Tsai Family of the Parklands

We participated in the Washington Night concert at the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center.  Four choirs (Columbia, Yellow River, Huaxia, Washington Chinese) sang a few songs, along with the featured choir, China Shenzhen Qunsheng Choir.  For the finale, all choirs were on stage to sing Mo Li Hua.

On one of the field trips, Megan was able to learn about owls and eagles at Meadowland Nature Center.

On a free day, Mom and daughter broke away to Ocean City.  Nice day with the seagulls at the beach.

We spent an enjoyable evening at the Rio.  Dinner at Guapo's was first, followed by a swan paddle boat ride.  The elders also joined us there.

On September 8, we were privileged to attend the baptism of Ethan Yamashita in Hagerstown.  we were very fortunate to have Ethan and his family as part of our branch for a few short years.  Although Ethan was confined to a wheelchair, his smile and happiness in life were very evident and contagious.  Congratulations, Ethan, on your baptsim.

On the way home from Utah, we stopped by the Winter Quarter Visitor Center.  Inside, we heard the story of the brave pioneers and their sacrifices for us.

In the wee hours of August 12, our 25th wedding anniversary, we drove to the Salt Lake City Airport and parked our car.  Then we flew in separate flights to Los Angeles airports.  I rented a car to travel down to San Diego.  We dropped in on two families, who were old college friends, before checking in at the downtown convention hotel.  On Monday morning, we visited the Mormon Battalion Visitor Center, the San Diego Temple, and Balboa Park.  Later we visited the harbor and strolled around.  We thank our wonderful kids for their support in giving us time for our silver anniversary.

On our second to last Saturday in Utah this summer, we decided to go the beautiful Manti Temple.  We were able to walk around the majestic castle walls.  It was our lucky day, because one of the workers gave us a special tour of the towers.

Early in the morning, we we went to the Smith Fieldhouse before 8am to attend Jessica's commencement, wherein she walked to receive her diploma.  There we met our Damascus friends, the Baron's.  Uncle Jackie and Joanna also came to the commencement.  After the ceremony, we went outside for photo taking.  Then we celebrated by eating a big brunch at IHOP with our whole family and the Lam's as well.  Congratulations, Jessica, on a job well done at BYU!

On Thursday afternoon, we had the privilege of attending Jessica's graduation convocation in the Marriott Center and listening to Brother Beck, the General Young Men's President.  Mom decided to pose with the graduation gown. Afterwards, we celebrated by eating at the Yamato Japanese Restaurant in Orem. Go, Jessica!

During a lull in our busy summer schedule, we hastily decided to embark on a short journey to California to visit Grandpa Paul and Grandma Julie.  It took us a whole day to drive to Covington, California.  We arrived at their new home on Saturday evening.  On Sunday we attended church at the local ward.  We visited the Chen's down the street on Sunday evening.  On Monday we visited model homes around the area.  Grandpa Paul shared with us a lesson for FHE on Monday evening.  Other than that, we spent the rest of the time enjoying the beautiful cool California weather and their new home, which seemed to be more like a resort home.

One beautiful evening, we took Megan and her 3 cousins to Provo Lake to learn the craft of fishing from the masters, their uncle and grandfather.  At first, they just watched and envied.  Then they created makeshift poles and tried their own hands at fishing.  Without any catches, they also strolled to the lake to wade in the water and to witness the amazing sunset reflection in the lake.