Gifts!

Last night we had a very impromptu bible study with some friends. The topic was Gifts of the New Testament. I thought it was very fitting, considering that we are in the gift giving season. The main gift we talked about was the Holy Spirit.

We started out in Romans 6:23 and read about the gift of God being eternal life. From there we went to Romans 6:3-4 and read how we receive this new life through baptism.

In Acts 2:38 we read that we obtain the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism. Acts 5:32 talks about how the gift is the Spirit himself, who intercedes on our behalf (Rom 8:26). We talked about what an intercessor does. It is humbling to know God gives us a gift that speaks on our behalf even when we don't know what our hearts want to say.

Then in I Corinthians 12:4-11 we read how not only is the Holy Spirit himself a gift, but he also is a spiritual gift giver. Paul talks about how the Spirit gives us an inheritance in God's kingdom (Gal. 4:6-7). Gal 3:26-27 speaks of how we become sons of God when we are baptized, and as a result (Eph 1:13-14) we are marked with a seal and that the Spirit is our deposit protecting our inheritance. That seal shows that we are authentically God's.

In a season where I love to give gifts, I am learning that there is no gift greater than that which God has given me. I will never be as thoughtful in my gift-giving as He is.

**Sherry, this one's for you!!! And we didn't have any fun. We sat around with pouty faces talking about how it is no fun without you!

Thank Goodness for Christmas Break!

My friend, Paige, wrote on her blog about the Bah Humbugs. I seem to have caught them myself. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for the break. I am just not into Christmas this year like I usually am. I generally buy a real tree, and go all out, but this year I couldn't bring myself to do so. Friends and family are going to be lucky if they're presents are even wrapped this year!

My aunt Susan sent me a homemade, Montana, spruce swag. I have it on my door, but that is the extent of my Christmas decorating. It is beautiful and it is cheery on my door.

It is odd though, I have talked to some of my friends and they have kind of have the same Christmas blahs as I do. I wonder if its something in the water.

I am really excited about going skiing next week through New Years. I have some friends who have a cabin in Angel Fire and several of us are going for a few days. It should be a fun time! I called my friend, Julie, whose cabin we are going to. We were talking about food and what to cook and what to bring. She said I could just bring the stuff and cook it there. I was thinking "Uhhh, I'm gonna be on the slopes from the time they open til they close everyday we are there!" Of course I'll be glad to cook before I get there, but I intend to be skiing & sleeping!

Ok, I'll stop rambling. I would like to know some of your best christmas memories/traditions. My fondest memories include sleeping under the Christmas tree at my grandparents' house in Muleshoe. So do share!

Evil Eye

This is the cutest baby I have ever seen! I love people who don't take themselves too seriously!

More Tina!!!

Actually I think her name is Christina. Anyway, she's back with a High School Musical favorite.

Oh Yeah! Tina's Back!

Tina's back with some new material. We love you, Tina! You'll wanna watch this one all the way through!

Dang It, Tina!

I guess Tina has decided to go private with her videos. So much for my blog series! Now I feel like I can say it. Tina, we all laughed at you. However, we are all good people! Go with God!

15 minutes

I love how everyone is trying to get their 15 minutes of fame via various channels. YouTube happens to be one that I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching people trying to realize those dreams. So without further adieu I present my new blogging series dedicated to a young girl named Tina. Does she have staying power? I sure hope so! Move over Boy George!!

I LOVE Being an Aunt!!!!

The past couple of days, I had the good fortune to spend with my niece, Jaylee in Dalhart, TX. My brother and his wife had to go out of town, and Monday was Jaylee's 10th birthday. So, I decided I would go hang out with her for a couple of days.

I made strawberry cupcakes, which I enjoyed way too much! Later that evening, I told Jaylee to pick what she wanted to do for supper. She said she wanted to go to Rickie's. I agreed and so we got all dolled up and went to Rickie's. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. When we arrived, I soon realized that Rickie's was a "sport's bar". . .only from Roadhouse. I quickly asked Jaylee if her parents had brought her there before, thinking my brother and sister-in-law would never allow me to take care of the kids again if they found out I took her to a sports bar for her birthday. Jaylee replied "Oh yeah, like four times!" So I guessed we were safe, although out of place since we were all dolled up! I thought it might not be as "sport's bar-ish" during the day when her mom and dad might take them there to eat.

We enjoyed the evening, nonetheless. It was fun for just the two of us to hang out, and the food was really good.

My nephews, Wes (5) and Kolin (3), had been staying with some family in Friona, but came home with Jyl today. She is a family friend, and she was taking over the child-care duties since I had to return home.

I was glad to see Wes and Kolin. Wes had a birthday in Oct. and Kolin's is this Friday, so I brought them their birthday gifts. I found some crazy glasses at the dollar store that I thought they would appreciate. When Kolin opened his present, you would have thought I got him a pure gold train set. He was totally thrilled. It was the best reaction I've ever received from a gift I gave.

Later we all went to Jaylee's gymnastics practice. On the way in the door, Kolin said to me "I like you, Sarah!" to which I replied "I like you, too, Kolin!" It is nice to be liked by your nephew! The boys wanted to show off their tumbling talents while Jaylee practiced. Kolin was convinced that his sommersault was a flip and he wanted to make sure I knew about it.

So here are the pics from all this family fun. I am so proud to be aunt to these amazing kiddos! They truly bless my life!

Birthday Girl


Enjoyin' a cupcake!


Birthday Dinner


Kolin's silly glasses


Wes's extreme close-up!

Oops! I Got Tagged!

My dear friend, Paige, "tagged" me. I guess I have to play along!

Rules:

1)Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.
3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here it goes:

1. I would buy anything that was advertised on an info-mercial. I am the biggest skeptic, but if it is advertised on TV I seem to need it!

2. I could swing my life away in a hammock. I've been trying to figure out how to support myself by selling hammocks while demonstrating how they work. Any ideas?

3. Growing up, weekends were extra special because it meant an outing with dad. We had an old, powder blue Scout with cream and tan interior. My dad, brother, and I would bounce around in it and sing 1814 (I think that is the name) by Johnny Horton. "1814 we took a little trip, down the Col. Jackson to the might Mississip. We took a little bacon and we took a little beans, and we fought the bloody British in the town of New Orleans. . ." Most of the time we would drive out around the county with no particular agenda. Dad would pack us a lunch. Good times!

4. Speaking of dad, I love to hold his hand. My dad has huge hands and he can hold both of mine in one of his. His hands are always warm, and mine are usually cold.

5. I learned a stupid human trick at Blue Haven. I can turn my ankles completely around to where my heels touch the ground in front of me. Gross really!

6. My grandmother is 1st cousins with Sheb Wooley, who wrote and sang Purple People Eater. His brother Bill lives in Ruidoso. I went snow skiing with Bill, mind you he was well into his seventies. We would ski some blacks and he would be at the end of the run waiting for me! That was almost 15 years ago and he is still skiing!

7. I went to a Black Crowes concert with my high school principal my senior year. He was dating my boss at the time and they got me the tickets for graduation!

8. I can't donate blood for life because I lived in Ireland during the mad cow scare. So just in case you wondered, there is a reason I am this way!

So now I tag Tim Rush, Elaine Santos, Timbra Wiist, Sydney Phillips, Gayla Bursiaga, and Claire Maguire-Wilson. I think my other blogger friends have been tagged.

Blessed

I guess I have always considered myself to be fortunate to be loved by the people who love me. However, I often take them for granted.

This past weekend was humbling because God expressed his love to me through some amazing people, who I am blessed to call my friends. It seemed to be the icing on the cake of blessing after a rough summer.

Friday was my birthday, and I got to spend the evening with friends. Some were friends I have known for years, others just a short time. Nonetheless, I felt cared for and loved by all. Lisa, Paige, and Sherry, you guys are amazing women and I cannot even begin to say how thankful I am for your friendship. Thank you for your kind words and the way you care for me. I hope I can be the kind of friend to you that you all have been to me!

I was very humbled by church on Sunday. I was surprised by Rex opening the floor for folks to say some really kind things about me. I am so thankful God led me there, and has made a place for me in this church. The things everyone said humbled me and helped me to realize just how much God loves me through my friends.

So I just want to say a big THANKS to all of you who love me and for making my birthday the best yet!

Things I Wouldn't Wanna Be. . .

Warning! The inane post below doesn't contain any pearls of wisdom, spiritual or otherwise. It is merely for my own amusement.

Things I wouldn't want to be seems to be an ongoing conversation my friend, Lisa, and I have. When you have been friends with someone as long as Lisa and I have been, you have to get creative with the conversation topics because you just know each other too well. So, needless to say, we have some serious, thought provoking dialogue!

This started out with me thinking of jobs I wouldn't want to have. Meat packing worker, truck driver, convenience store bathroom cleaner, sanitation worker, etc. Then it evolved into a conversation of what I wouldn't want to be.

So here is a running list to date:

Q-Tip
Toilet plunger/brush/paper (or anything else having to do with the toilet)
Lint trap
Nose/Ear hair trimmers
Garbage Disposal
The floor behind my dryer
Dumpster
Port-a-potty
The bottom of a shoe
A flyswatter
Foot file
iPod earbuds
Flip-flops
Drain pipe
Band-Aid
Toothbrush
Kleenix

Well, that is all I can come up with at the moment. What are some things YOU wouldn't want to be. ***Tim Rush, feel free to make your own list here. I had you in mind when I was doing this post!

BTW, Mom is doing MUCH better! She may go home from the hospital tomorrow. Please continue to pray for her healing!

More on Mom

Dad called this evening and said that the pathology report came back, and there is no sign of the cancer returning!!!!! We found out she does have an infection. She is still completely confused. The doctor thinks it is caused by the infection. She is now on some antibiotics for that. We have been really concerned about her confusion.

So please continue to pray that she will return to the land of the clear headed soon!

A Brief Update

I am at my parents' house, taking a break to clean up. My mom has been in the hospital since this past Tuesday for a bowel obstruction. They believe it was either caused by adhesions that were chemo or surgery related. Mom had surgery two years ago to remove the cancer from her abdomen caused by ovarian cancer.

Yesterday the doctor decided to correct the bowel obstruction with surgery. He removed about a foot of her small intestine. Apparently this is fairly common in ovarian cancer patients. So far he said there was no visible evidence of the cancer returning. They are sending some fluid they collected to pathology.

She had a pretty rough night last night with pain, and confusion from the medicine they are giving her. We didn't sleep much, so I am hoping today and the following days will only get better. She is expected to stay another week in the hospital.

Please pray for her to have a quick recovery, and that they don't find any cancer cells in the liquid they are testing!

Oh, Sweet Laborless Day!

I am really glad that school started the week before Labor Day. It was a nice way to recoop from a very busy week at Parkway. I am still teaching 4th grade, but fortunately, I am specializing in Math and Science! I have been wanting to only teach Math and Science for some time now. We were able to work our schedules where my team teacher, Kristen, teaches Reading and Writing. So we have two really sweet classes of kiddos. I am really enjoying them and have been able to do some fun things with them that we haven't had time for until this year.

It was funny because one day last week we were doing group research projects on the continents. One of my kids said "I don't want to go home!" Then the rest of them chimed in that they were having too much fun to go home. I had to pinch myself to make sure I hadn't stepped into the Twilight Zone.

I drove home on Saturday to see my parents. My nephew, Wes (4), was staying with my parents for a few days. He is truly the wittiest child I have ever come across! Lisa was with me. As we were driving into town to eat, Wes told Lisa she was the funniest girl he knew. At dinner I was singing along with the Violent Femmes song (Gone Daddy Gone) playing in the restaurant. He told me I was freaking him out. Good to know that I can freak a four-year-old out! He also told Lisa if she said something one more time he was going to have to "freak" her. I don't think she pressed the issue to see what he meant by that! I think he has discovered that he is funny. Before he would just say things with a deadpan affect. Now he's kinda into his own humor.

Me and Wes


Wes' surprised look


Wes' attempt at picture taking


Better attempt with Lisa


One eyebrow raising trick

Camping Trip!

This weekend I went camping at the lake with some friends. We camped at a great location where we could park the boat right up next to our camp.

I was actually able to make it out of the water on the wakeboard, and managed to "carve" back and forth between the wake of the boat. I was so excited since I have absolutely no athletic ability! I had several good runs, but it is really tiring. I think you use every muscle in your body. I am sore all over today, but it was well worth it!

Mel and Steve


Steve catching some air!


Brad stylin' Mel's shades


Sunset over Lake Alan Henry


Me actually wakeboarding on top of the water!

Ah, the Lake!

I have been spending a lot of time lately at Lake Alan Henry with some friends. It has been awesome! Growing up we weren't really lake people. We spent most of our time in the mountains. I am definitely learning to be a lake person!

This last weekend we went and everyone was trying to teach me how to wakeboard. I thought, it can't be that hard everyone else knows how to do it. Oh, how wrong I was. I never even made it out of the water. I kept following the advice everyone was giving me from the boat, but everytime I ended up face first being dragged by the rope, until I couldn't hold on any longer. My friend Mel was going to get some pictures, but never did as I never got out of the water.

We are going camping there this weekend, so maybe I can try my luck again. Another friend told me he was going to send me home with a video to watch, so I could try and get the hang of it before we go again. I really want to learn, but I am just as content laying in the boat, soaking up the sun!

Trip Pictures As Promised

I am at my mom and dad's now for a couple of days. Dad called to ask when I was coming home, and so I decided I'd better do it before school starts.

Today I went with him to the world famous Amarillo Livestock Auction. When I say world famous, I am not being sarcastic! We sat next to some people from Italy, and saw some people from Germany. Several people were there with their video cameras in tow. The Amarillo Livestock Auction is the largest in the U.S. Dad goes to the sale there every Tuesday.

I always went where my dad went when I was growing up, so this was really nostalgic for me. It has been an eon since I have been to a sale, so I had to relearn some things. I was a little nervous about scratching my nose for fear of having to make room for some cattle in the back of my little Toyota Rav 4, in addition to Addy who came with me. After the sale we loaded up the cattle dad bought and took them over to Dimmit. Dad promised me we would stop for ice cream somewhere along the road, but when it got to be about 7:30 I gave up and wanted to just eat something. It seems like I should know, when you go with dad, you can add about 4 hours to the trip. No ice cream, but mom had a great dinner waiting for us when we got back.

So on to the pictures I promised. . .

My aunt and uncle's ranch in Lewistown, Montan


My daily walking companions, Addy and Cooper


My niece, Jaylee, and me getting ready to float the creek on my aunt and uncle's ranch.


Glacier National Park


Glacier


My cousin's wife Sydni, me, and cutie pie, Sayler


Bison crossing the road in Yellowstone


The Majestic Tetons

A Little Trip of My Own

So, I have kind of been out of the "blogging" habit. Sorry! Timbra, thanks for the gentle reminder to post something new!

I just got back from an amazing trip through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Mom, Addy, and I traveled to see some family in Montana, and for the past two weeks saw some really cool stuff.

Our agenda was to go see my aunt and uncle in Lewistown, Montana. From there we went to Glacier National Park, something I have always wanted to do. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Next we went to my cousin's in Bozeman. His little girl, Sayler, entertained us thoroughly! I threatened to take her home and leave Addy with them! She is the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life! She is in the mimicking stage right now, which she will turn 2 in October. I taught her "Right On!" and "Who, Me?". I had the most fun watching her parrot us. She called us all "Sweetie" I guess because that is what her mom calls her. After everything she said she followed it up with "Sweetie".

We traveled through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I always enjoy the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. I think they are the most majestic of the Rockies I have seen. Old Faithful was a little bit of a let down this time around. It didn't shoot as high as I remembered.

While in the Tetons, we did a raft trip down the Snake River. We saw 2 bull moose, 4 bald eagles (2 of which were eating a snake, on the Snake River mind you), 6 or so beavers, 1 lone prong horn, some deer, elk, and bison. If you have never visited the Tetons, I highly recommend it. The mountains there remind me of the Himalayas, very jaggedy.

I promise pictures, however they are on my mom's camera. It will probably be a week or so before I get them downloaded to my computer to post. Hang in there, they are coming!

Feeling a Little Sorry for Myself!

Well, it seems that everyone else is getting to go on these cool adventures and I am stuck here at home. Daniel is in the Yucatan jumping off of cliffs into the water, seeing all the Mayan ruins, and working on an eco-tourism project for three weeks. My mom just returned from New York City. Now, my dad and brother are in Minnesota and South Dakota on a fun father/son fishing trip.

I whined to my mom last night over the phone, but got absolutely no sympathy from her. Her response. . . "Well, now you know what it feels like! Usually it is the other way around." That's right mom, and that's the way I like it!!!! I tried explaining it to my friend, Kim, who I carpool with to and from work. She threatened to slap me. Isn't there anyone who feels sorry for me?

On a more positive note, I had the best conversation with my niece last night over the phone. She is staying at mom and dad's with one of her brothers. Jaylee is turning 10 this year, which is hard to believe. She is really fun to converse with, although I am having a hard time with her growing up. Wish I could just push the pause button on her growing.

I also talked to her little brother, Wes (4) on the phone last night. I asked him why he wasn't in bed and he informed me that he stays up until midnight every night and midnight is when you turn into a pumpkin. I'm pretty sure he's right. I haven't seen too many midnights in my lifetime. We Floyds are not latenight people. We tend to be early risers, and lifeless by about 8:30 pm.

I have a feeling I won't be earning much sympathy, so I'll keep it short and go cry myself to sleep. Maybe I'll even eat worms!!!!!

In Your Own Backyard

I have really been trying to keep busy since school let out. I am helping out with summer school at Parkway in the mornings. The afternoons are significantly less busy. I have been getting really stir crazy.

I decided to volunteer some at Lubbock Lake Landmark, which is an archaeological site that dates back thousands of years ago. It used to be a lake, which I know what you're thinking, "A lake? In Lubbock?". Now they have trails out there and have lots of activities that the public can participate in. I try to sign up for all the teacher in-service classes they provide because they are stellar.

I first got acquainted with the Landmark during a class I took when I was finishing up my master's degree. Funny how it took me 5+ years to discover such an intriguing place that is right here.

Lisa and I went out there this past weekend for National Trails Day. We went on a wildflower guided walk. It was so much fun! There were two older gentlemen who were leading our group. Eventually everyone else ended up leaving, and Lisa and I were the only ones left. Because of all the rain we had, the wildflowers were aplenty! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and have the chigger bites to prove it!

So, I guess my challenge is this; find that gem of a place that is right in your backyard and soak it all up! It is amazing what you'll learn.

By the way, I didn't have my camera, but Lisa did. I have a feeling she'll post them on her blog, www.lisa-theworldinsidemyhead.blogspot.com

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

Well, even though I only had 7 weeks back at school it is really nice to be out for summer. Although there'll be no rest for the weary. I start teaching summer school next week and will be back at the nursery when I'm not teaching. I am also going to do some volunteer teaching/lesson planning at Lubbock Lake Landmark. I am getting to teach lessons on prairie dogs and their habitats. It should be tons of fun.

I think I am really back into the swing of life in the states. The trip seems a distant memory. It is really good to be home and back to normal.

I went home for Mother's Day, which was really good. Those days seem even more significant to me since mom was diagnosed with cancer. She finished her chemo in March, so we are thankful to be done with that. During my time home I helped her get her garden in order. That is always fun for me. While I was there, I was amazed at my mom's country survival skills. We heard a squeel which we thought was the cat, or something caught by the cat. My mom's white schnauzer was wandering around the yard and pasture and dragged up a live cottontail rabbit. I was horrified. I get the dog away from the rabbit, who is mortally wounded in the neck. My mom decided she was going to get the shotgun out and put it out of it's misery. I begged her to just let it be, but she was determined to end the rabbit's suffering. She tried to load the shotgun with birdshot shells, but ended up having to call my dad to ask how to load it. I had to go in the house, because I could not bear to be there. I ran inside and shut myself in the bathroom, and turned on the heater so I couldn't hear the shot. By the time I came back out, she had shot the rabbit and threw it over the fence for the cat to feast upon. The next thing we know, the dog was dragging it back over into the yard. Mom finally disposed of the rabbit. It is kind of funny to see this little white lap dog act like she is a country dog. I left thinking my mom was quite the frontier lady. I have to admit, I never thought I'd get to see her use a gun, but she can do some damage with the birdshot. Small animals beware!

I showed my parents some souveniers I collected in Vietnam. My mom took the picture below. I should be ready for a summer of gardening!

What You Might Have Missed

I am really sorry to have taken so long to get these posted. By now there may not be anyone interested in reading the blog. I have finally readjusted to life back in Lubbock. I hit the ground running back at school, returning in time for the TAKS test. My kids acted like they were anxious for me to be back, but that was short lived. One day I visited them before I was actually back in the classroom. They all tried to convince me that the teacher who took my place while I was gone was "really mean". Mind you she is one of the most nurturing, kind, pleasant people you could ever hope to be your teacher. I guess they had forgotten what "really mean" was in my absence. It didn't take long for them to loose their excitement about my return.

Anyway, on to a story I completely forgot to post. We were in Thailand, when Melissa (the boys' mom) asked me if I wanted to go to a cobra milking at the Red Cross. Absolutely! I thought.

So we go and there is a small area of stadium type seating. We wait patiently for the "milking" to begin. The first snake was a king cobra, who was brought out bare-handed by a trainer. I was really surprised considering what I had learned about king cobras in Nepal. The trainer let him down and began antagonizing the snake for a good show. Everyone was standing up half out of wanting to see, half out of reaction that a frickin' king cobra being set down below us. I kept thinking about what Sanjay told me in Nepal about king cobras being able to propel themselves with their tale towards the head of their victim. I invisioned that king cobra going straight for my forehead. When it was time to bring out the next snakes, the king cobra's trainer walked up next to him and swiftly grabbed him around the throat and walked off. Another trainer walked onto the scene showing us his four fingers on one of his hands. He had apparently lost his index finger after a king cobra bit him.

Two more trainers brought out two siamese cobras. According to the speaker the siamese cobra venom is more potent than the king cobra's, and it takes less time to inject their victims, if you will. The trainers did the same antagonistic dance with these two snakes, then walked right up to them and snatched them up by the neck. I kept wondering how one gets past the fear of being bit. I know I never could.

There were more vipers brought out for show, but the one that impressed me the most was called something like a copperback racer. It wasn't a copperhead. Anyway, it was a smaller snake. When its trainer put it on the ground, it coiled itself up and propelled itself at the trainer's head. I stood in complete amazement as the trainer caught it in mid air with just enough room for the snake to barely miss the guy's forehead. I have never seen anything so crazy in my life. It was like some syncronized circus act.

After they showed us all the vipers, they demonstrated the milking of a siamese cobra. Right after, they showed us how they force feed them so they will produce the venom more quickly. While we were watching this demonstration, my mind went back to the museum I went through in India with the display of vipers. It showed how a person might be able to tell whether or not a snake was indeed a viper. The first way was by looking at its belly at the arrangement of scales. There are people who do this, and other crazy things, such as catching one in midair. Glad there are people willing to do this for anti-venom, but you have to question their sanity just a little bit!

King Cobra


Siamese Cobras


Milking Siamese Cobra


Force feeding after milking


One other really cool thing we did was going to a Chinese Acrobatic Act in Shanghai. There were contortionists, acrobats, gymnists. It was really neat. I think their joints must be made of rubber. All the guys had their hair spiked with wild colors, and were wearing fur half vests. It reminded me of the movie Hook. I wanted to yell "RUFIO, RUFIO!" The boys granddad really hit the nail on the head during intermission when he announced "I think they's 'bout half flyin' squirrel!"

Well, I am not sure what to do with my blog now. Nothing interesting going on here in Lubbock. Tim Rush suggested me doing something about things I love about Lubbock. I could try that, but for some reason, I think it would be about my favorite restaurants, considering that there are more restaurants per capita here than anywhere in the U.S. or probably even the world.

Thanks for hanging in on this wild adventure. If you have any blog ideas, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Pictures As Promised - China

Shanghai Grand Hyatt, tallest hotel in the world.


Images from the Temple of the Jade Buddah, Shanghai








Yuan Garden, Shanghai






Water Taxi in the water town outside of Shanghai. This is where MI-3 was filmed.


Bridge over the canal in the water town


Along the a canal in the water town.


Great Wall


Me in my dog coat


View of the mountains from the wall


Inside one of the towers


Great Wall


Climbing along part of the wall that has not been reconstructed.


Magnolia tree blooming at the Summer Palace


Summer Palace


Marble boat at the Summer Palace


Chairman Mao's Masoleum at Tian'anmen Square


Entrance to the Forbidden City


Inside the Forbidden City


A Visit to a local kite maker in the Hu Tongs of Beijing


Temple of Heaven


I intend to do a post about some of the things I may have forgotten to post. Check back for what you missed!