"R and R" and the Best Food Ever!

With our feet running from early morning until late at night, we all looked forward to the evening at John and Alison's home in Shanghai--especially the kids. They couldn't wait to play with the Wilde kids and dogs and just generally have fun doing normal kid things. They weren't disappointed!

Roxie and Roscoe--believe it or not, they became proud parents two days after we left, and no one even knew they were expecting--not even John and Alison!
Alison takes Shelly and Natalie to their foot massage appointment on Big Red.
Wau Li takes Preston for a ride while Anna was getting the dinner. What a life! In addition, every morning Anna asked what kind of omelet we wanted. She even made pancakes or waffles, too. We really got spoiled! George with Kevin and Kent looking over John and Alison's giant video collection.

Tyson putting together his new Lego toy which Grandpa and Grandma brought him. Preston can't wait to get his little hands on it!

Everyone loved seeing John and Alison's beautiful home and wonderful Chinese artifacts as well as other interesting items they have collected all over the world as they have travelled. John and Alison were such gracious hosts and opened their home and hearts to all of us.



Some of John's Chinese artifacts. I can't wait to see where he will put the life-sized Terracotta Warrior when it soon arrives!


In addition to the great atmosphere and company, however, the thing that will probably stand out the most is the dinner that was served us. It had to be, by far, the best meal we had while in China! Alison's nanny is from the Philippines and is one of the best cooks I have ever seen. Everything she cooks is just fantastic--but she really outdid herself that night. We had the best barbecue chicken which she actually grilled outside while holding Preston in the other arm, cucumber salad, ribbon jello salad, carrots, (Alison fixed these. They were divine! She learned how to make them while living in Paris.) potato casserole, and for dessert, the most divine chocolate cake, made from scratch. There wasn't a crumb left! All of these recipes can be found on the Rigby Family Recipes blog.

As we were eating, Kevin remarked, "How can food taste this good?" We just couldn't believe how great it was and how much we were enjoying it. Not only was it the best food ever, I know we were all getting a little tired of Chinese food.

Alison also had a little party for Bracken and Connor who both celebrated their birthdays this month. They got to blow the candles out and we sang to them. What great young men those two are! They are both such a joy to be around!

Another day we got to go into Shanghai and watch Parker and Tyson play a soccer game. Wow! Those kids are good. We surely had a great time and wish we could watch all the grandkids in their sports. We just love doing that! It reminds us of the good ole' days watching five boys playing almost every sport and two girls in dance and drill.



Preston didn't want to be left out--he's already getting his quick foot work.

A truly beautiful soccer field which even had stadium bleachers!

A couple of days later when we left Shanghai, we had to say "Good-bye" for now. Even though George and I were trying to hold back the tears--it is always so hard to be so far away from John and Alison and their family--I am excited for them to come to Florida this summer for a couple of weeks!Thanks John and Alison for being such gracious hosts! You made us all feel so welcome and really were the reason for getting the whole trip to China planned in the first place. Thanks, Bracken, for giving up your bed to Grandpa and me and for always helping me with my suitcase. You are such a gentleman. Thanks, Anna, for the wonderful meal and for helping take care of our grandchildren so well! Thanks, Wau Li for helping keep such a clean and comfortable home for the Wilde family and for taking care of the dogs so well, including birthing the new puppy which was born just a few days after we left. See Alison's blog for all the details. The Wilde family is providing George and me with many adventures throughout the world!

Day of Pride

Each time as we went to our hotel in Beijing, we passed the Olympic area and saw the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. I think our guide had intentions of just driving us there one day and letting us walk around the grounds, but no one in the group thought that was enough. We wanted to go inside and see where all the athletes entered, where the winner podiums were, and where the fantastic opening ceremonies were held. We just had to go in! I'm so glad we insisted, because it was such a day of pride to think of all the wonderful athletes around the world who worked so hard to be there, and to recognize the Chinese government for sponsoring such a truly memorable Olympic.

Even though they have put out the Olympic torch in Beijing, you can still see the tower where it burned brightly.

Inside, it was really a party. Music was playing and big screens were showing highlights of the Olympics. Everyone was overwhelmed with excitement just being inside!

George, standing in front of the Olympic mascot.

On our way out of the Olympic area, we walked past the Water Cube. We didn't get to go in, but it was phenomenal just seeing it lit up from the outside. We also saw where the gymnastics were held. What a great experience to be part of the Olympics--even if we were a little late!

Favorite Memory of an Airport

Come on--admit it. One of the worst parts about flying is sitting in an airport waiting for the next flight out. You're bored, you're tired, and you just want to get going. Well, the Korean Airport has definitely solved this problem--in fact, we were always a little sad as we were coming and going through that airport to get on the plane.

The Korean Cultural Committee has placed Traditional Experience Centers all over the airport where you can go (FREE of charge) and be taught about ancient arts and crafts and actually make them. In addition, you can put on their traditional costumes and see what they were like. It was such great fun!

Here Lauren, Allison, and Kate are learning to make a Korean toy that is kind of like a hackey-sack. It is made of rice paper with a weight in it. Other items you could make were fruit trays and raised art, but sadly, we didn't have enough time to make those items. Alison, Lauren, and Kate with the Korean Cultural Aide.

These traditional costumes were so beautiful and made us feel elegant, even though I felt they made us look huge. Oh, well.

What a novel idea! Thank you to the Korean young ladies for such a great time.