Day 4 in China has come to an end. We left the hotel at 9:00 a.m. and didn’t return until almost six…we are beat!
Here are some general observations I had today…
Observations about Beijing:
1. It’s very clean. The streets are clean, the subways are really clean…everything is just clean.
2. The people are very friendly and helpful.
3. Everything is in English. The menus are in English, the subway signs and announcer lady speak in English, the road signs are in English…lots of English.
4. It’s very pretty here. I hear there is a lot of air pollution in the summer months but right now, blue, blue sky and no pollution is visible to the naked eye.
Observations about myself:
1. It’s a shame all of my jeans are the “skinny jean” style…layering thermal pants under skinny jeans is ridiculous. I feel like a stuffed sausage. That being said…it’s too dang cold not to wear thermal pants, so I shall stuff myself into them every day.
2. When it’s cold outside, I apparently don’t take very many pictures. My fingers are frozen and it just seems like too much work to take a picture if that means removing my gloves.
3. My toes will most likely fall off at some point tonight. I’m almost certain I have frostbite. I traded my wool socks for some cute plaid J Crew ones today and that was most certainly stupid.
One last thing…today, January 1st, is my Grandmother’s birthday. I love you Grandmother! I wish we could have all been there to celebrate with you today!! XOXO
And now, our day…
We kicked off our New Year’s Day with breakfast before heading out. I love this girl so much!!
Hotel mirror selfie before leaving :).
Our first stop today was the Forbidden City. It was a two hour walk and tour…and I’m really sure right now, I could ace any test on ancient Chinese emperors…we learned a lot today!
Us 🙂
Ha! Us again. It’s very cold…but very bright ;).
We’re about to enter the Forbidden City. My kids LOVED learning about the stuff that used to go on here (at one time, they had an emperor that was only 3 years old…my kids loved that!). However, my kids did not enjoy taking pictures in the bright sun.
I’m pretty sure all of our eyes are closed in this picture…so don’t look at us. Look at the people behind us skating on the frozen pond. They were so much fun to watch! Right before we walked this part of town, we ate a very authentic lunch at a local restaurant. We waited an hour for a table but it was very good and worth the wait.
Starbucks!!!!!!!!!!!
Smith found himself a Snickers bar and was in heaven. I’ve never seen someone so happy to see a candy bar.
We ended our day by seeing a Chinese Acrobatic Show…listen, you have not lived until you’ve seen a real live Chinese Acrobatic Show. It was mind blowing. Mind. Blowing. My kids loved it and to be honest, Andrew and I were totally into it too!
Whew! I’m tired. It’s 4:23 a.m. at home now…in 7 minutes, I’m supposed to be waking up and starting my day but instead…I’m ending it. We’re all curled up in our hotel room playing on iPads and computers relaxing after our day.
One last thing…I need to give major credit to Kensington and Smith. Here’s the thing, sometimes taking those two to Target can have me begging for a strong cocktail and a nap…they can wear me out sometimes. That being said, they have been such troopers over the last four days. We were outside all.day.long today and it was COLD and we walked FOREVER and they never once complained. Not once. They were so good and I am incredibly proud of them.
Off to sleep now. Three more sleeps until we get Ashby. I am soooooo ready!!!
XO
Click here to see Day 5.
Erika Slaughter says
God prepared you all for this!!! Even big brother and big sister….so proud of them!!!
Megan Leigh says
So incredibly excited for you!!! Praying for your sweet girl!
Anonymous says
Wow! Awesome update! Stay warm. Lol
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Your kids are being troopers!!! All I could think during your entire post was how about 30 minutes into the day that carter would have told us that he was frozen and that his legs were too tired to walk anymore! Even I complain all the time when I'm
cold! (To be clear, when around the campfire last night at the ranch, I said something similar to "it's too freaking cold out here" around 23 times.). I want to hug those kids and give them lots of candy bars. THREE MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!
Allison F says
Love, love, love!!! And I think it is amazing how great your kids are being! I know exactly what you mean about sometimes just taking them to Target is exhaaaaauuuuusting – so way to go K&S!
Cheri says
So excited for all of you and Happy New Year. Great way to start out 2015. Enjoy your vacation time before getting your new little one.
Cori Patrick says
CHINA! So much fun…again, bringing back so many memories. It's really quite a trip. That moment you will get Ashby, priceless!!
Narci says
What a fun day! I bet the sightseeing is amazing there! Xoxo miss you!
Amber Barrett says
How fun!!! What great kids u have. I can't wait to see your third little angel.
The Yarbrough's says
Looks like ya'll are having a good time. I can't wait for ya'll to get Ashby too. 🙂 🙂 I know ya'll are extremely excited.
Happy New Year!!!!
Anonymous says
So glad you are posting while away! I was concerned (probably more than would be considered normal) that we would have to go almost two weeks without hearing from you! As stalkerish as this may sound (pinky swear I am not) it just means I am emotiinally invested in this adoption process and growing your sweet family! Praying blessing on you, Ashby and the rest of your family ♡
Georgina says
Hi Shay,first time commenter here. I found your blog this summer as I was going through a tough time (miscarriage) and reading about your experiences has really helped me out. Now trying to get pregnant again, fingers crossed it will happen soon. Best of luck with Ashby, she is so blessed to get to be part of a family like yours. Lots of love from Madrid, Spain.
Ferrell Boys Mom says
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us! I'm looking forward to seeing Ashby too. God bless!
CaitCoak says
Looks like you guys are having so much fun!!! I am so excited for y'all!!! Happy New Year!!!
Shannon says
I'm so glad you put that last paragraph in about how taking them to Target sometimes makes you want a strong cocktail because after reading half way through this post I looked at my husband and commented on how amazing your kids are that they did all that in one day and look happy. My kids would be complaining constantly ruining the whole trip for us.
I'm loving your journey right now to pick up Ashby and you are and Andrew are such an inspiration!!!
Macy Strozier says
Yay… I've always wanted to go to China. It looks premature there. Hope y'all are having fun.
Daniel & Jan says
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! We are praying for y'all!!
Kim Taylor says
Hi Shay! You need to invest in a pair of gloves that has finger pads that allows you to use your smart phone!! Enjoy China. Love the pictures! Happy New Year!
Loni "The Healthie Foodie" says
You're so lucky you are getting to see so much culture. I'd love to go to China! The most China I've ever seen is at Epcot in Florida (lol) but I will say I've seen that China almost a dozen times! I'm a big Disney goer 🙂
I'm so happy your kids are enjoying this trip. It really looks like loads of fun. Can't wait to see more pictures and activities you're all doing. I'm taking notes for when i finally get to China (some day!)
When you read this comment it will be 2 more sleeps til Baby Ashby!
Stay warm Shay (remember warm is better than being fashionable) lol
XO
Lindsay D. says
Thanks for keeping us updated!! It's fun to be tagging along on this journey. Praying for your sweet family!!! Happy New Year!!
Faith Orlando says
I am really having fun with your trip! So happy for you all!!
Baylee says
Kensington looks so excited to have found Starbucks! So excited for you all! Love reading about your journey to Ashby!!
Paula says
Such fun adventures…..I love the updates!
Debbie says
Have an awesome time. I imagine keeping busy is the only way to stand waiting for Sunday! Happy New Year and best wishes!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Smith with the Snickers cracks me up! Love that kid!!! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!, mama!!! Miss y'all like crazy 🙂
Alaleh says
Love following your journey and so beyond excited for your sweet family to welcome Ashby!!
Anonymous says
Your trip posts have been great! So happy that you're all having such a good time.
Jeanie says
Oh, my, all that walking! And the cold! Bravo for the kids not complaining, as I surely would. It's been very cold here in California, too. Maybe this is a worldwide situation. I'm counting down with you!
Cindy says
Hi Shay and Family,
Hope you had a Happy New Year. Love the photos. It is very cold just about everywhere in the states so we feel for you how cold it is. If there is a Nordstrom or any mall where you are at invest in a pair of gloves that have fingertips for using your devices without taking them off. I am on my second pair and they are awesome. They even have them for kids. So I gather more traveling in the next couple days before you get your 5th edition. It must be so nerve wracking by exciting at the same time knowing after it is a completed your family can spend time getting to know her and her to your family. So stay warm and keep us informed.
Rachel Goes says
I LOVE that we are all feeling like we are a part of your amazing journey!!! I absolutely can not wait to know when sweet Ashby is with her forever family!!! Xoxo
Anonymous says
So glad that you are keeping us posted on your trip!! You are going to feel like a kid on Christmas Eve going to sleep Saturday night! The excitement, anticipation of meeting your girl!
Jaren says
I'm so happy you guys are having so much fun and that the kids are doing so well. I love how I'm learning a lot too!! I'm also such a nerd and think it's so cool how y'all are like a day ahead of us and how y'all are already starting January 2nd right now. So cool! Two more days!!
amoveableme.com says
Oh I am so excited for you guys! I am also waaaaaaay impressed with your kids doing so well, high fives!!!
Jamie D says
Thank you so much for sharing this all with us, Shay. I admire your heart and am truly so happy for you and your sweet family. Even as a total stranger from 1000 miles away. Happy new year and God bless you, Shulls!
Beth says
Reliving our China adoption trip reading your posts. So thrilled for you to finally be there! Can't wait to see your God gave you Ashby moment. Prayers for A sweet time bonding and your transition to a family of 5. Prayers also for smooth paperwork!
Anonymous says
Girl! Hunters are rain boots, not cold weather boots…no wonder your toes are froze! Your trip sounds amazing…glad you're all taking advantage of these free days before the most exciting part of your trip…getting Ashby!
Beth Schwarz says
Hi Shay! I'm sure that you've probably already shared details on your awesome crossbody bag seen in your pictures from China, but would you mind sharing where you got the bag again? I love it! I am preparing for a trip in the next couple of months, and I think that this bag would be the perfect hold-all!