Tsai Family of the Parklands

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.

On Pioneer Day, we started our day by driving all the way to Salt Lake City to enjoy the Pioneer Day Parade from 9am to noon.  We sat on the corner of E 900 S and S 500 E.  Float after float of every imaginable organization and municipality and personality paraded down the streets, including President Eyring, BYU, Utah Valley Community College, Taiwan, Samoa, dragon dance, and of course pioneers.  Afterwards, we ate in Liberty Park.

After spending a picnic afternoon in Provo Canyon, we decided to visit Sundance.  When we arrived, it began to rain.  So we visited the gift shop and museum.  After the rain subsided, we walked up the hill and around the camp.

The celebration continued tonight.  After the grand wedding, the party moved to an LDS chapel in Provo, UT.  The air of excitement seemed to be amplified, as more friends came to congratulate the newlyweds.  After the photo shoot, the family and guests arrived at the chapel, already decorated with a beautiful canopy by Wedding Works Design.   At the center stake was a table for the black Love in a Box with candy to fill.   One table at the edge housed the wedding cake and cupcakes Melinda created.   Another table served the chicken and food.   Yet another table was for the presents.   At the front table, guests signed their names on the back of Henry and Jessica’s photo.   Jessica displayed the history of how they met on a nice display.   The DJ was seated at another table.   The guests sat at about 10 to 15 round tables. The emcee was Jay McNamara, father of the best man.   Although it was his first time, he...