Feb 24, 2017

Didn't get much sleep last night.  Someone, we won't name the little boy, was bouncing off the walls.. Finally got him to bed around 930ish, only to get back up at 1am. O M G...  Talk about a cranky mama..  He was up for a little bit then back to sleep, I hope as I crashed and didn't get up again until about 430ish. We decided to get the day started, so we got ready, grabbed the big boys next door, and headed down for breakfast.  I'm so glad they are big into baked beans because Nian LOVES them and ate 2 serving at breakfast.  And no side effects from this kid!  

Breakfast was good and I was happy to see Nian more than normal.  We came back to the room and was able to chat with Joe's mom for a little bit. Then we headed to the lobby to meet the group, at least those here, and start our 1st day of touring. So far we have met 4 others from our group.  2 more join us at the train station on Sunday to Zhengzhou. One of the families also brought their son who's name is Liam, and he's 5 so that was great to see..  

First stop was Tiananmen Square, just a short bus ride from the hotel. Nian did good but tired out quickly. No doubt from the lack of sleep and time change.  Next was the Forbidden Palace aka Emperors Palace. We took a different walking route through this time and also stop in different areas so that was nice.  And we didn't do as many pics this time either.  After we headed to Old Beijing which still has some of the original buildings/ courtyards. Everyone got into their own Rickshaw and we had an authentic Chinese lunch at a local families home and she also allowed us to see the different rooms.  Amazing how each room was it's own building and not an actual "room" as we know it.  Interesting as well is they do not have facilities in their buildings, just running water for cooking and cleaning, so they have to walk to their nearest Bathhouse.  That would totally suck in the winter. 

Nian fell asleep on the short bus ride from the Palace to the rickshaw location. And he's still sleeping now.  We tried to wake him for lunch but he is SO out of it..  Later we'll meet our guide Jason in the lobby and go to a local restaurant for dinner with whomever from the group decides to go. 

Here are some pictures from our day.  THANK YOU for all the prayers, love and support.  We couldn't have made here without them!  I'll post some more soon,.. 

Blessings to you, Becky

View outside of our room

Still doing construction over there

Where ever you go, there's a camera!

For my friends at work.  The lights are going on this Police van,
and their waiting for the light to turn green.....

So I noticed this on the ride to the square.  There use to be an emerald and diamond earring there!

Who knew we'd have to go all the way to China to play in the snow. Bahahaha

Nian right before he crashed.

Most, if not all, the roofs at the Palace had these carvings.

LOVE these Dragons...

DOG!

Santa says get some coffee..

In case your cheese gets lost..

Quack, Quack, Quack. not sure what this is...

WHY they think a 4 year old needs his own room key..  no clue

Evan

Caleb - Nian took this picture

BEANS

GAME ON

Our guide Jason

Tienneman Square

To my right is Rebecca to my left is Reagan who is by herself,
adopting a 13 year old boy.

Kitchen our meal was made in

Rice

Still out..