Michael Dowdle and Eric Dowdle sup ... with their glamorous wives!

We went to dinner with Michael and Eve Dowdle last night -- a long overdue event. We had a wonderful evening supping on delectable PF Chang chinese food (they're the best ever). Eric ... poor thing ... had to watch with watering eyes, for he was on day three of his detox cleanse and could only sip on lemon water. But he didn't complain and deserves big fat juicy kudos for that! (Too bad he can't chew on them ... oh well.) 

Michael and Eve were wonderful and so gracious. We excited to make new friends and we'll be sure to add them to our Christmas card list immediately (how lucky they are). A lot of people have asked us if these two Dowdle men are related. Yes ... but third cousins. Their Great Grandfathers were brothers. 

Thanks Mike and Eve for a great evening.

Here's Michael Dowdle's website if you want to check out his gnarly guitar skills (Ryan's going to be so jealous to find out we went to dinner with one of his guitar heros! But don't be sad Ryan. Michael has promised to "shred" with you when you get home from your mission. Yes, you can thank me later! Much love.)

www.michaeldowdle.com

Ryan sent pictures!

I know-I know! So many pictures!

I didn't post all of them. Just a FEW that I really liked or that I thought you'd want to see. We have pictures from the Provo and Peru MTC. Also, pics from Bolivia before Ry got evacuated to Peru. The pics go backwards, from Bolivia tanks and the evacuation to the MTC pics. ENJOY!

So, here's the story...

Yesterday, Shawn brought in a letter from the mailbox. He had a mischievous smile on his face and I knew something was up. The news couldn't have been better ... Ryan's letter finally came! I jumped up and down like a little girl and clapped my hands. Shawn and Joey looked at me like I was possessed. We've been waiting for this letter for some time and I was starting to get nervous that the Peruvian mailman had kept it for himself ... so rude.

But alas, my "hug letter" came filled with words of faith, gratitude and longing for homemade cooking. 

QUOTE

"One thing that, hands down, I miss the most is your Iron Chef culinary abilities ... wow. What I would give for a post-fast Sunday dinner of yours with leftovers that have no limit access -- but are free to all. I'd ask you to send me a plate through the mail but no number of Christian stickers would keep the latinos at the post office out of it. And then word would spread about packages from the Dowdles and then no Dowdle-package would be safe."

Oh my heart. Words of gratitude from a 19-year-old son. Mothers, can you not relate to my elation?

I needed that!! 

Ry also bore an amazing testimony of the gospel (buttons popping even more than the food compliment) that I will cherish forever.

In addition, Ryan sent a memory card full of the pictures above. EARLY CHRISTMAS FOR ALL! Names and general descriptions will have to wait until Ry gets home ... in about 100 years. 

HAPPY DAY!!

RY-RY WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!!