Merry X'Mas & Happy New Year
from
The Tarns

Happy Time with Grand Kids

This year we spent a lot of time with our lovely grand kids. Benjy is 3 years old and Talia is almost 2.  We went to visit Benjy in April and August, and Jeff and family came to visit us in July.  Therefore we had 3 opportunities to spend time with Benjy.  He is a typical boy with a lot of energy and we were lucky enough to be able to keep up with him.  Talia has grown to a precious beautiful little girl.  Recently, she has been making full sentences to surprise us.  Tony was lucky enough to be able to baby sitting Talia every Tuesday afternoon from 3-5:30pm.  It was Tony’s quality time with Talia and the best way to witness her growing up.  

Talia in Theresa's birthday lunch

Talia's 1 year rainbow birthday party

Visited Benjy in April 2012

Talia at Jason's birthday celebration

Benjy, Jennifer and Jeff visited Houston in July 2012

Visited Benjy in August 2012

Talia in Bellaire playground

Great News from the Kids

Jeff and Jennifer are expecting a baby girl next March.  It is such a wonderful news for the Tarn’s and Lee’s.  We are planning to spend more time in Oakland, CA to help on whatever we can.  So far, Tony is planning to be in Oakland from February 17 to March 5.

Jeff & Jennifer brought and moved into their new house in late 2011.  They having been enjoying their house throughly this year.  

Jennifer went back to work as a lawyer for the government this year.  The work environment fits well with her busy Mom schedule.  We were so happy for her.  Jeff also accepted a new job with more responsibilities in October.  The only inconvenience is that he has to drive quite a distance.  However, he is enjoying the driving in their new Prius.

With both Jeff and Jennifer working, Benjy started full time pre-school in September.  Benjy enjoyed his school activities and the time playing with other kids.  It looks like he is adjusting the change very well.

This Fall, Theresa started her temporary job as an after school art teacher.  She has always been a fantastic art teacher and wants to continue working in this field. This is a good opportunity for her to be an art teacher and great Mom at the same time.  Jason has undertaken more preaching responsibilities in his church.  On the side note, Jeremy Lin did attend one of his Sunday Worship Services during this past summer. 

Fei is Still Working

With Tony being retired for almost 2 years, Fei is still working and planning to retire sometime in 2Q13.  Hopefully,  Shell will allow her to retire as she planned, so we can make more trips in the future.  

Tony is still enjoying his retirement.  With working-out, playing computer, photographing, enjoying music, and socializing with friends, days are gone by pretty fast.  Tony still feels that he needs more time in a day to allow him to do all the things he wants to do.

Ski Trip to Snowmass in March 2012

We went to Snowmass with several ski bodies for our annual ski vacation.  This is the 1st time we skied in Snowmass.  We stayed in a ski-in and ski-out condo.  It was a luxury to be able to start and stop anytime during the day from the middle of the slope. It definitely made it easier to enjoy the skiing more.

Annual Vacation to US National Parks

This year, we decided to stay in the US for our annual vacation.  We have received lots of recommendations from friends regarding the beauty of Zion National Park.  We have packed the Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP and Grand Canyon NP into one wonderful vacation trip.  

For more info on our vacation, you can find it on our vacation blog at the following URL:

smdc2012usnp.blogspot.com

Fei’s Ladies Only Vacation to Palm Desert & Mimi Wu’s Houston Visit

Fei went to a ladies only vacation to Palm Desert with her buddies in January.  They were just relaxing and shopping in outlet mall.  It has been a tradition for them to do it once a year.  Good for her to have this kind of camaraderie!

Fei’s buddy Mimi visited Houston in November for a relative's wedding.  Mimi took the opportunity to hang out with us for a nice weekend.

Visiting Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley NP

Fei and Tony attended Kai’s daughter’s wedding in Las Vegas in November.  It was a wonderful outdoor wedding ceremony in Henderson with reception on top of M Hotel which can overlook the whole Las Vegas Strip.  

We also took the opportunity to visited the nearby Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley NP.  Tony was able to use his Senior NP Pass twice during this trip, in addition to the 3 NPs accesses during our September/October trip.  We finally were able to enjoy our senior status via using this Senior NP Pass.  It feels good to be a senior in the U.S.