Our first update from China — Sending this from our hotel (Park Plaza) in Beijing- VPN works to access gmail, etc, YAY!

The flights were all on time and customs went smoothly. Boys were great on the Beijing flight and slept a bit but not too much (well Rawls debatable – hard to keep him awake). S loved all the movies and airplane food (roasted carrots were a hit!?. Rawls not so much on the food.

Our guide in Beijing and driver met us as we left customs and “Fred” is great! Has a young child himself and he’s around our age. Fred usually runs Disney Adventure and National Geographic tours and answered Shepherd’s 20 questions with a smile on the way to hotel (while R slept) – think he’ll be a perfect fit.

We are staying inside the second circle around the center of the city, close to the Imperial city where we’ll visit tomorrow.

Very happy to be here and hoping we can all sleep tonight! William is out scoping spicy beef noodles from a place Fred recommended 😉