Thanksgiving with the Kingstons

The Kingstons are members of the English-speaking Metro Ward. Sister Kingston is originally from Mexico and because of her employment they live in Puerto Rico. They graciously invited all of the senior missionaries to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. We started the day with waffles with every topping imaginable. I loved the pomegranate seeds! After breakfast, we toured their lovely community. Six rode on the golf cart, and Brother Kingston, Elder Eakle, and I rode bikes. I'm glad I brought some casual clothes for that activity. Our tour was followed by games, dinner and lots of enjoyable conversation.

Elder Porter, Sister Porter, Sister Lee (kind of hidden), Elder Lee, Sister Kingston (hidden), and Sister Allred are ready for the tour.

Sister Allred, Sister Kingston, and the Lees.

I have never seen poinsettias planted in the ground. They are a beautiful, natural Christmas decoration.

I'm not sure what's happening here. 

This is part of the neighborhood water park. Using it requires an extra HOA fee. I won't tell you how much it is. 

This is the lazy river in the water park. If you stay at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the neighborhood, you can enjoy this beautiful water park. 

After so many days of rain, Thanksgiving was beautiful. We were supposed to have a ward beach activity on Saturday and it poured all day. I

This is the beach area outside the Ritz-Carlton. All beaches in Puerto Rico are public, but that doesn't mean anyone can use the amenities like the pools or lounge chairs if they aren't guests. I suppose they would just have to let you pass through to access the beach. But how would you get in the gated community in the first place? Maybe say you want go to the beach?

Elder Eakle and Brother Kingston enjoying the beautiful bike path in the neighborhood. This was one of the most enjoyable bike rides I have been on. The weather was pleasant and the path was flat and the scenery was gorgeous.

Elder Eakle and Brother Kingston stopping for a break and to enjoy the ocean views.

Sister and Elder Lee enthusiastically pose for their Thanksgiving portrait.

And then there's boring Elder and Sister Eakle.

The water was a beautiful color that day, but pretty rough. We didn't do any swimming.

Here is another beautiful view of the ocean. I love water so I'm in the right place even though I don't get in it much.

The beach area we visited is called Dorado. It's on the north side of the island on the Atlantic west of San Juan.

The gardens outside of the spa have a beautiful lily pond.

Brother and Sister Kingston made gourmet Cornish game hens with stuffing and a tasty sauce, spices, and fruit garnishes.

Our wonderful hosts preparing a delicious meal. 

We had a vegetable tray, jello salad, green salad, seafood paella, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, Cornish game hens, stuffing, potato casserole, rolls, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and raspberry cheesecake. We barely made a dent in the food. 

A better view from the other side.

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The Kingston's neighbors already have their house lit up for Christmas.

Elder and Sister Eakle right before heading home. Where is his name tag? And that doesn't look like a white shirt and dress pants!

Thanksgiving Day at Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. Serve a senior mission and you could be here Thanksgiving 2016. We will all need replacements before then. 

Elder Porter, Sister Eakle, Sister Porter, Brother Kingston, Sister Allred, Elder Eakle, Elder Lee, and Sister Lee on their way to the beach by bike and golf cart.