Barahona District Conference

We left for Barahona, a 2.5-hour drive, after our Saturday midday shift on September 22.

As we stopped for gas, a dad and his son were leaving on a moto.

Across the way, the "watcheeman" was keeping an eye on things.  Note that the cacti will soon be blooming.

We stayed at Playazul a little motel just outside Barahona.  It has changed a lot since we were here from 2005-2008, when trees had just been planted.  On the other side of the pool is the Caribbean Sea.

On the grounds were beautiful hibiscus bushes and a peacock family.  Before we went to bed, we found five of them roosting on our roof!

This kitty became quite friendly when Larry offered her a piece of ham from his scrambled eggs.  I fed her quite a few and became very popular.  :)

The Diaz family just outside the district center.  Son #3 is on the way.  When we were here before, Johan served as district president.  He rode a moto out to the branches to visit the members.  They're rock-solid, faithful people.

                                                              

Parking lot of the stake center after the conference.  Not many members have cars.  Many come in buses or vans - and on motos, too.  Women often use umbrellas to deflect the sun (see the blue one?).

We have known a number of the Barahona saints since our first days in the country.  They remember us and give us abrazos (hugs).  It was fun going to the campo (country) to visit the dear people there. 

Subsequent Bair photos

Here are more photos of Rachel, Grant, and Melody's visit ~

Ride in the red wagon with Aunt Bonnie.

Miss Kandi and her "puppy."

Three special little Bairs, Grant, Melody, and Rachel.

The Coopers' Visit

  Karina starting her front float


Keane entertained himself in the dressing room while his sisters dried off

 Lily (center) begins her back float


 A visit to Miss Kandi's to see her carousel horses and play with (what is that dog's name?)


 The ever-popular hot chocolate party using the vintage Fisher-Price tea set

After the family reunion at Sunriver, Amy and Nate enjoyed their stay at Timberline while their three hung out at Grandma and Grandpa's.  There were swim lessons at Oxford, a visit to our neighbor and her peaceful dog, and a much-enjoyed tea party.

Colorado Visitors

The Four Bairs at Crown Park pool

        On the Monday before the family reunion, we had a picnic at Crown Park in Camas with the Barretts, followed by fun in the pool.  Tuesday the Bairkins spent the night with us while Bert and Jen enjoyed a short stay at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.  Aunt Bonnie gave them rides in their own red wagon, and Miss Kandi, our neighbor across the street, brought her dog to visit.
                                          

Summer 2012

A great birthday, with chocolate cake, strawberry ice cream, and tropical flowers!  This is at our kitchen table.

We had a nice lunch in the Colonial District, complete with virgin piña colada.  Behind us is the Columbus House, built and lived in by Diego, Columbus' son.

In August, a delightful surprise visit from Andrea Garcia, youngest daughter of President and Sister Garcia, who served in the East Mission while we served in the West.  Andrea arrived in 2005 at the age of 14 and now is a student at BYU - a beautiful and delightful young woman.

July in Sunriver, Oregon.  Our traditional talent show, with the original five Bairs miming "Treat yoa muddah right!"  An all-star cast! :)

The Joneses brought their talent all the way from Connecticut!  Great singing, great guitar playing, great number.

Joel, Sheri, and Nate enjoyed the talent show not a little.

It was so  fun to have everyone together- Nate and Amy with Karina; Bonnie; Bert and Jen with Melody; Joel and Sheri; Elise and Chad; los Padres with Keane Cooper.
In front, Grant Bair, Lily Cooper, Rachel Bair, Gavin and Arwen Jones.

September in the DR

These two women attended the Conference.  Here they're about half a block away from the Stake Center, and they may have a long walk ahead.

Earlier in the day we attended the Stake Conference at San Cristobal, where some of our temple obreras greeted me afterwards. What sweet women they are!

The mission training center (CCM here) has firesides each Sunday night, and last night was our turn to speak.  There's always ice cream afterward in the cafeteria.  These missionaries from Haiti are really enjoying theirs!

The temple grounds

A big white wall surrounds the temple, and everyone coming in has to pass the guard house. (Here they call it the casita, which means little house.) You can barely see the top of it on the far left, above the fence.