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.
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!
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!
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! 
1 comment:
Mom--That was way too nice of a blog post! We are the ones grateful to have so many visitors in CHINA! Thanks to you for the time spent to organize the amazing trip!
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