John’s four-year-old son Caleb has joined us here in Taiwan for the summer. Luckily, he arrived just in time for the 2nd annual Miaoli Cabin Party, which was held last Saturday. This was Caleb’s first trip out of Taipei and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day or a nicer group of people to spend it with.
We started the day off by picking up David and Catherine. This was also a first for them. Catherine had only been to Miaoli once before, but never to the countryside. David has been looking forward to this day since last year’s party.
It was a beautiful day for a drive. We had the windows down and the music blaring. David brought a number Bingo game for Caleb, so we taught Caleb some numbers while John followed the directions on his new GPS. We arrived in Miaoli just in time to watch MJ and Hui-Chen get the food started with the dutch ovens. Life doesn’t get much more relaxed than a July 4th barbeque with good friends and good food. This is the second time that Becky and her family have invited us to the family cabin. It’s a real treat to visit them. Thanks very much, Becky!
It was nice to see old friends again. Hui-Chen’s mother joined us that day, and we also got to meet Andres’ parents for the first time. Neil Thompson and his family were also there, along with Becky and her family and some family friends. Later on, we were joined by Ashish and his family.
MJ cooked up a beautiful meal of roasted veggies, stuffed peppers, and chicken. He also brought out his famous chocolate and cherry cake, which is one of my personal favorites. Catherine (David’s wife) also brought some real spice to the table by cooking up three terrific dishes before we left Banciao. John and I brought deviled eggs (I’ve been told that no July 4th party is legit without them.) and John made his famous blue cheese burgers.
Kellen-burgers
We all enjoyed watching an interesting game of ball between Caleb, David, John, and Becky’s brother. David would throw the ball over Caleb’s head. The ball would land in a 6-foot ditch. Becky’s brother would climb in and fetch the ball. He’d pass the ball to Caleb, who would throw the in the fish pond. David would fish the ball out; John would try to kick David in the water, and David would throw the ball over Caleb’s head again. (Sorry, David! 
) Amazingly enough, this went on for ages and it was a thoroughly entertaining (although pointless) sport to watch. Later, Caleb and Becky played a little football. Well, Caleb mainly just beat poor Becky up. She looked like she was having fun though.
This is what happens when Caleb throws the ball.
Poor Becky. Caleb just LOVED her. This is what happens when Caleb wants the ball…
Then he had to cool off for awhile…
MJ got his karoake system set up and then we sang some golden-oldies, while everyone else fished for shrimp in the stream running next to the cabin. We ended up packing things up around 7:30pm. Our trip to Miaoli this weekend wasn’t just a treat for John and I. Caleb had a great time and hasn’t stopped talking about it since we got back.
Thanks again to Becky and her family. We think you guys are terrific!
Hui-Chen’s Mom
Beautiful moms and adorable babies.
John and MJ hanging out.
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Great post and shots. The one of Caleb and fan is super-adorable. The last shot with John and MJ made me realize an impression I’ve had about John and now am clearer on. He seems like an older soul, like from th 40’s. Don’t know how to explain that but I love the 40’s so definitely not a bad thing. Like I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw his face in a Bogie film. So kind of classic I guess. OK enough thinking out loud before I’m fully awake on Sunday morning. LOL
Hi Mark,
It helps that Caleb is super-photogenic. It’s interesting that you’ve made this observation about John. I’ve always thought so myself. John doesn’t usually photograph so well. I caught him unawares, but if you ask him to look at the camera, he never knows what to do.
Nice pics and report. I had a wedding to shoot last week or I’d have been there.
Hi Craig. We missed you and wish you could have been there. Next time, right?!
I have the same brown shirt form the Gap
so upset i wasn’t able to go again.
glad you guys had a great time.
We were bummed, too. We thought we’d see you there. It was nice to meet your folks though. We hope to see you all soon!
hello carrie, good memories! we all loved to have u guys there again!! and the blue cheese burgers! yummy! too bad, i only had one! please say hi to Caleb, we all had a good time with him, he is a wonderful kid!! hope he is enjoying Taiwan.
Too bad I couldn’t make it. I was bogged down in my thesis. Anyway, next time. Great shots, weather, food, etc.
Yeah, we wish you could have made it first. Congratulations are in order, though. You’ve worked really hard this year. It must be great to finally be done. You’ve got your life back!