Tsai Family of the Parklands

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.