A Special Birthday!

1/29/11. Man, that's weird typing in my birthday for the date. Well it’s about 10:00 PM right now and I can say my birthday was pretty special. It was a good day for sure. I’m a little upset Dennis' baptism wasn’t able to go down today but it’s all good because he’s still being taught and preparing for another day. I had an amazing birthday lunch with the Chen's. I love the Chens so much. Brother and sister Chen are super cool (both from Taiwan however bro. Chen grew up in NYC and went to college there... he actually has a slight NY accent - so funny). Anyways, the Chens totally signed up for my birthday meal weeks in advance and they treated me so well. We went to this nice restaurant here in Irvine (in one of those outdoor type malls like Desert Ridge). It was this brewery place that is known for their "home-brewed" rootbeer. I have to say it was the best rootbeer I have ever had. The whole time I was drinking that rootbeer, I was thinking of dad. I know he likes a good rootbeer. He would’ve loved this place. So we had a very nice meal and then sister Chen actually brought a cake to the restaurant so they sang happy birthday to me and blew out the candles there. We took some fun pics. I love the Chen's little kids too (2 girls and a boy... all really young). Sister Chen really wants to “friend” mom on facebook and get in contact with her to send pics and updates. It’s so cool how close I am with the Chens. Both brother and sister Chen always treat me so well. They seriously always will go out of the way for me (buying me things, inviting us over, help with Chinese, expensive dinners, etc.). Sister Chen just kept saying how she knew since I couldn’t have my parents on my birthday she would have to take their place this year (and hopefully next year if I don’t leave this area). Elder Ellis made me a sweet book cover for the new Chinese bible mom sent in the package - so cool. And then elder Kim made me a very good Korean dinner tonight. I was a little too "caked out" from the massive cake sister Chen brought for lunch so we didn’t bake the one mom sent. We'll probably make that cake tomorrow…

Note from mom: Thanks Chen family for taking such good care of our son on his birthday - that means so much!