Day five is in the bag! Tomorrow, we are going to visit the Great Wall and then we head to the airport and fly to Ashby’s city…um, to say we’re excited is quite the understatement. We are pretty much beside ourselves :).
So…today in China was more soaking up Beijing, staying warm and having fun (with maybe a special lunch thrown in for good measure). Here’s what we did…
The kids enjoying their breakfast in the hotel before heading out.
As many selifes as the four of us take, you would think we would know where to look…that being said, our daily hotel mirror selfie before we headed out into the cold.
Our first stop was to the Summer Palace. Here’s a little behind the scenes of our day…if you didn’t know this about me…I get really car sick and sea sick. Like, I can’t read two sentences in the car without puking and I can barely take a bath without getting sea sick. It’s some serious motion sickness! So, needless to say, me in a cab wearing a mountain of cold weather clothes with two children leaning up against me wearing a ton of their winter layers plus traffic and a 45 minute drive was the perfect storm for sickness. Thank you Jesus that I didn’t get sick on the drive. Ick. I hate motion sickness!
One more thing about this cab ride. The cab driver asked us why we were in China and we said we were adopting. I’m always hesitant to tell people that here in China because you don’t know how each person will take it (some people are offended and some are grateful…you never know). This cab driver went on and on about how nice it was that we were adopting a little girl from his country and giving her a family. He was genuinely sincere…then he asked if we wanted to adopt his kid. I loved that :).
Still enjoying the Summer Palace…in winter.
The lake surrounding the palace was frozen and people were skating…it was fun hearing their laughter out there.
I love watching Kensington stop and take pictures of things. She’s just so cute!
We took a cab ride back from the Summer Palace to the Temple of Heaven (about 45 minutes) and it was 2:00 pm and we were starving…and right across the street from the Temple of Heaven was a Pizza Hut…and yes my friends, we indulged. These are the faces of happy people enjoying their first American meal in five days. We had pizza and iced tea…sigh…it was really good.
After our pizza fest, we walked over to the Temple of Heaven.
Now, we’re back at the hotel tonight ready to settle in. Look, I’m blogging on one computer and watching TV on the other. If you know what a SlingPlayer is, you know what magic I’m seeing :). Andrew bought a SlingPlayer so that he can watch some football while we’re gone (in case you didn’t know, our Dallas Cowboys are doing pretty well this year…it’s a fragile subject since they’re famous for breaking our hearts). Not only can I watch live TV from home…I can watch what’s on my DVR too…a little blogging while watching Everybody Loves Raymond and I feel right at home :).
Goodnight friends. Two more sleeps until we get Ashby :).
XOXO
Click here to see Day 6.
sarah C says
Yay! I am sooo happy that you are finally getting Ashby! Yeah!!! I think it is so awesome to experience Ashbys country to the fullest. I think you should post about your overall experience while in China. Anyway how did you take in authentic chinese food vs american style chinese food? I hope well. Anyway I hope you post while you there because I know you don't post on the weekends. But I hope you post when you get Ashby! Btw were people actually offended when you said you were adopting ? That's alittle odd and I'm Korean.
sarah C says
I'm be praying for your safe return!
Macy Strozier says
You and you family look like y'all are having fun. Enjoy y'all's trip and be safe..
Becky says
Soak up those sights! You mentioned you had waited 18 months for Ashby. Has the wait time decreased since a few years ago? When my son was in China, an infant boy (very rare) was abandoned. I tried to get them to bring him home with them, but you know, there are laws 🙂 Enjoy!
Jaren says
Glad you all stayed warmer today! I love that Kensington is having the greatest excuse to use her little Christmas present:) Have a great Day 6!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
So glad to see you guys well and enjoying Pizza Hut! When I lived in Panama, I loved indulging in their version of KFC. I can totally relate to your motion sickness issues…I have the same problem to some degree but I couldn't back the car out of the driveway that my youngest would get sick. Sweet dreams!
Kelly says
SO exciting and I think it's so great that when Ashby is older she will have this as her journal to read about how excited her family was to come get her!
Narci says
Oh, girl! I am so glad you found that pizza hut. It was probably so good to see a little bit of home! Xoxo
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
TWO MORE SLEEPS!!!!! AHHH!!!!! I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!!!!!!
Allison F says
Cracking up at the Pizza Hut escapades! Too funny. More prayers for you all as you get closer and closer to picking up Ashby!
Paula says
Funny..I love that Pizza Hut was such an appreciated meal.
I am praying for the first time your family locks eyes with Ashby! I praying the Holy Spirit is present and peace surrounds all involved! Especially her with you four!
I am so excited! This is like the best book I am reading, but I just have to pace the reading.
Heather says
You are bringing back so many great memories for me!! I can't wait to hear what province you are heading to! I have one from Jiangxi and one from Guangzhou. Our guides were always amazing and so full of information, and our 2 little biological kiddos were loved on by everyone, lol! And they loved my blonde hair over there – I felt like a movie star! 😉
Leslie says
Praying for you all and so excited for you guys!
Darcy says
We just got a Sling too at Thanksgiving and love it! We'll use it more when we go on the road to AI cows in the spring, but they're neat. Enjoy the rest of your days pre-Ashby! I know there are so many of us out here in {internet land} that are excited for you!
Ferrell Boys Mom says
I've never wanted to go to China, but seeing all the interesting places y'all are going to, I'm starting to want to go! Love the pictures and very excited about seeing Ashby! God bless.
RebeccaLynn17 says
Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure! God Bless you all and I'm soooo excited for you to meet your sweet girl Ashby! Praying!!
Ranisa says
I feel for you regarding the motion sickness. I too get beyond carsick. Non drowsy dramine helps a ton. Or you can get a perscription for meclizine. Which is the active ingredient in non drosy dramine or bonine. I even get motion sick while driving.
Thank you so much for posting all the things that you do an letting us all in on your life. We love it! Am I the only one surprised about China?!? I for some reason was thinking you were adopting from the UK.
Polka Dot Blossom says
I love hearing about your adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us. I am praying for you guys-for health, favor in the courts and with paperwork and for Ashby to have divine and instant connection with you guys. This is so exciting…thanks again for letting us into your amazing experience!
V @ X-tremely V says
This trip to China is so fun to see! Still praying that everything goes smoothly with the adoption of Ashby!
melissabunny100 says
I am so happy for you!! I can't wait to see a picture of her!!
Melody Lietzau says
Can not wait to see pictures of Ashby. I remember this trip like it was yesterday. You will love Guangzhou the weather is warmer and their is lots of shopping and beautiful things to do. Praying for wonderful atatchment. Enjoy and soak up every minute. This trip will change your life and your heart will grow so much for this country. Praying you all through. With love Melody from Countingyourblessings.com
Whitney Smith says
Your mirror selfies are fantastic, and are about to get that more challenging with another pair of eyes to capture 🙂
Yay!
Whitney
Kelly Wardrop says
Looks like you all are having a great time! One of my sorority sisters is there now adopting a baby form China as well. She just posted pictures of her family being at the Great Wall of China and sledding on the frozen lake. Wonder if you guys are adopting from the same place?!? Cool to watch you both on the same journey. 🙂
Dana says
We live in France and LOVE our slingbox! I thought of you yesterday too (tbh, I think of you everyday right now because I can't wait for you to meet Ashby!). Anyway, our German American friend came over and made us schnitzel, spagle (a type of pasta) and some German salad dressing with mache greens. It was fabulous! The French are definitely good cooks as well, but man, that German food was AMAZING!
Lauren says
I love following your journey and I've been praying for the day you guys get Ashby, I'm just so excited for you! I'm praying for a smooth transition and that all the paperwork goes well. What a trip, enjoy!! Hugs from Texas!
Dawn says
Woke up in the middle of the night and prayed for you guys!! I know you are so excited to meet Ashby and bring her home!!
Slightly Askew Designs says
China looks good on y'all! Glad that you got some pizza in you and that you're soaking it all up. Two more sleeps!!!
The Cantelmo Family says
I'm glad to know someone else gets car sick besides my kids. We literally have to bring trash bags with us just driving around town otherwise I'm cleaning up throw up non stop! So happy for ya'll!
Anonymous says
Love reading about your exciting trip. Hoping and praying that all goes well when you get Ashby! Can't wait to see some pictures!
Good luck!
Jan Fisher
Sa-Rawr! says
Love everything about your China posts, Especially the reason you are there!!
I think it would be cool to have a section on your kids (and husbands) favorites from the trip. Favorite food, activity, site, etc…
Lindsey Williams says
The best updates!! Such fun to read :)) All the best on the next leg of your journey!!
Alison says
I just love reading your posts about getting Ashby! Both of our children are adopted and I feel every bit of your excitement! So happy for you! As for the motion sickness I say "amen sister!" I can't even step onto a dock!
Kathryn says
Looks like you had another great day! And wow ~ your kids are troopers!! Enjoy the Great Wall… truly amazing!!! I am loving following your journey…. brings back so many wonderful memories!!!
Praying for a safe flight to Ashby's province ~ you are so close to holding her in your arms!!! Thrilled for all of you! 🙂
Sara says
Thank you for sharing this this journey! I can't wait until yiu get sweet Ashby in your arms and even more excited for you to get her HOME!!!
I had one quick question…,since you get car and sea sick so easily, how do you manage the flights? Do you take something for air sickness or does it not bother you? I noticed you even read a book on the flight. I struggle with sea and car sickness and hate flying because I fear it will be just as bad. I know this is so insignificant to what you have going on right now, but if you ever think about it maybe you could blog tips and tricks or even send some my way?
Wishing you many blessings this year!
amoveableme.com says
My husband travels a lot (in aviation) overseas and LOVES the sling box! It does make it really nice 🙂 It's getting so close to picking up Ashby, I'm so excited for you all!
Anonymous says
Sooo excited for you and your family!!
Charlie, Kim and Ellie says
I have been reading your blog for over a year now, and I am drawn in by your faith, your beauty inside and out, and your love for family. I have two precious daughters adopted from China, and my heart is exploding with happiness for you guys and how precious Ashby is going to be the most amazing blessing to your family. Adoption is the most indescribable gift from God! Enjoy your time in your daughter's beautiful country. The country and the people will always have such a special place in my heart, and I know they will in yours, too! I have such wonderful memories of our two adoption trips to China because there was no cleaning, cooking, etc., and we could totally focus on bonding as a family. I will be praying for your precious family, and I am bursting with joy for you right now!
Kim Pruette
Greenville, SC
Anonymous says
I'm so happy for your sweet family! I'm 14 years old, but I read your blog because I love baking and cooking. Also, your family inspires me and I hope to be such a great mom like you someday! Enjoy your trip to China. I'm sure Ashby will be really thankful for her new amazing family and I know that Kensington and Smith (such cute kids!) will accept her right away. 🙂
Sandy P says
I can hardly stand the excitement that will come with this day. Praying for all of you as you prepare to meet Ashby.
Cindy says
The day you, your family, friends and fans (meaning the rest of us) is here. Ashby will become a Shull and you all will have a littler one to dote on. I know your days and nights will be busy from now on so stay in touch with all of us to let us know how everything is. I am sure you are nervous and excited at the same time knowing Sunday will be Ashby day. Good Luck and Best Wishes.