Monday, November 27, 2017

11-2017 Thanksgiving in Southern Utah

Our kids wanted a family reunion over Thanksgiving, so of course we had to come to Utah to find a home big enough for six families! We always hope to hook up with missionaries who might be where we happen to be traveling. Being in La Verkin, just outside of St. George, we got to see this sister's beautiful family!
On the way through Las Vegas, we had to stop at the amazing Hash House a Go Go for their famous chicken and waffles:
Oh man, it did not disappoint! Perhaps THE best I'd ever tasted!
Watermelon Cooler!
The best place to play Playdoh is in someone else's house!
Lots of fun...
...and games!

Thanksgiving Day football is a tradition in my son-in-law's family! 
He took a great opp to throw a pass to our oldest grandson:
Good catch, good run!
He's going for the TD!
President up for the block!
What would a family reunion be without fantastic food?


My mother, Sister Chao, joined us too! Creme brûlée is a specialty of my other son-in-law:
President brought our charcoal grill up in his truck to smoke some pork roasts:


No shortage of sweets for dessert:
Egg nog is MY tradition!
Love them grandbabies!
After Thanksgiving hike:

Amazing indoor pool in neighboring Hurricane:
Prepared to get drenched!
Our photographer daughter posed us for these family pictures:

We're up to eight grandkids now:)
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken in Las Vegas is not bad, but Hash House a Go Go was better!
No better way to end Thanksgiving weekend than with a sacred blessing ordinance!
Families can be Together Forever!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Fall 2017 Missionary Visits

We count it a very special privilege to have our missionaries from Taiwan pay us a visit!
 Seafood in America is not exactly as fresh as it is in Taiwan, but there are some good seafood restaurants, even in Camarillo!
What this missionary really wanted to do was to experience Halloween at Harry Potter World! Universal Studios did not disappoint!
 We took him to our grandkids' elementary school for their Halloween parade:
 There were a lot of Harry Potters, almost as many as there were stormtroopers (my grandson being one of them).
 Breakfast burritos at a local Mexican meat market:
Heading to LAX for a stop in San Francisco before flying back to Taiwan:
 In November, the Los Angeles Temple always hosts a devotional for temple workers. As we took our seats, a sweet sister recognized me from the blog and introduced herself as one of our missionaries' mother! Her son was still serving in the field. We were so happy to meet his parents!
 This missionary had an animation conference in LA so came over for the cheapest bed and breakfast in the vicinity! Our home is your home:)
We'll even entertain your spouse while you're off doing your thing!

Saturday, September 30, 2017

9-29-17 Taichung Mission Reunion Time!

I found out several days before our reunion that several of our Taiwanese returned missionaries would be attending our reunion...several of which came specifically to attend General Conference!
Many are here studying English and in various degree programs. Enjoyed lunch with these sisters!
Such a blessing also to attend the sealing for this beautiful sister missionary of ours...
at the Salt Lake Temple!
And to meet her bridesmaids...former companions!
Having some fun outside the temple doors:)
Our Taiwanese sister missionary on the right has been studying in Cody, Wyoming.
We're looking forward to her sealing to another one of our Taichung missionaries next May!
We LOVE mission couples!
Grabbing a quick bite on the way to the meetinghouse to set up for the reunion.
JDawgs always gets my vote for best hot dog in the world!
A HUGE THANK YOU to my reunion set-up helpers!
First "family" to arrive! This sister grew up in Sis. Chao's (my mother) home stake, 
but I have to come to Utah to get to see her!
I found myself missing this missionary's twin, who served in the Taipei mission!
Married for over a year now!
Wow, new baby...cutest little boy!
Wow, so great to welcome this recently retired couple to our reunion!
They were one or our greatest missionary supporters in the Kaohsiung area!
These three sisters grew up together in the same ward in Taiwan! 
The two on the left both served in our mission and are here from Taiwan studying English:)
Their friend on the right served her mission in Hawaii and now lives here in Utah.
Great to meet our missionaries' wives!
Mother and daughter in Tainan!
Friends for life!



Newlyweds:)



MTC companions:)



Wow, just home from her mission two days ago (second from the left) and surrounded by her mission friends:)
Sisters from the same generation:)

Just flew in this morning from Taiwan, and brought me gifts from our Taiwanese sisters!
Such sweet sisters:)

Newlyweds! One diligent hubby had to work tonight:(
More newlyweds:)



Father and son in Xinying:)



More newlyweds!




So great to hang out with these guys in Portland!
More mother/daughter missionaries!
Still newlyweds...coming up on one year!

These two married while we were in Taiwan...they're pros now!




Could not miss this photo op!
Two reunions with the same girlfriend...she's a keeper!

Beautiful blanket...thank you so much!

Selfie time:)
SUCH JOY TO SEE OUR TAIWANESE MISSIONARIES! 
And a very special surprise from Hawaii!!!
Mother and daughter!



Having some fun!

Hahaha!

Best of mission pals! Congrats to the sister on the left, expecting her first early next year!
What studs!
Too cool!

Mother and daughter! 
The sister on the right trained in our mission awaiting her visa to serve in Fresno, California!
Our wonderful family history couple!
They have so many friends from Taiwan!






Wifey is working:(
Father and son!
Engaged!!!

Also engaged, thanks to the sister on the right!

THANKS for coming all the way down from BYU-I, pushing through the heavy traffic, and be the last ones to make it to the reunion! It was great to see you all!
Thanks to all those who stayed behind to help clean up!
We love you and look forward to seeing you again in six months!