Steven's Goodbye Party

 We wanted to make Steven's last night in America something special, something he would remember for a long time.  We have been telling him for several weeks that on this last night Warren and I would take him to get a steak (his favorite food) at Texas Roadhouse.  True to our promise, Warren got off a little early from work and we headed off to get some steaks.  The servers were cute to make a fuss over him being from China and eating his last American meal in their restaurant.

What Steven didn't know is that while we were gone, Jessica, Jennifer, and Graigry drove up from BYU and helped Agnese, Tyler and Melanie decorate for a surprise party.  When we arrived home the house was full of people there to wish him well and say goodbye.

Dinner with the Caprios

It is always fun to be invited over to the Caprio's house for dinner.  Not only is the food DELICIOUS but the company is fun too.  We stayed until bedtime playing games - Yahtzee, Ping Pong, and Catch Phrase.  Bro. Caprio enjoyed talking with Agnese about Italy and feeding her his Italian food.  She said it was delicious and even went back for seconds.  To the delight of the oldest Caprio boy, Agnese ended the evening by giving the family a traditional  kiss on the cheek goodbye.

 Warren, Melanie, Tyler, and Agnese

Jordan

Monopoly

On a cold day, playing games inside is a great way to pass the time.

Warren, Steven, and Tyler played Agnese Monopoly.

Agnese was beating them all.

Basketball

Sightseeing in Salt Lake City

We had one day to show Steven's mom, Cui, and her friend, Liang, Utah.  We started with Steven's favorite breakfast food - waffles.

Cui and Liang couldn't believe that I make breakfast everyday.

Next, we wanted to show our guest around temple square.  It was really great to be able to introduce them to a couple of Chinese speaking missionaries who could give them a tour in their own language.  One missionary did the tour in Chinese while the other gave the tour in English for Agnese, Warren, Jessica and I.

 

 We got to hear a half an hour organ concert and acoustics demonstration in the Tabernacle.

Agnese with the Assembly Hall in the background as well as a couple of members of a Russian Luge team.

 

As he drove them back to the airport, Cui thanked Warren through Steven for a "magical day".  I agree, it was magical.

They're Here!

The kids were so busy finishing school assignments that the responsibility for a proper welcome sign fell to me.  After consulting pinterest, I decided on a pendant banner.

Steven, Warren, Melanie, Jessica, and I standing at the bottom on the escalator where Agnese would be sure to see us as she got off her plane.

She was all smiles when she saw us.

Melanie was the first to run up and greet her with a hug.

Jessica, Tyler, Melanie and I took Agnese home while Warren and Steven waited for his mom and her friend to arrive.

Steven with his Mom, Cui (Too-ee), and Liang (Leeahng) who came from China to visit him in Utah