Si Vas Para Chile ...

I was lucky enough to take a trip recently to one of my favorite places on this earth, Santiago Chile. It was a wonderful graduation present given to me by my parents. For two weeks I was able to celebrate Chile's Independence Day (as a normal person, not as a missionary), visit families and friends, eat all kinds of chilean food, and essentially be a tourist. Accompanied by my travel buddy Amanda, we went all over Santiago ... and even visited Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, which are popular cities by the coast. The nostalgia set in as I walked the streets, hopped on the buses, and took the subway all over Santiago. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in such a great country with so many loving people. This trip helped me experience a little more of the culture of Chile in a much more relaxed state than before. Buenos tiempos. Pura energia ... puro Chile.

Chilean Police, also known as Carabineros.

Waiting for pizza at Dominos. Yeah baby.

The light show put on at the Moneda (their White House)

People would just start dancing at the parties we went to. Chileans love to dance.

One of the fiestas that the town La Florida put together.

Looking over Valparaiso

Coca Cola Light is 100 times better over there than it is here. Don't believe me? Go try it.

Chilean cowboys that danced the Cueca (their national dance).

That's me kind of climbing a tree.

The Virgin Mary looks over Santiago.

Amanda and Tomas striking a pose.

After the light show

Pia made one of my favorite chilean dishes, Casuela. Delish.

My old stomping grounds.

Me and Franka

El Cerro Santa Lucia

Singing "Si te vas para Chile"

Dancing the Cueca

Destination: Ione, California

The Willis and Angie Family Reunion was this past weekend in Ione, CA. It was an unforgettable reunion. We had a ball. I'm so glad we decided to have it in Cali ... not that I don't love Oak City, but it's good to shake it up. Our family also has a lot of history in Ione, so it was good for everyone to share stories at the program about the family. I'm gonna go ahead and say that my favorite part of the whole weekend was the program. I have the most talented family. I posted a few snapshots of our adventures in Ione, Fiddletown, and Oakland. Good times had by all.

Hodg directing the crowd.

They might as well be 5-years-old with those faces. Haha.

I think it had hit about 100 degrees at this point, hence everyone gathering in the shade.

Chillaxin at the ranch.

Hey Rich, you're not in Hawaii anymore ....

Taryn and Lexi taking the reins.

Camryn Annette: a born rider.

Lyman Alder Ranch, home of the California Oak Tree.

Got to love Greg and Cindy's .... so picturesque.

Sissy was really happy at this point, thanks to a few spoonfuls of frosting.

Minute to win it game ... hilarious.

THE CHOSEN GENERATION ;)

Justin and Bubba taking in a PB&J.

McAfee Coliseum

Bubba was so distracted the whole game.

Seriously Riley?

Bunch of crazies.