Auntie Kim and Uncle Charles go Full Time in Boston for 2 weeks!

Kim's brother and sister in law, Tim and Lynn, took a trip to Europe for 2 weeks back in May and needed some babysitters. Well, it just so happened that Kim and Charles were free before their trip to Asia and were available to help out.

So we flew out to Boston and had a day to see the routine for Kaden (5) and Kara (2 1/2) and to get the hang of things. Then Mommy and Daddy left for the airport, only to be seen on Skype for the next 2 weeks. 

We had a fun time learning to be parents and being full time parents. The kiddos were really good and were no trouble at all! 

Good bye, Farewell, Provo

Well, this is good bye and farewell, Provo for good! Charles and I are ending a chapter of our lives and turning the page of our book of life :)

I've been teaching Elementary Physical Education for a Chinese Immersion Program. I taught grades 1-4 and loved it! Well, it had its ups and downs, but it was a great experience. Was so fun getting to know the kids and hearing their Chinese progress. We did all sorts of things including basketball, field hockey, volleyball, Four Square, parachute, dodge ball, Chinese jump rope and lots of tag games :) I'll miss the kids, but I won't miss that echoey gym that drove me crazy all the time. I got used to yelling but I'm glad I don't need to lose my voice anymore. But these little guys are too cute! I liked being called 胡老師 (Hu laoshi). But then again, I got called Oo loushee and Mom and gym teacher sometimes :) Will miss these little guys!

We will miss my relatives here in Utah as well. We paid a visit to my Grandpa Bill and Grandma Betty. They took in my Dad as sponsors when he immigrated to the states. We love our Grandma and Grandpa's sets of humor! So cute. 

I've taught Primary CTR 6 class this past year and have loved teaching these 6 and 7 year olds! Rambunctious at times, but love them just the same :) I'll miss them and hope they don't just remember me for my treats and cookies, haha.

And then we got to say good bye to a lot of our friends at dear Rachel Tan's wedding to Parker Teshima. It was a beautiful sealing reception at the Mt Timpanogos Temple. So happy to see Rachel and Parker tying the knot :)

The reception at night was at a place called Wadley Farms in Lindon, UT. It had a classy barn feel and was beautiful! So glad we could see friends and say good bye since we were moving.

I taught these twins, Charity and Hope, Primary. Still can't tell which is which...

I worked with Xavi at the elementary school. We'll meet up in HK very soon!

Charles and I are moving on to the real world in California. Provo has been great, but Charles is ready for the working world. And I'm ready to get back to Optometry school and get my degree :) 

We'll miss our friends in Provo, but we are very open to visitors in Orange County. Disneyland, the beach, warm weather? Just let us know when you'll be coming :)

Zion's National Park with the Woo Family

A couple days after graduation we took a little trip to Zion's to enjoy the hiking and scenery. We stayed in a cute lodge and had fun teaching Charles' parents Settlers and Ticket to Ride board games. The weather was perfect and we got in some nice hikes. Some pictures from the hikes... We enjoyed Watchman's Trail. Awesome view!

Keith's ginormous burger from Oscars. We ate there so many times while at Zions!

Our mini bench

Charles, Keith and I ventured to Angel's Landing. Even though I felt a little lame when some of the 60+ year olds were booking it up those steep switchbacks.. I felt accomplished to get to the top :)

                

 

We really enjoyed the Watchman's Trail. Such great views!

My lizard friend. He was posing for me 

It was a great trip all of us to get to know each other better. It's nice to get in tune with nature every now and then :)

Congrats, Master Woo!

April, 2013-
Charles graduated with his Masters in Accountancy from BYU!
Hoooray! Charles parents flew in all the way from Singapore, and Nat (Charles' older brother) surprised us with flying in from Minnesota for the graduation celebrations. Kim's parents drove in from Orange County, California as well.

Thursday's Commencement Ceremony had Elder Richard G. Scott, from the Quorum the 12 Apostles, as the keynote speaker. He spoke on keeping things in proper balance and having an eternal perspective. He told the story of having 4 items in front of their kids when they were babies and seeing which of the items they would choose. If they chose the bottle, the baby would grow up valuing physical and emotional health, would eat right, exercise, pray daily and keep covenants. If the baby picked the toy, he/she would take time to recognize their personal worth. He/she would schedule time wisely, make time for family and relaxation, leave time for self, but most importantly give time to Christ. If the baby picked the piggy bank, he/she would grow up to understand the need for financial independence and know that security and means come from living within our means. Elder Scott quoted, "Too many people are spending money they don't have to buy things they don't want, to impress those they don't like." Well said, if I say so myself. And lastly, if the baby chose the bible, they would come to value individual spiritual strength, attending the temple, studying scriptures, and prayer. Elder Scott said we need to make the gospel a valuable part in our lives.

Some pictures after the ceremony...

Charles with our friends Ryan and Sarah King. Congrats, Sarah!

Charles' Singaporean buddies, Chrystal and John

Charles' second home, the MAcc Lounge. He'll miss this place!

Singaporean pride :)

Friday's Convocation ceremony was when Charles actually received his diploma, hooray! We are so proud of him! He finished a program in 4 years that people normally do in 5 years.

Master Woo's cheer squad

The WOO boys

Charles and his classmate Tanner, who will also be working at the same firm in Orange County

Long time friends Jaylin and Cheryl

The building Charles had all his classes

Charles with Brad, who will also be working at KPMG in OC

Even though it was a super busy weekend, Charles made time to go cycling with the Woo clan. It was quite a sight to see Charles with his brothers, Nat and Keith, and their Dad, all wearing matching Lifetime jerseys.

So hardcore! 

It was quite the weekend! Thanks to Charles' parents for flying all the way from Singapore to support! Thanks Kim's parents for driving long hours to support, and for helping us take back a bunch of our things before we moved. And thanks to Charles' brothers Keith and Nat for being great siblings. Thanks to Nat for flying out (even though Charles and Kim had suspicions he was going to come to surprise Charles). We are so grateful for family!