1st day in China

(by Mckenzie) Today we went shopping. I got some cute new boots and two skirts and two cheap ds game for me and my brothers. It was really fun. We took a taxi to the silk market. The silk market had lots of things and people would just grab you and ask you to buy things (sometimes they would not let me go). It was kind of scary until I got use to it. They called me "young pretty girl" and my mom "lady". I would guess that there were at least 300 small shops at the silk market. Lots of stores sold the same things. There were purses, luggage, shoes, clothes, video games, jewlery, and toys. The taxi ride was really bumpy because people kept bumpig into us. There aren't lines on the roads and cars are just everywhere. You don't wear seatbelts. In a minute we are going to go the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square and to an acrobat show. For dinner we are meeting with a family who lives in Beijing and are from the US.
(by Melanie) Hi, I am so excited to say that we successfully took a taxi and went out by all by ourselves. It was fun and I am amazed by how easy it was. I forgot how overwhelming it is to shop here. All of the stores sell the same items but everyone is competing for your business. They are all open shops and they yell at you the whole time. I think it really shocked Mckenzie at first especially when they would block us in their stores and not let go of our arms until we pealed their fingers off of us. Like I said earlier... there is no personal space here and once I remember that it makes it easier.
We are still not able to e-mail out but we are getting e-mails in. Thanks to all for sending them. (Mom and Dad... I'm sorry to hear that it is so hard for you in Las Vegas. I am happy Nathan is with you and pray that you will be okay. My heart aches for what you are going through and I hope we will be able to find some peace having his personal belongings home. I love you.) (Scott... I need you to shut off the wireless connection and internet modem at home... the computer guy at the hotel says that I can't send stuff because of our server with cableone...??? it probably just needs to be shut down, unplugged for a bit and then replugged and restarted) (Tracie L.... how did you post pictures on your blog? the icons that are usually here to post pictures are not availabe...??? I have been able to post using anony... like you suggested... it is just in German and the icons are gone:) )
Anyway, we are off for a fun day!!! I hope everyone is well - mom, dad and Nathan I hope you are doing the best you can!!! I love you all! (Reese, Davis and Meili - I hope you are having fun at your friends homes (thank-you good friends) and having good days at school. I love and miss you and will have your baby sister in a two days. It is pretty emotional being here in this great country that gave us one (and almost two) special spirits in our home... I am truly grateful - I love you kiddos xoxoxo.... Love you Scott - thanks for taking care of everything xoxoxo (oh,... Sandra, I have your camera ready for the orphanage - I hope I will see sweet Mae Ellen and Sara I'll be looking for your angel (but won't take pictures as you requested)
Melanie