Written 10/4 @ 9:00am

I'm probably going to always be behind in posting.  After landing yesterday, everything went fairly smoothly fortunately.  We followed the American crowd to know how to get to customs.  We were warned to "keep hold of our kids" and that it can get crazy at times and that it's "every man for himself".  We didn't have a bit of a problem though and there was a small organized line. The lady at customs scrutinized our passports carefully and examined our faces to make sure we were who we said we were.   Then we headed to the baggage claim and easily found our bags.  We weren't sure where to find the guide who was supposed to meet us but we kept making our way to the exit.  We met our guide there who is the sweetest girl, Effie, who had been out of college for almost 3 years.  She's fantastic and speaks excellent English.  She led us out of airport to a van waiting to take us to the hotel.

She explained that Beijing is always crowded, but that are currently right in the middle of China's National Day which is celebrated for 7 days.  The way the Chinese celebrate this is to travel to different cities - especially the capital, Beijing.  She warned that we are so obviously foreigners and because of the many people to "watch our wallets".  Also due to the people they decided for us not to visit Tienanman Square today as planned.  There were 170,000 on the square at once yesterday so they decided to switch things around and go later when hopefully the crowd has died down a little.

Last night when we arrived at our hotel, we planned on just laying down for a very few minutes and then we'd go find somewhere for dinner.  The kids collapsed and fell instantly asleep, so we let them sleep in their clothes.  I left the room only for a few minutes to exchange some money and buy a couple of bottled waters because we had used up the ones intended for rinsing our toothbrushes.   Unfortunately, Jacob was up and raring to go this morning at 1:30am. Aidan was up and at em by 3:00, but we made everyone lay in bed until 5am.  I hope we adjust soon. I think I'll definitely need caffeine today.

We went downstairs and had an excellent breakfast buffet - complete with fried rice, dumplings, and other Chinese fare.   They also had Western choices as well such as cereal, yogurt, crepes, muffins, etc.

Today we plan to meet our guide and go on a hutong tour ("side street" tour).  We will be taken on old remote streets on a bicycle cart.

I won't write specifics as to not compromise anyone while we're here, but God has obviously been at work already and we'll be happy to share with anyone who asks. :)