fam in pictures part IV

Saying goodbye to Evelyn. She, her sister, mom and aunt were leaving the next day.

Of course we had to have rice stuffed bamboo at least once. This is one of my favorite meals.

Joseph suddenly decided to perform on his violin that night. I was surprised.

Dad, who is willing to try anything (didn't even wince at the taste of stinky tofu), is taking a bite out of that sweet, spongy mass that grows in place of the water within a coconut when its sprout starts shooting out of it. 

We had a lovely time with Ting, whose chocolate truffles, I had no qualms about polishing off.

We had to play monopoly. Joseph could play it every day. It's the Taiwanese version, so Boardwalk and Park Place are Taroko and Mt. Taiping.

Dad and I had as good a time as one could have in this kind of situation. For about an hour we both had several tries at Anna's tooth. Both of us were itching to just give it a good, hard yank. I can't believe Anna let me use a pliers! In the end, Anna pulled it out herself, and earned an ice cream.

As evidenced in this picture, we were thrilled to finally have Melody over for a visit! She showered us with organic goodies and and gifts. She jumped right into our lives, helping with chores and playing endlessly with the kids. So good to finally see you again, Melody!

Not much changes with each passing generation. This is what we did to our grandpa's hair. I recall it was just about the same color.

I can only justify such decadence once a year. Mom made mandazis. They were divine. I easily inhaled ten or more each time she made them, which was twice. Here they are with a honey/nut butter dipping sause.

Mom allowed a quick break from the endless garden work for a visit the beach in the final days. Just like the sisters. I was trying hard to keep sadness at bay...

...because I knew we would be here in less than 48 hours, saying goodbye. 

I can't say enough thank you's to God for arranging this visit so perfectly, and to so many people here who helped  - Sherman, Tefu, Sophia, Tangyi, Melody, Wendy, Ting, Shio-wen, Roger, Mu-shr and Shr-mu. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you, family!