Sunday--Beijing

Everyone up early.  Cameron played UNO with the ladies.  We all got ready to head out for the day.  Mom and Aunt Sharon had some issues with the microwave so they had Cameron helping.  There were a whole lot of buttons and noise going on.  Then Aunt Sharon tried to make oatmeal and it exploded, tried to pour coffee and it spilled.  She has said "oh crap" a million times according to Cameron.

The cup for left and right handed people.

They are ready for another fun day.

So cute.

We left the hotel and walked to a park.  Inside we found a map.  There were all kinds of misspelled words that we laughed about.  We walked around for about 20 minutes.  We watched people play badminton, Chinese hacky sack, dance, meditate, and work a whip.  Always fun to watch Chinese people.  We walked back to the hotel. 

Number 10...Dock for the four bouts (or boats).

Number 15...The round square.
Number 19...Auenue square (Avenue).
Number 22...Tennis Filed (Field).

This man could work a whip.

Emergency Toilet is pointing to the bush.

We aren't sure who Cameron is calling.

From the M in Marriott all the way to the right is part of our patio.

Stud man is ready to go.

We loaded the van up and headed to the dirt market.  We aren't sure what route Mr. Xue took but it was a long one.  Todd was doing a slow burn, especially since he told him last night where we were going and to have a good route.  Finally we arrived at the dirt market.  Todd and Cameron went to buy the pictures we have been trying to get.  Success.  The rest of us checked out the market.  Tons of people there.  Back in the van.

Lots of people and lots of stuff.

This is how the Chinese kids get dressed.

Watch out!!  Don't slip on the spit.

Next stop was Pearl Market.  We went up to jewelry on the 3rd floor.  Todd has a girl.  The ladies bought a couple bracelets.  Huge bargain.  Next we went to look at purses.  We were trying to show Aunt Sharon how crazy the sales people can get when you tell them no.  It wasn't too bad though today.  It was the calmest shopping trip ever.  Next stop was out back to the Toy Market.  On the way I bought the cutest little carriers for my camera and video camera.  In the toy store Cameron got his remote control car fixed again.  He also got a new car.  He was so excited.  He could hardly wait to get back to TEDA. 

Pearl Market.

Sharon's Store with Bill Clinton.

Cameron got a free sling shot from our "Friend".  We always buy something from this guy.

This kid is fixing Cameron's wheel.

Packing up the new car.  One happy boy.

Here is the new ride.

We went to Tiananmen Square next.  We did a walk through but it is pretty uneventful.  It is the largest public square in the world.  We took a couple of pictures and looked at Forbidden City across the street.  There were a ton of tour groups.  Most had matching hats or shirts on.  Back in the van to go to lunch at the Kro's Nest.

KFC and the competition right next door to each other.

Entering the square.

Guards marching.

A monument.

Another monument.

This building is the entrance to the Forbidden City.

Having fun in Beijing.

One of the many tour groups.
Notice all the matching hats.

We stopped at the Hilton to pick up Todd's friend Dan so he could ride back to TEDA with us.  Off to the Kro's Nest we go with a very full van.  We ordered drinks and pizza.  Another great lunch.  Back in the van and headed to TEDA.

Part of city wall.

This is dubbed "Big Underpants".

Aunt Sharon is trying to get the secret door open.

Waiting for our food.

Dan and Todd ready for some pizza.

That is a BIG pizza.  They have a bigger size too.

Cameron couldn't wait to try his new car.  He checked to see if Carrasco's were home but they weren't.  He checked to see if Hindman's were home...they were.  The 4 kids drove both cars.  Cameron drove his new one a little bit but then asked if the boys wanted to try it.  That was so nice of him to share with them.  Ainsley drove like a crazy girl.  She was giggling so much.  The battery went dead because it wasn't fully charged so we had to go back inside.

Big, new car and little, old car.

The race is on.  Big one is much faster.

Ramping it all ready.

A hot game of Life went on and boy was there some arguing going on.  We think Cameron was making up rules as he went along to make sure he won.  We skyped grandpa and then everyone got ready for bed.  It was a long, fun weekend.