President Hinckley remembered

We received word of President Hinckley's passing last night during a family dinner at Sunny's parents' home.  

Please visit Jonathan's blog "Who Are Mormons?" to read more about President Hinckley's passing and public legacy.

Minnesota

Minnesota is the coldest place on Earth! We were there for a few days over the weekend with our sister-in-law Katie and her daughter, Ariana (pictured below).

We had a great time braving the subzero temperatures. :)  Also, see more pictures here.

Minneapolis

Ariana Chen, our niece, at the restaurant Basil's in downtown Minneapolis

Visiting with Jonathan's high school friend, Cynthia, and her husband, jared. they live in St. Paul

Brasilauto

Umm... okay....

Chinese Acrobats in Pasadena

We had front row tickets to a big performance of the Chinese National Acrobatic Troupe. They are considered the best team in China, and are now on a world tour to promote the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where they will also perform. We went with Sunny's parents to the Civic Theatre in Pasadena.

The performers did amazing tricks, stunts, jumps, twists, falls, spins, etc. WOW! After having seen so many people doing such unconventional and surprising acrobatic moves, the next time we see Cirque du Soleil, we may end up disappointed.

You can see several more photos at this site.

Hurrah for 2008!

We are so excited for this entering year. 2007 was wonderful and we have been blessed with so much. In 2007, we were fortunate to visit a wide variety of places around the globe. 

We ushered in the New Year on Jan. 1. 2007 in São Paulo, Brazil, with friends from Jonathan's mission there. Then we traveled to the Amazon, and then to Rio de Janeiro. Since that time, we've been blessed to travel to Monterey in northern California; and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei (Sunny showed Jonathan around her mission), Tokyo, and Seoul in Asia. We even crossed the border into North Korea! We ventured to beloved Spain where we toured Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Alicante, and Valencia, with a personal expert tour guide. :)  We also spent time in Toronto, Canada; and Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to this, we spent about 3 months living in Hong Kong where Jonathan & Sunny worked.  Jonathan started grad school at UCLA, while Sunny got settled in her new office where she keeps very busy.  

As we reflect on 2007 (our first whole year of wedded bliss): airports, eating, gaining weight, new niece and nephew, etc., our most exciting experience has been the whole marriage thing - lots of fun together. (how cute!)  We even got to show each other around our mission areas. Anyway, we are looking forward to 2008 and spending time with family and friends. 

the peninsula branch Christmas Party

John was Santa.... I think I broke his leg.

Christmas in Hawaii

with BYU friends, Maggie & Nate and their son, who now live in Honolulu.

Group shot before leaving Hawaii.

If you follow the links I posted in a previous post, you'll see many more photos.

We're back from Hawaii!

For a few photos from the trip, please click here!

We loved the weather and food in Hawaii.

Also, I have posted more pictures from the Polynesian Cultural Center.

We would have liked to stay longer. 

sunny and department dances for all to see in San Pedro

Sunny choreographed and organized her department's performance at the annual holiday dinner gala. it was a mix of dances from Janet jackson, Nirvana, and Grease. The event was held at a hotel on the harbor in San Pedro.

Crème de la Crêpe

Please visit the new California Foodie blog. I started this recently to document the foods we enjoy in L.A. and beyond. It is nothing too serious.... I just posted on this great new French restaurant in Hermosa Beach... a lovely place with charm, and they cook with lots of cheese and butter!

great weather in Redondo Beach

The other day I took these while stopped at a red light on my way to the gym. We live about 2 miles from this spot in Redondo Beach, on the edge of the sea. Beautiful area and great weather.

Oakland, California - meetings, rain

My only picture from my quick trip to the Bay area.... this is aunt Marian in the heavy rain in Oakland, following a nice breakfast at the Rockridge Café. :)

Jonathan was in Oakland for meetings at the University of California headquarters. 

Los Angeles Temple

from my sunroof while driving down the Santa Monica Blvd. The Mormon Temple in L.A.!

L.A. Aids Walk

This was in West Hollywood recently... we were there and Jamee spoke with Mr. Partridge, who was in green from head to toe! We even saw Steven Spielberg, and a bunch of other stars.

Redondo Beach

This is very near our house! Love the ocean, etc.

LDS General Conference

The first weekend in October we spent in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah.
Great experience to attend conference, several events, and spend time with family & friends!!

Los Angeles miscellaneous

The main terminal of the tiny Long Beach airport!


Morning traffic in Westwood, West L.A.

At a benefit dinner, the Miss Taiwan and Miss Teen Taiwan in L.A.!

Jonathan's brief visit to Boise, Idaho

los angeles house

These are some new shots of our new home here in L.A.