Welcome...

Hello... Welcome family and friends. This blog was started so you could follow our adoption journey to our daughter in China...Crystina Luz ChenLi. Now, it's to follow our everyday adventures with 2 active young children, who are growing SO fast, Crystina & Ethan and 2 playful Yorkies, Lola and Bertha.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Day 1 - Beijing

Ni Hao!!!! Before I forget, if you watched Samantha Brown, Passport to China then you will understand when I say........."We're in CHINA!!!!!!!!!" ; )

We had an awesome day today...tons of walking and sightseeing. We visited Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Pearl Factory, Summer Palace and Silk Museum. So we are very exhausted!

Tian'anmen Square is the largest public square in the world. It was very interesting and I still can't believe that we were there. Forbidden City was impressive. The architecture is so amazing!! The palaces were so colorful and beautiful! Now, my favorite spot, so far, was Summer Palace......that was amazing!! It's SO beautiful and peaceful there, we could have spent all day there. The views were breathtaking.

The Pearl Factory was nice. We bought Crystina her first pearl necklace, not for now but for when she gets older. : ) The Silk Museum was interesting....lots of nice stuff. There were 4 ladies making a comforter, which was very interesting, and I (Barbara) helped strecth the silk, along with another mom and most of the kids in our group.

Lunch was great! We really enjoyed it. Dinner was okay, we actually tried Chinese Pizza which was loaded with peppers.

Overall, we had an awesome day!!!!!!! Here are some pictures of our day.

On the plane, heading to China.
Our hotel room...yep, separate beds. ; )
In the elevator, heading down to breakfast.
Tian'anmen Square...lots of nice flowers.
Tian'anmen Square (construction going on).
For the Olympics & Paralympics...very nice.

Again, construction going on for the Paralympics. Entrance of Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Gate...so nice!!
Forbidden City Check out the architecture...so awesome! We are in the Forbidden City!!

Emperor's Palace...amazing!

Imperial Garden...so nice!! In the Garden...

She's making Crystina's necklace.

Summer Palace...amazing view!
Summer Palace...love the Weeping Willows.

At the Summer Palace. And again...at the Summer Palace.

Summer Palace...so peaceful.

My favorite shot!!! Of course, at the Summer Palace.

Love the architecture and all the colors!

Making a silk comforter.

This is all for now. Tomorrow we have another busy day...and one of the stops is the Great Wall, which we are very excited about! And then the next day....we get Crystina!!!!! We are SO close to her but it feels SO far away! Please keep Crystina in your prayers, as her little life is about to change very soon.

Thank you for the comments, they really mean so much to us...but please keep them coming!

We miss everyone so much! We send our love to all and may GOD bless you!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello again!
Que linda las fotos que tomaron. Que disfruten el viaje a la muralla maƱana. Cuidensen, Diana

peace said...

Mami n i were so excited to hear from you that EARLY in the morning we rushed to the computer and read everything. We are very excited for you. (& i wish i was there 2!!) Wish you have funn && enjoy every moment!
Much Love!!!
Angelica & Isabel

Anonymous said...

kept checking for up dates it took a while before it arrived to florida, pictures are great , emotions still very high, can't wait till Monday morning , doggies doing great, taking over my bed.
stay safe , love you , love you,
MOM( Lao Lao)

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara and Edgar!

We all (@ the courthouse) have been thinking about you guys and your trip. We're all like "okay so today, they're leaving.....they should be there now right....." lol

So happy for you guys! The pics are awesome and I can't wait to see the pics from the great wall, and of course your little Crystina!

Stay safe and enjoy this awesome trip!

Much love

Christine :)

Anonymous said...

Estamos contentos y agradecidos a Dios por estos momentos espaciales. Esperamos que su estadia en China sea una inolvidable y de provecho. Dios los bendiga. Hilda y Luis

Anonymous said...

Hi!!
Awesome pics!! Thanks for posting them! We're so happy 4 u guys!! Tito has a request: please take a picture of the bird's nest or water cube!! lol!! Can't wait to see your picture holding Crystina! We enjoy reading the blog!!
Praying always for you all! Love ya!
Taina, Tito, Vanessa & Veronica

Anonymous said...

hola, me encantan las fotos, se les nota en la cara la alegria que tienen, lol cynthia

Anonymous said...

The "wide world web" has certainly made the world seem smaller. I can't believe you are able to download those beautiful photos from all the way over there and we can see them here in Fl.
The pictures are beautiful! What a great way to learn about Crystina's heritage.
We have all been thinking about you, placing you at different locations based on your timeline. We feel like we are there with you every step of the way. Will be there with you in spirit on Monday as well. I know I will have butterflies in my stomach too. All our positive energy and love to you three.
Linda

Anonymous said...

the pictures are absolutely beautiful Barbara! Your heartfelt words make me want to cry with joy in my heart for you! I am going to be addicted to this site, checking it as often as I can until you guys get back. ;o) I can't wait! Send pics of tomorrow's special day! I can hardly wait to see you three finally together. God Bless the three of you as you make it safely back home. Love, hugs and kisses, Hector, Melissa, Delanie and Dakota

Anonymous said...

angelica
i love you

Anonymous said...

Tell Edgar his Yankees lost AGAIN. I hope Crystina takes the Miranda way and becomes a Mets fan. J/K...have fun..
love nate
shu shu

Anonymous said...

Hi titi. How is China? How old is Crystina? Hope your doing ok. Tell Crystina I love her.
Love you,
Angelica

Anonymous said...

Hi Edgar & Barbara!
Wow! Pics are beautiful! I was so glad when I read the first post saying you arrived safely! Thought about you guys all that day. Everyone I talk to I tell them about you guys and how it is just so apparent that God meant Chrystina for you! Enjoy your time in China and I am definitely going to keep checking the site daily for updates. I just know I am going to cry when I see the post from the day you finally get to hold your beautiful little girl in your arms! God bless you all and have a wonderful time!
Lots of Love
Jen, Kevin & Abby Smith

Anonymous said...

I12:19am Iam guessing you guys are at the great wall at this time. just one more night before the special moment. my heart is with you at every minute of this trip.
going to bed know, will check blog first thing in the am. doggies did great @ vet, lola weight 8.5 Bertha 7.6, Lola did not show teeth @ the vet staff.Love you both , Mom (Lao Lao)

Anonymous said...

its 10am and no pictures?? Whats going on? ha
nathan

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys!

This is such an amazing experience. I am not there physically but my thoughts are with you guys. I find myself wondering "what are they doing now?" Pictures are great!! Have a wonderful time enjoy the country and eachother.
Love
Brenda & Sean

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a great day at the great wall , waiting on updates, please update before you go to sleep. If you can sleep tonight. just hours away from meeting my girl.
Love
Mom Lao Lao