Wicked Tuk Tuk Ride

Wicked is in town and I was able to score two last minute tickets.  Interesting that this UK travel company's version had some different dialogue than the Broadway version.  After enjoying the show we hurried to catch the 地铁。  We made the first train but when we transferred the last train had already gone.  Started looking for a taxi on the street and instead found a man and his tuk tuk.  

After negotiating a price we climbed in.  Now usually tuk tuks are electric as you don't have to have them licensed, but this one was gas, which meant we got to breathe it in.  I don't think our driver stopped once, even for red lights.  He would just curve in a different direction until he had past all of the cars and then keep going in the right direction.  Some times he would dodge the post holes and other times hit them square on.  I couldn't decide which way I preferred.  Now normally you might think I would be worried, trying not to scream as I hung on for dear life, but nope, I actually rather enjoyed it and wondered how I could describe it so that you would have a feel for the experience.😜 

Sifting

. . . and a little more of our story.  Last spring we received news that Lane was going to do a temp two month job in China.  Summer plans changed with a plan A, plan B etc as we waited to hear official dates of when we would be heading to Beijing.
 
Official dates ended up being beginning of August through October.  Then the office in India asked Lane to come from June until needed in China.  With only days to get ready for India, I readied for a drive out west.  Our beloved swim team was out for the year. To make everything work I (Amber) pulled the kids out of school early as we drove across the country with Grandpa joining in on the fun.  On the third day of our drive, Lane called with news of his being hired for the permanent position in China.

His flight to India was booked for a couple of days after we had left on our adventure.  The day arrived and still no visa.  He packed, went to work, was in the middle of a meeting when he learned the visa was ready.  Immediately left to drive into D.C., pick up the visa, drive home, walk inside to pick up the phone and call a wonderful neighbor, who picked him up within minutes to drive him to the airport.  Talk about close!
Lane beat us to China by two days.

Now for the sifting part.  Due to us learning we would be moving to China while on the road and away for almost two months I wasn't able to do much other than think about everything that would need to be done.  Even a two week stay at our house before heading to China didn't give me much time to start.  Not until after we returned was I able to take action.  That is when the sifting began.  Since the official move was months away I couldn't disrupt our life with "official" piles of belongs so I sifting items.  Moved an item in this direction, moved another in that direction.  Cleared out unneeded belongs, started making notes of what should come and what should stay.

 Once our belongings were packed and we boarded the plane I gave a sigh of relief that my months of sifting were now over.   That is until we arrived.  First we moved into a temp apartment where we mostly unpacked.  Then a week later we moved into our actual apartment.  The sifting here was mild as we didn't have too many belongs, just needed to find their homes.  Next to arrive was our air shipment of six big boxes.  More sifting.  Just over a week ago the rest of our stuff arrived, (more than six boxes).  I am still working on the sifting.  Everything at this point is in its area still finishing finding their homes.

Air shipment (part of it)

Can you see our piano?

The rest of our stuff.  I was asked to watch them unload the three crates.  Getting them off the truck, there wasn't an inch to spare on any side

Grahm and Drake had fun making forts and sleeping in them.  I am trying to wake them for the day.  Drake's legs are inside the box.

Announcing. . . .

You may have noticed a difference to the blog.  I am so excited to announce the new and improved features added to the right.  "Love It!!! photo" and  "China's Quirk of the Day".  We are very much loving it here!  China has so many different "quirks" that add to it's charm.  Too many to list, instead we'll post them here and change it fairly frequently.  Disclaimer: although wording may be seen in a negative light this is by no means a complaint.  Complaints will be filed in the garbage can.

Birthday and Baptism

Birthday boy

 

Family favorite Krow's Nest Pizza (yes it is larger than Costco pizza)

Grahm was baptized this week and became an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The baptism ordinance took place in a portable font in a member's backyard area. After being baptized he was confirmed, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are pleased with Grahm's decision and his growth as he took these first steps on the path that leads him back to Heavenly Father.

Hutong Exploration

Spent a Saturday exploring some hutongs (small maze like streets, usually with stores and homes).  Wandered where ever our feet took us.

Started with Nanluogu Hutong

Love the roof tops here!

 Guy gets a bit tired of having his picture taken.

But Grahm doesn't!!!

Look at how cool this roof top is!  Bamboo poles sticking up.

Bell Tower
 

Drum Tower

One started the day and the other ended the day, can't remember which one did which.

Another favorite, no not McDonalds, the old mixed in with the new.

I could label this post, "the things I love about Beijing".  Here is another love, doors.

Began scouting for Geocaches which lead to this fun park.  Drake couldn't stop hugging this baby statue.  I guess he loves it here too.

 

A saxophone practice group warmed themselves up at the end of this little maze.   Even with us stalling we lost patience waiting to hear them actually play something.

Another cache found.  Hint, we are pretty much giving away the location for anyone looking for this cache 😏.

Proud Mama

I have to say I am proud of the boys.  They have really embraced the newness of life here.  New habits like taking off our shoes out side the front door, drinking water from a dispenser, making sure to wear the right uniform, air filters, wearing masks on bad air days, sharing keys to not only enter our home but ride the elevator, living in an apartment, an Ayi (aunty) in our home, riding a subway to get to church, after school tutors, at least half an hour daily Chinese study, internet that doesn't always work when needed, squat pots, plus making sure to grab your toilet paper before entering the bathroom, and Guy riding the subway on his own to get to Young Mens activities, have now become a regular thing for us. 

 I realize some of you already experience some of these habits, but for our family it is all new and the boys have done a fabulous job adapting.   Every once in a while I'll hear a comment about needing to move back to the US, but that is rare and I see more smiles than frowns. 

Picture above is from a School Fund Raiser.  Lane and the three oldest ran the 5K.  Little one and I cheered them on.  Our family enjoyed supporting Ben's Run and we're glad to find another run to help support someone in need.

My Rubiks Cubes

Here in China, the main toy is basically the Rubik's cube. At school, all of the kids are walking around holding one showing each other their own tricks. Then we found a place that sold the Rubik's puzzles and got a few. Now I impress everybody doing the 3x3 and the 4x4. The first second I opened the 4x4, I mixed it up completely. Then I tried putting it back but 2 pieces would always be switched. I did not give up. Finally, I completed the 4x4 Rubik's cube.

This last picture was of me battling my friend in a Rubik's cube competition at school.  I beat him!

By Duncan