Can you tell that these pictures are from last year? This year our camera ran out of batteries before we had a chance to take pictures of the huangya villa, so I decided to include some from the Beijiing International branch Great Wall excursion of September 2008. I thought the kids have grown so much over the year!
Last year the boys left Friday afternoon, just like this time. They camped with Rob and the other scouts on the Great Wall. We met them Saturday at noon.
I love the huangya mountain villa. It is the perfect place for a large group function like this one. We eat family style in the cafeteria, westerner friendly chinese food. They put on a bonfire and dance for us on Saturday night. This year's bonfire even included a fairly terrifying fire works display. On Sunday morning we had sacrament meeting together in the grass area surrounded by the rooms.
Friday, June 4, Rob took the boys back to Goose and Duck campground for the branch fathers and sons camp out. Sam insisted that Grant go too. As you can see, he took good care of Grant on the trip.
As is meditating about fire.
They like to look for dragons in the guard houses.
Our favorite place to have lunch ...egg pancakes and noodle soup. The jien bing lady always welcomes us. She says the Mutianyu ren all know us.
In the evening, I suggested that we barbecue hamburgers to make it feel more like Memorial Day for the big kids. I spent 50 kuai on Grape sodas. It started to rain on our s'mores, but we adapted.
Caitlin poses in classic Chinese style- peace sign
This one was the boys' favorite- moved too fast to get a good picture
Will's first log ride and look of terror
