Beijing.

It's a rainy Sunday evening here in Beijing. 

Back home it's early Sunday morning.

 

We arrived safely in China on Friday afternoon after almost 17 hours of flights and layovers. 

 

When we checked into our hotel there was a folder waiting for us from our agency.  We were thrilled to find that the folder contained updated pictures of Logan!  Our little guy had grown and his adorable, little smile lit up each picture.

 

We had been up for a little over 24 hours, so after having settled in our room, we were all in bed by 5:00 p.m.

 

After a restful Saturday, our bodies were finally adjusted to the 12 hour time change and we were ready to explore the city.

 

Beijing is absolutely amazing. 

It's the largest city we've ever been in.

There are 21 million people living in the city and it seems that at least half of them have bicycles.

 

Today our local guide arranged a trip for us to the Great Wall.
Ascending this part of the Wall was quite a challenge, but we made it.

It was a very hazy day, so it was a bit difficult to get a good picture.

 

 Our guide had quite a day planned for us.  After the Great Wall we toured the local jade factory, which included a delicious lunch in their beautiful restaurant. 

 

Our day ended with a tour of Hutong Lane in a rickshaw.

 

While touring Hutong Lane we had the privilege of visiting with a local family in their home.

 

They were delighted to show us their "good luck" grasshopper that they keep in a cage in their courtyard.

 

It was a privilege to take in so much of Beijings rich history today.

And as we spent the day exploring the vast city, I would often think about the little boy who would soon be calling me "mama".

Our little boy, here in Beijing.

Our little one, who will be in our arms tomorrow...