Beijing Sunday

Up at 6:30 and I got ready. Cameron and Alfredo were already up watching tv. Todd ran down and ate breakfast. We had one free buffet. When he came back up the two boys and Marcela were on the couch. Todd started making breakfast. Pancakes were on the menu. He poured the first batter into the pan. It was a disaster. It was sticking to the pan. Todd wasn't use to having something not turn out so he was getting irritated. The second one was a little better. He got them all made but they weren't pretty but luckily everyone said they tasted good. We had all the kids fed when Ileana and Fredy came out. It was their 12th anniversary today. They had breakfast and the kids played with balloons again.

Waiting for breakfast.

We packed up and headed down to the vans at 9:00. Todd for a message from Mr. Xue saying tire problems. Leo wasn't there either so we thought they went back to TEDA and were just late. At 9:20 they both pulled in. Come to find out the donut was on the van and the real tire was in back so something did happen. We loaded up. When Mr. Xue was talking to Leo I jumped and turned the switch on the controls to see what the mileage said. I had written it down when we left Longqing and then again when we got to the hotel last night because we were all curious as to how many km it was. When I checked it today there were only 21km difference. At least we knew they didn't go back to TEDA. Not that we care as long as they are where they need to be.

The boys were checking out the car we have to have fixed.

We look like a bunch of tourists.
Just waiting for our vans to show up.

We all (except Todd) went to Pearl Market. We had Cameron's remote control car fixed again. We all walked to the secret knock, knock market but it wasn't open. Everyone goes to this place but we had never been. I was excited to see what it was all about. I was so bummed when it wasn't open.

Back to Pearl Market. We split up and shopped for about 30 minutes. Cameron got a Chinese Chess set from his buddy. The guy threw in a free kite too. That was nice of him. We met back up and decided to go to Tom's DVD shop. Back in the vans and headed to the store. When we got there Todd went to April Gourmet while the rest of us went to Tom's. Problem was when we got to the doors they were chained shut. Cameron looked in and he said it was empty except for a few DVDs scattered on the floor. We talked about how there must be a crack down on illegal sales going on since two stores were closed today. Bummer.

We all went into April Gourmet. I found an awesome American Flag phone cover for $5 and Ileana was excited about the turkey sandwich meat. We also bought cheese and a bag of chips.

Back in the vans and off to The Kro for lunch. Dan and Bill were there waiting for us. Since there were 10 of us we finally got to sit in the nest. It was cool. We ordered, chatted, ate, hit the bathroom, and then left.

In the nest...Bill, Cameron, Alfredo, Marcela, Alejandro, Ileana, Fredy, Me, Todd, and Dan.

The kids enjoyed their shakes and smoothies.

The food has arrived.  YUM!

This is a new sign in the bathroom.

Well, before we left I had to have a picture of Ileana in the middle of Bill and Dan. It was so cute.

And Ileana thought I was tall.

Carrasco's went to another store, Todd, Dan, and Bill walked to the hotel to catch a cab to the airport, and Cameron and I thought we were headed back to TEDA. Wrong! We were driving down a road and I could tell Mr. Xue was looking for something. He was on the phone and still looking. He finally pulled into an area that was all kinds of different tire and car shops. I was mad because this was not in the plan. Todd had asked him specifically if he was going to get the tire fixed in Beijing or Tianjin. His answer was Tianjin. Obviously he changed his mind without telling anyone. I was also mad because we just spent almost 2 hours at lunch so why didn't he have it fixed then? It was very close to our restaurant.  Anyway, the car was jacked up with us sitting in it. The donut was taken off and placed back under the van. Then we sat there. I talked to Todd and of course he wanted me to say some stuff to Mr. Xue but I didn't...he knew I wouldn't. Another 15 minutes went by and our tire was fixed and put on the van. We were off again for home. About 40 minutes which wasn't too bad but it was unnecessary. Oh well. Better to be safe than sorry.

Our little donut is getting taken off.

I'm not sure what Mr. Xue was talking to them about.

At least we got a Good Year tire.

Mr. Xue was making sure the tire got the right amount of air.

Finally on the interstate and cruised to TEDA.  Once home Cameron went out and played with Ryley and Tobias for awhile.  Dinner, talked to Todd, skyped with Grandma and Grandpa, then off to bed. 

Cameron was up at 4:30.  He came into my room and said he had a nightmare about being bit by a spider.  He jumped in bed with me and fell right back to sleep.