Tsai Family of the Parklands

Before we left Utah, we took a trip to Salt Lake City with the Urbina's to attend a temple session inside the Salt Lake City Temple.  David and Diego attended a baptismal session at the same time.  Afterwards, we enjoyed ramen at a Japanese restaurant.

On a nice sunny day while we were visiting Jessica, she took us to enjoy the Herriman fair.  Megan and Diego enjoyed the rides, while Blake indulged himself for a long time in the sand box.  We also patronized a car show and enjoyed some musical programs under the pavilion.

During the week after the wedding, we stole away with the Urbina's and Jessica's family to St. George, Utah, when we took respite in a nice condo.  Although the temperatures were scorching outside, we were able to rest inside the comfort of the condo and enjoy the swimming pool.  During our two night stay, we drove to Zion's National Park on the second day.  The high temperature reached over 100 degrees F, but to my surprise, the weather was bearable because of the green plants and the river.  We rode the bus to our hiking path, #9, The Narrows.  With sun tan lotion, caps, sunglasses, and umbrellas, we embarked on our hike.  By the time we started, there were already people finishing their hikes.  At the end of the path, folks were enjoying the watering hole and resting from the long walk.  After we hiked back, we rode the bus and went back to the condo to rest.

On a rainy Tuesday evening, we decided to drive the Urbina's to the Sundance resort.  Due to the rain, we were mainly restricted to the indoor gift shop and restaurant areas.  We then decided to drive all the way around the mountain back to the highway.  At that point, the rain stopped and the sun appeared again.

...  When we arrived at the American Fork train station, we met with special limousine service from Jessica and from Felipe Chou.  They chauffered us directly to the home of the Chou's, when we were generously treated to a delicious dinner.  Afterwards, we were treated to music on the harp, violin, and piano.  We were taken in 3 cars to the train station so we could return to Provo after a long days trek.

On the Monday after the wedding, we decided to make a pilgrimage to Salt Lake City with the Urbina's.  The choice of transportation was the Frontrunner train.  By happenstance, we met our old friend Ricoh, who rode with us on his way to the airport.  In Salt Lake City, we first posed in front of the Brigham Young statue.  Then we ate lunch at the Lion House.  We toured Temple Square in both visitor centers.  In the north visitor center, we had another group photo in front of the Christus statue.  Our next stop was the old Tabernacle, where two sister missionaries gave us a tour.  Next, we toured the gift shop at the Church History Museum.  We also met Li-Fang's parents, who rode with us to American Fork...

The Anderson's are the nicest and funnest couple to be around.  When they invited us to their for a steak barbecue, it was a no brainer.  We jumped at the invitation.  The cool thing about being at their home is the grand tour of their house.  Their house is truly tailored and customized for the visitations from their family and friends.  Complete with comfortable bedrooms and gift baskets and even a cool movie theater, it was a great adventure to be in their home.  But most of all, we enjoyed being with our cool friends.

Today started very early with the hairdresser arriving at 7am and some bride's maids arriving at 8am for last minute preparation.  At precisely 9am, we left for Payson, Utah.  After all of the parties arrived, we entered the temple at 10am.  Over 30 people were in attendance at the sealing, which was performed by Brother Burk.  Javier Sr. and I were the witnesses.  Several friends served as translators. The Payson Utah Temple is a small magnificent edifice that graces the surrounding blue skies and mountains.  Its majesty was a beautiful reminder to maintain purity of the soul and the importance of each individual in the sight of God. After a plethora of pictures and a small family lunch, the reception started at 5pm.  Jessica was the emcee for the evening.  She first asked Yolanda and Javier to say a few words.  Then Li-Fang and I said a few words.  Eating came next.  Then I danced with Melinda, and Javi danced wit...

Living thousands of miles from my grandson, it is a grand honor to participate in some of his activities.  So when the opportunity arose to attend one of his soccer games, we were delighted to accept the invitation.  Although his team did not win, the game was not about winning but was about rewarding every member with the same rewards: a large conspicuous badge and a sumptuous frozen treat and a photo op of the team and coach.  Although he did not score and at times seemed not to know what was going on, we enjoyed watching him grace the soccer field with his running around the whole field.  He seemed to be saying to us to watch him, which we did with pleasure.  I am proud of my grandson for trying.  One day, I believe, he will be a great soccer player.  But for now, he is still my favorite soccer player in America.  And that's what counts.  Go, Blake!