Elder Robb Dog

This reminds me of a Vietnam movie or something (minus the white shirt, tie and name tag of course).

I want stories behind these beautiful people.  I have stories - I just don't know which faces they go with.

Missionary bonding.  The one in the dark blue t shirt is his companion - one of his favorites.  I feel bad that most of his companions are Philipino and will not be showing up at the missionary reunions back in Provo.

This outfit is straight out of the seventies!  And do we love the short tie??

jungle fever

Only TEN weeks to go until this little one comes home.  Do you think he is going to go into culture shock or WHAT???  I keep wanting to wait until he comes home to explain what's going on in all the pictures. But for now, here are some more treasures from the field.

Cuteness

Missing my boy and enjoying up close shots like this . . . .

Look how precious this little one is.  It's a good thing Robby has three cute, delicious, funny, lovable nieces and nephew to come home to.

I just like this shot because Robby looks just like himself (thus the title of this post).

Strange happenings in Cebu

and an even stranger happening in San Juan Capistrano.  I am actually making a post on my blog!!

This dog appears to be from outer space . . . . . 

This is what suffices for a basketball court.  I wouldn't expect many ball skills from Robby upon his return . . . . . .

Notice Robby's footwear!!  He's had a lot of trouble with ingrown toenails on his mission.  Looks like he couldn't wear shoes and was trying to keep his feet dry.  Could we have tried coordinating  plastic bags??? . . . . . 

you very long

The literal translation for tall in Cebuano is long.  So, when people are practicing their English on Robby they will often say,

 "Elder Stowell -- you very L O N G !!!

When Robby is among Americans, he kind of blends in . . . .

 But since only 25 percent of the missionaries in his mission are American, most of the time he looks like this .  .  .  . 

Yep, Robby, I would agree.  You very L O N G !!!

Sharing

tangerines

secrets

kisses

cupcakes

Oh my Ojai

We decided at the last minute to start the year off right and get away for a relaxing, health-promoting weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.  I had never been to Ojai and I fell in love with this quaint, scenic valley.  Nicole and Dan and Presley came along.  Michael and Candice decided it was too much to try to pack up two kids (one a newborn)  and head into the unknown.  I wish I had taken pictures off of our balcony - stunning rolling hills.  Scott and Dan golfed one morning and we each had a turn at a spa treatment.  Mine was an Ayurvedic herbal exfoliation, rubbed in with hot oil, and then soaked in with warm, wet towels.  The one hundred minutes of heaven were topped off with a foot massage and a hot oil scalp massage.  Now that's the way to start the new year - freshly exfoliated and moisturized!!

The thrill of the trip was a guided bike ride 16 miles down to the ocean.  There was a beautiful bike trail, the weather was crisp and sunny.  The last few miles going against the wind I was starting to feel it. The theme song of Rocky was playing in my mind as we came around the bend and saw the ocean waves glistening in the sun.  Love it!

The best part was when they picked us up in a van and drove us back up the mountain.  Now that's my kind of bike ride!