The Hawkins

2009-07-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sailing on the Li River was picturesque, the most unusual looking mountains you will ever see.

This was our cruise ship for our 5 day trip down the Yangtze River and through the 3 Gorges Dam. We began in the city of Chongching in central China.

We visited Pagodas and Pandas and saw more Buddahs than I ever thought possible.

This was our ride across the City Wall of Xian. Many of the older cities still have protective walls wide enough for two car lanes, but bicycles and pedestrians only are allowed.

May 2009 Tour of China

2009-07-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Iva on the Great Wall

We had one of the 12 days a year that they see blue sky at the Great Wall.

However, in Hong Kong it was monsoon weather and rained hard each day.

Hong Kong Temple

It was crowded and traffic was crazy. There are so many people on such a small island.

They love peacocks and use them in many of their traditional Chinese dress. The rains stopped for 2 minutes so we snapped this photo.

The Great Wall of China was unbelievable. Those stairs were so steep and they built the wall along the highest points of the mountains to discourage invaders.

Grandma and Grandpa Hawkins

2008-11-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

The family had formal pictures taken last Christmas (2007) as a gift to Grandma and Grandpa Hawkins.

Relaxing at the Ancient Ruins

2008-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Waterfalls in Book of Mormon Lands

2008-11-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

GREAT TIMES AT LAKE CASCADE

2008-11-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

The grandkids really enjoyed Grandpa's boat this summer. We had a great family reuinion in McCall, Idaho. Who knew that Idaho could be so beautiful?

Always in the Service of the Lord

2008-11-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken November 2007 when President Hawkins was called to be the President of the Bakersfield, California Stake.

2008-11-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

President and I began our tour by visiting the Mexico City Temple, which is to be re-dedicated in November 2008. We went to church on temple square, met the Temple President and visited the new state of the art Visitors Center.

Updates since the mission

2008-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

October 2007 We took a 3 week tour of the Holy Lands.
November 2007 President Hawkins was called by Elder Richard Hinckley to serve as the President of the Bakersfield Stake.
December 2007 Our entire family was home for Christmas for the first time in many years.
We now have 9 grandchildren.
October 2008 We traveled through Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras on a Book of Mormon Land Tour. It was beautiful, but very hot and humid.
November 2008 Created the mission blog to keep us updated on all of our missionaries.

Climbing to the top of the Monastery at Petra required some help. We were grateful these donkeys had more energy than we did.

2008-01-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

Trip to Egypt & Israel

2008-01-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

Grandkids saying Goodbye

2008-01-20T17:21:00.001-08:00

Tada!

2008-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

The kids decided that it was time for a new family photo this Christmas. This is a picture of grandma and grandpa before the photographer showed up to take pictures. More to come.