What a fantastic week... my sister and my grandmother came out to Taipei for only 9 days... but it was 9 days of long conversations, lots of cuddles and hugs, card games, exploration and memory making. It was a bit tough since Tony had a major exam during the middle of their trip, but he juggled it all and got to have some good time with them as well. Hunter did a great job of adapting to a full house and he was a great travel companion too. Here's an overview of our very full week together...
Day 1 - Saturday
Amber & Grandma flew well... it's a long flight but they came off the plane with big smiles (and lots of luggage)
Hunter's first introduction to Great Grandma Boyer... it didn't take him long to warm up.
Didn't take him long to warm up to Aunt Amber either... she's the first person he's pooped on!And she thought it was cool!! He knows how to pick them!
It was also an introduction to chopstick use... good thing because we ate quite a bit of Chinese food during the week with very few forks available! Grandma was happy to learn something new.
Day 2 - Sunday
It started out as a rainy morning, so to let Tony get some study time, we girls went for a trip to the flower market. Later we went to church - what a kick to introduce my sister and Grandma to our church family. 
Aunt Amber was the featured Bible story reader of the day.
Hunter hasn't quite fully grasped looking at the book yet, but he'll get there.
Aunt Amber was the featured Bible story reader of the day. 
Taiwan orchids are always impressive
The rain took a break long enough to give us this amazing sunset!! You might almost think we were standing near the pier in HB... almost.Day 3 - Monday
Everyday life is what Amber & Grandma wanted to be part of... doesn't get much more everyday than this. Hunter had a doctor's appointment in the morning for a second round of immunizations. He is a brave little guy. We then met up with Tony for lunch near school and after a bit of a rest headed out to a night market for a real Taiwanese experience. I wish everyday could be this full of fun... but then again, I don't think I have the energy...
I always take Hunter in the front pack when taking the bus by myself... much more convenient. He's loving his new outlook on life! He just stares at everything and everyone.
Grandma's first bus ride in Taipei... probably first bus ride in a few years.
Aunt Amber helped share the load. We take Hunter in the front pack to the night market because otherwise it's just too crowded for a pram. Interestingly he can find his thumb anywhere.
Peggy joined us for our sampling of night market treats. We gave Grandma a taste of many Taiwanese favorites: bubble tea, dumplings, egg cake, custard buns... she's a pretty brave woman.Day 4 - Tuesday
We took advantage of the clear skies and headed to the Taipei 101 - for a bird's eye view of the city! It was definitely the best day of the week to catch the view from the observatory. We also bumped into a few friends at the cafe while we were there and got in a bit of food shopping... all in all a productive outing.
Ground level view
Of course at the observatory we had to have some "Big Tom's" ice cream. Amber went conservative with cookies & creme, but Grandma got daring and tried the Green Tea flavor... definitely won't be a ColdStone tradition in HB, but she seemed to like it. 
It was only the 4th day but they were missing their sweeties so decided to send postcards to their "Lover" from the top of the tallest building in the world! I think the guys will be stoked!
Currently these elevators are the fastest in the world - up 89 storeys in 37 seconds. Hunter didn't like the trip up... well he didn't mind the trip up but once we got out his ears were stuffed so I think I understand now why women nurse their babies on the plane. After a quick nurse and a loud cry, his ears opened and he was somewhat happy... On the way down I just let him suck my finger and it seemed to do the trick!
Taipei on a really clear day!Day 5 - Wednesday
In keeping with Grandma's weekly Wednesday lunch, we had egg salad sandwiches and pringles - only we had "stax" instead. It was fun to relive a family tradition here in Taipei. After yesterday's big outing, we ended up having a relaxing day mostly in... though somehow managed to still make it out a couple of times...
Eggs are a bit different here and we didn't have bagels, but otherwise... we almost felt like we were sitting in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard! Almost.
Grandma got a kick out of how many people are out walking in the rain with umbrellas here. If you're from California, you'll understand why that would be a point of interest...
What would a trip to Taipei be without a trip to Starbuck's??? Just like home!Grandpa would've managed just fine here!!!
Day 6 - Thursday
Big day out... while Tony was in class, we girls made it over to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall only to discover that the name is being changed (some political back and forthing) and half of the building is being renovated. Not to worry - the air conditioning was enough of a drawcard for us. Despite the heat, we had fun being out together. We had big plans for the evening which included a babysitter and dressing up... but that would be too easy!
After a hot afternoon outing, we were desparate for lunch - something fast and easy! So... we had a McDonald's buffet! It's not everyday you get rice bun burgers and corn soup from the Golden Arches in California!
Amber and Tony had some errands to run so while Grandma, Hunter & I kicked back in the A/C apartment - the two of them went on their own little adventure around town - Taiwanese style. Though it doesn't usually look as awkward when the locals double up on their bikes!
Thanks to mom and dad's pantry (which Amber raided before coming over) - we had a "Mexican Fiesta" and even had Livi & Shar over to share in the feast! It was a taste of home!!!
After a delicious dinner, the four of us set out to catch a performance at the Taipei EYE. Unfortunately, contrary to the Lonely Planet's timetable, they don't have performances on Thursday nights!?! But we were all dressed up and had a babysitter at home so we decided to go wander around town. While on the bus, Tony discovered our next destination...
Longshan Temple
There was a special ceremony going on at the temple so we had a look around. Fascinating and sad at the same time... not a lot of joy to be found here.
After a taxi, bus and look around, we finally headed home and Grandma got her first and only ride on the MRT system. Thankfully she qualifies for "Priority Seating" as it had been a long day!!!Day 7 - Friday
After a big day & night out Thursday we decided to keep it fairly mellow and stay in for much of the day... until I decided we should go do a little shopping in the 90+degree heat! What was I thinking??? Well, truth be known, I was craving "Mango Ice" ... so we ventured out for a few bus rides and some walking in order to get a taste of this culinary delight. It was worth it!!!
Grandma agreed that Mango Ice was a hit!!!When she wasn't reading her Bible, cuddling Hunter or catching a snooze on the sofa - Grandma could be found playing solitaire at the dining room table. During Hunter's feeding times, she & Amber would play double solitaire... not sure who had the final upperhand!?!
Day 8 - Saturday
Finally Tony was finished with school for the weekend so we could just relax together doing what we often do when we meet up as a family at Grandma's - eat and play games!!!
Hunter's got to be able to keep up with the rest of the cousins!
Grandma's always smiling - even when we waited over 30 minutes for a table at Sushi Express!
Lunch was a cultural experience at "Sushi Express" where Grandma got to sit closest to the conveyor belt to get a first hand look at all the little dishes as they passed by. Good thing she learned how to use chopsticks earlier in the week!!!
We had a traditional "Clark get-together" with some of our friends so they could meet Grandma & Amber. There was plenty of food and laughs to go around! We finally learned how to play "Apples to Apples" ...a good time was had by all...
Day 9 - Sunday
Good-byes are never pretty! We went to church together, had a last game of "hand and foot" and a last chinese meal... then the tears flowed... what a special week for each of us.
Aunt Amber Loves Hunter
Unfortunately at some stage during the trip the kisses had to be put on hold due to a cold sore... don't worry, she made up for it when it was gone...
Hunter got kissed so much this week he decided to give it a go for himself... his kisses are a little bit slobbery but nobody seems to mind!!
Future Frog House models???Roommates
How many babies get to share their room with their Great-Grandma?!? My Grandma's got about 21 great-grandchildren but she does a terrific job of making each one feel special! What a unique opportunity!! We were truly blessed by her presence.
.JPG)