Off To St. Louis!

*This was originally posted approx. June 27, 2016

The temple is closed once again for some thorough cleaning, but this time its for six weeks for some additional renovating.  We were not given other assignments as expected, but rather permission from the Temple Department to go home during the closing, or to travel if we wanted.  Since Kristin is without her husband until July, we decided to spend a couple of weeks with her in St. Louis, and try to be some help to her while getting in some much needed Grandpa and Grandma B time with our adorable grandkids.

Our taxi driver had an efficient way of loading all four suit-cases plus carry-ons in his trunk.

These guys are pros.

Elder and Sister Ngai were on the same flight only headed to Calgary.

We departed ways in Seattle.

Koen has perfected his bike-riding skills.

Wearing an awesome helmet like his, makes it an even more thrilling ride.

Grandpa, Koen, Hadley, and Macie

Elder Bodily's (Grandpa B) 62nd Birthday

Decorations, gifts, cake, singing, and smiles included.

Wore out after all the celebrating.

Don't want to forget the sunscreen

We watched Koen and Hadley at their swim lessons.

Baking together is such fun.

Grandpa trying to be helpful by pitching in with a needed repair.

The FHE activity was a friendly water fight on the bumper boats.

Macie and Grandma played 'spectator'.

FHE Lesson - The shield of faith

Completely protected from the adversary with the full armor. 

Grandpa, still trying to be helpful as the handyman.

Kristin hard at it with her project to refinish the bed.

Grandpa trying to give Koen some tips on organization.

Hadley is a big help with bedtime stories.

Kristin is amazing at running up hill.

Father and daughter getting their first time run together.

Couldn't think of a better place to spend sometime with our daughter 

than at one of the Lord's temples.

Gary made arrangements without me knowing for our other children to meet up in St. Louis.

This was a welcome surprise, and a joy to have almost all our family together.

It's been awhile since we've been able to attend church together too.

Sure Going To Miss Nora!

*This was originally posted May 9, 2016

I don't think we will ever forget Sister Nora Chan.  She helped us get in and out of mainland China without getting lost. She is always helpful and generous in every way, and has quite the sense of humor.  She tells a good story of how she got her name Nora.  One of her college professors at BYU told her she had to have an english name to attend his class.  Unbeknownst to her, he was just teasing, but she didn't realize that.  So, she bought a book of baby names.  Opened it, closed her eyes, and placed her finger on the page.  It was pointed to the name Nora, so she chose that one.  When she attended class again, she was ready with her new English name.  Her professor confessed that he was just joking. She kept the name anyway, and has been Nora ever since, at least to those of us who don't speak Chinese.  She'll be headed back to her home in Seattle where she is very involved in helping the Chinese community there.

A congratulations from Pres. Wong on serving so faithfully.

Love to see her laugh.

We have learned a lot from Sister Chan's example.  She has gone the extra mile as a missionary.

Sure going to miss this outstanding lady.

LtoR: Young Bro. Chan (assistant recorder), E&S Chan, E&S Hathaway, P&S Wong, E&S Lee, Nora, E&S Bodily, E&S Ngai, P&S Hui, S Yuen, E Rancie, Bro. Choi (temple recorder)

A Marvelous Evening With President and Sister Wong!

*This event happened March 15, 2016

We have been looking forward to this FHE.  Anytime we can hear President and Sister Wong speak of their experiences and testimonies, it is a pleasure.

Last night was marvelous.

Sister Wong began by sharing her conversion story.

I like this photo of Pres. Wong with his arm around Sister Wong

We gathered afterwards at E/S Chans for socializing and refreshments.

In this more casual setting, President Wong opened up about his hobby with electric trains.  He even showed us a video of his incredible set, which he spent 18 months building.  It took up an entire bay of his garage to display.  This is what he did to stay busy after retiring.

However, as soon as he received his call as a temple president, 

he did away with it, because he did not want the temptation to spend time on something that distracts from his more important responsibilities at the temple.

Thank you, Elder and Sister Chan for arranging this evening!