Beijing 2008

Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.
Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals -- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow -- and the Olympic Flame.
Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.
Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.

Ni Hao!

I remember the day that the Olympic Committee announced the mascots for the Beijing Olympics - I was on a flight from Beijing on our way to Jiangxi Province to adopt Abby! They had English copies of a Chinese newspaper and it was totally cool to read about the mascots - I still have the newspaper. We had seen the big countdown sign outside of Tienenmen Square when we were in Beijing - I didn't take a picture of it because we were walking so quickly that day to get to the Forbidden Palace; I wish we could have just slowed down a bit for that one!

So, tomorrow is the big day and we're really looking forward to the Olympics this year because they are in China. Of course I understand the problems surrounding the Olympics with human rights abuses and China's control of Tibet - we obviously do not support China on this. However, I am very excited that the world can get to know China on a more personal level - and that they will see what an amazing culture and land that China is. I have no doubt that the opening ceremony will be awesome. My wonderful friend Missy had a great idea to throw an Olympics party. We are going to spend the evening with other families that have adopted from China watching the opening ceremonies together. It's kind of a big deal for us and a way to celebrate our children's heritage with them. We are very proud of where our kids are from and are excited that the rest of the world can see the wonderful people of China.

Hope you like the pictures of the Olympic Garden in Beijing.

OMG, I forgot to mention that my sister got Travel Approval! She should be able to leave for Katie at the beginning of September!!! We cannot wait!!!! We love you Katie! You can check out my sister's website at www.katieliling.com

Hugs,