We're Here

We made it to China!  Our trip here actually went very well.  Our flight leaving Chicago was delayed 2 hours, but since we were flying straight to Beijing, we didn't have to make any connecting flights so it was ok.  We hung out in the United Airlines Lounge which was very comfortable.  I was surprised actually how quickly the 13 hour flight passed.  When we arrived in Beijing, our guide was there to great us.  It all worked very smoothly.

One of the things the agency told us was to be flexible while we are here.  We have already had to deal with this.  The first thing our guide told us when we got here is that we will not be getting Chloe until Tuesday July 26, instead of Monday July 25th as planned.  So, our Gotcha Day is one day later than anticipated.  Bummer.  We will do some touring in her province on Monday instead.  So, that's not so bad.  And as Kevin and I keep saying, we have waited 4 years what is 24 more hours. 

Today we did some touring in Beijing.  There are two other families from the agency here, so a group of 9 of us toured.  We went to Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City, The Great Wall and to Olympic park.  We did a ton of walking and it is very hot and extremely humid here this time of year.  It was also really hazy out today.  Many of the locals are treating Caleb like a Rock Star.  He sticks out with his blond hair and blue eyes.  Many groups came up to us and asked if they could take a picture with the cute boy.  Caleb was such a trooper.  Many times it was in big groups and so one by one they would come and take a picture with him.  Some friends told us that may happen and we had prepared Caleb for it.  He was such a good sport!  Occasionally they wanted the whole family.  I was also really proud of Caleb today because he was such a trooper.  He woke up 3:00 a.m. because of jet leg and time changes and then we toured all day and as I said before walked a ton.  He did great.  I thought he might lose it on the Great Wall because it is very steep and lots of very tall stairs and did I mention extremely hot and humid.  He was about to have a melt down, we said just to the next house and then we got there and had oreos. That revitalized him and he was able to make it back down.  At the bottom of the Great Wall, there was an artist painting with his fingers.  It was really neat art and he called Caleb over and showed him how to do it.  What an exciting day. 

Tomorrow will just be a travel day to her province.  We fly there and there should be another guide to meet us.  We are anxious to see the area she is from.  And of course very excited about the big day.  I hope to post some pictures soon.