this when it is around 68 degrees. 

But the best part is I am sitting here after climbing it and posting this while sitting on the Great Wall. Lily and Avery are playing and having ice cream and Jonah is taking the liberty of legally buying some Chinese beer and having a little party on the Great Wall.  Sigh

Pictures a'plenty and will get them posted tonight.

Big huge long day in Beijing

Photos for the day are on the little picasa stream over on the left of the blog page for family getting this by e-mail. 

After breakfast we met the other two families that are in our travel group, fantastic people who you will be getting to know over the next two weeks and I will introduce them later.  We all jumped on the bus and headed over to Tiananmen Square and it has really changed since last time we were here.  Lots of Olympic showcase items and new fountains in front of the Forbidden City.  The Paralympics are just beginning so there is a bunch of activity related to tours and families being here for the events.  

We walked through the Forbidden City and Lily started to get some time with Avery, you will see her in the pictures... very outgoing, very friendly... very cute.  She is a couple years younger than Lily but she really has wisdom.  Within a couple hours she had our shy Lily going up to the front with our tour guide and hanging out with others which was a pleasant surprise.  After the Forbidden City we went to Lunch.  Lots of unique dishes and everyone loved it.  We continued to get to know the other two families.   The Leong and McLaughlin families are both from Colorado and share many common interests so we can tell this will be a special time, special group.  

After Lunch we visited a silk factory and got to see exactly how silk is made, Lily and Avery continued to bond and got to hold the silk worm cocoons, play with the silk and basically get involved in every part of the tour they could.  They spent at least ten minutes watching a woman do some intricate embroidery... really amazing, think about a 4 and 7 year old just standing right next to someone for ten minutes watching sewing.  I was impressed.  Next up was visit to Hutong where the houses date back hundreds of years and are courtyard in the setup.  Families would live together (4 generations) and we were able to visit a very kind family who served us tea and showed us wonderful hospitality while answering questions about life in Hutong.  This tour took place by rickshaw, which was 2 persons to a carriage with manpower provided by bicycle.  Very interesting... fast, dangerous, fun.  We enjoyed it very much.

Next we went to an acrobatics show which was over the top... all of the performers were less than 20 years old and the youngest was 5.  Too much to explain and it would be totally lost in blog format.  You can check out this video to get an idea but it is not the same show.  By this time I was beginning to fade away... actually nodding off while there is this huge show with loud music and like 50 girls all making this huge pyramid on one bicycle as it rides around the stage.  So next we went to dinner and had famous Beijing Roast Duck and lots of other treats that were wasted on me.  I was ready for bed, and here I am doing this post while everyone else has fallen asleep.  See what I do for you?

Tomorrow we head to Great Wall of China, get some lunch, go to Jade factory and dinner... then check out olympic village (or maybe that is next morning, can't remember)

Okay, have a nice day everyone while we get some sleep.

Breakfast in China

We had a nice breakfast and are about to go on tour... Will post details and pictures tonight!

Checked in and getting ready for bed

CCAI met us at airport with a fantastic guide and a small bus.  It was just us in the bus so there was plenty of room to stretch out.  Getting our bags was no problem, getting through customs was no problem and everything went without a hitch.  We mentioned to our guide that we drink a lot of water and he stopped and bought us a bagful, very nice guy and will be part of the great wall tour so we will see him again.

Internet for laptops is not working as it should be we are not going to mess with it toniight.

So, as of this post it is about 11:30 at night and we are so tired that we are just going to crash. 

Tomorrow starts with "american breakfast" at 7:30 and then the guide will meet us at 9:00 with two other families to take tours.

G'night

Now we are in Beijing

My email did not get out of Japan so both posts are within minutes but we just landed and it is 9:20 pm thursday night.  Now to get through customs etc. Will try to post before we go to sleep. 

Japan

That was a quick little flight (not) but we did land early.  We have to change planes and will get to Beijing in a few hours. All was well, Lily slept for a few hours, Jonah slept a little.  Melissa and I tried but did not succeed.  We will sleep tonight (China night, your morning) and try to get used to 12 hour different time zone quickly. 

Boarding the 747

Long line to get on, we have 3 seats on left side of plane... Lily has the window, then Melissa and I am in aisle.  Jonah is sitting next to me across the aisle in the center section. This plane is not as nice as the one we had five years ago.  No individual movie screens and seems smaller but who cares it is taking us to Emma. 

Oh, and Donna asked if Melissa shared my desire to spend night in Tokyo.  At lunch Jonah said it would be cool to stay in Tokyo tonight... (Well tomorrow night) and I heartily agreed and Melissa was not on board.  However she now says "just so we have Emma on the 8th I don't care" and now she is pointing out all the cute babies on the flight. 

Talk to you from Tokyo. 

About to land in st paul

Lily loves flying... She was enthralled by how the land looks like a big garden and loves looking out the window.  Next flight is in a couple hours and will take us to Japan (none of us have ever been to Japan... I secretly hope we get delayed overnight so we can check it out).

Wheels up, we are in the air and on the way!

The day has come

We got up nice and early, Jeremy drove us to DFW and we have checked in (checking agent was duly impressed with luggage quantity and weight).  Went through security with no line and no problems.  Now we have to sit patiently at the gate for a few hours.

Last days before trip

Today we triple checked the "check list" to make sure we have all the paperwork and everything packed that we will need. The US airline on international flights allow each passenger to have two bags checked in weighing less that 50lbs per bag. So technically we could take 400lbs of stuff in eight bags but I think you can imagine what kind of hassle that would be lugging around China and trying to fit into taxi's etc.

Melissa has successfully gotten everything into three bags that will be checked and each is less than 50lbs per bag. This includes toys/gifts for the orphanage so this is really a miracle. Tomorrow is our last day in the USA... we fly out first thing Wed morning!

Yesterday Mat and Beth had a going away dinner for us at Patricia and Gary's house. Luci, Daniel, Caleb, Savannah and Jeremy/Jonah were there. It was nice to spend time together before going out of town.