Dearest Amelia,

Yesterday we spent the day exploring Beijing, and some of China’s biggest attractions: Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. We loved every minute of soaking up the Chinese culture, we can’t wait until the day that we can bring you back here so you can see it all for yourself.

Great Wall:

I was so impressed by your dad and your Mimi, they both climbed up a good bit of it! (with little complaint) McKayla and I went up a little further…we wanted to “see the whole world” according to McKayla…and we nearly did! We had a little hot chocolate after our climb and then met some really sweet friends from Florida. McKayla has already declared that she is best friends with Karsyn who is 6 and also getting a little sister tomorrow, Kora Marie…maybe y’all will be BFF’s someday too! I also have to tell you that your big Sis stepped out of her comfort zone and used a squatty potty! I was so proud…you can’t come to China and not use a squatty potty!

Random little girl that wanted to take a picture with McKayla…Love it!

Headed up the Great Wall of China!

We all made it up to the second tower!

Me and McKayla on our way up to the third tower!

Oh squatty potty…how I haven’t missed you!

Tiananmen Square:

Tiananmen means “Gate of Heavenly Peace”, it is where several large government buildings are located. It is one of the largest city squares in the world. They had some beautiful decorations still out from China’s National Day last month.

Mimi with McKayla and Karsyn at Tiananmen Square.

Forbidden City:

This was a Chinese Imperial Palace for hundreds of years. It is HUGE! There are around 9,000 rooms in this palace that took 14 years to build! We walked and we walked and we walked some more! I thought I was going to have to put your Mimi in a wheel chair!

It was such a fun day…I wish you were with us.

In a few hours we will board a plane for Taiyuan, that is the capital of Shanxi Province, where you were born. You will travel 6 hours north from Yuncheng City to reach Taiyuan. In 30 long hours you will finally be in our arms forever…and we will never let you go.

We love you like Crazy Cakes,

Mama, Baba and Jie Jie