Mallory + Jonathan: Happy Birthday(s) and Mid-Autumn Festival

August and September were eventful months here in Taiwan. I think that's a good thing, because it's difficult to be in another country where you don't (really don't) speak the language and don't know the culture. But keeping busy helps a lot!

As you know, at the end of July, Debby and Angel came to visit, and then in August Jon and I went to Australia. After we returned it was time for Angel's birthday, so we headed up to Hsinchu to help her celebrate. It was a surprise party, so Angel had no idea!

Here are some pictures of Angel's 20th Birthday!!

The scene of the party

Our masks

The cake

One of my favorite pictures of me and Angel! Happy Birthday!

A picture of a picture

Look at all the balloons!

Trying to take the balloons home

After her birthday party, we spent some time with Angel and her family exploring Hsinchu. I just love them all so much. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have family here in Taiwan. It makes everything so much better!

Beach time

Everyone go up on this ledge at the beach and I was like... no. So guess who took the picture!?

My love

My camera turned out to be better for these kind of selfies

Pizza for dinner!

And Hong Kong style food the next day

What Jon affectionately calls the Chinese Clown Car. ;)

August was also eventful because I started my new job!!! Crazy. I really love it at BaoRen. It took me a while, but I had a lot to get used to. Here are I am with my "boss" who is not really officially my boss yet, but I suspect she will be.

Wine tasting at "inservice" meetings. Crazy!

Seriously...

And then September rolled around. Of course it's my birthday month, but it's also the 2nd biggest holiday in Taiwan, called Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival. Basically you spend time with your family and have a huge barbecue, Taiwanese style and then look at the moon. It's awesome.

Jon and I found a restaurant called FEED ME. It's basically the best.

The restaurant took a picture of us! Great place!

And they made me a bear balloon. :)

Here are some pictures of Mid-Autumn Festival with Angel's family. We also got to go around Hsinchu some more. I love going up there to explore more of Taiwan!