"Can't it stay summer forever?"

When we lived in the heart of Europe,. it was relatively easy to drive to the Mediterranean Sea.
We went to Greece, twice.

         and to Spain

Another summer, we went to Hungary with our friends, the wonderful Erlacher family.
Hungary was  amazing! The iron curtain was still up (but not for much longer)  and prices were incredibly low, especially compared to our home in Switzerland.  John noted that our whole family of nine could go out for a delicious dinner, including dessert, for the price of one person's meal  in Switzerland.

And it was the same in Czechoslovakia.
We took an excursion to Prague while we were staying at a family vacation village in northern Austria. We were really close to the border. John would ride his bike up to the warning signs and crossings.
picturess

And of course we took excursions closer to home:

at Insel Mainau, the flower island

Neuschwanstei

                                 Looking at our house and village down in the valley.

3 September

This is the date when I was baptized and became a member of the church, at age nineteen. I had investigated, studied, fasted, prayed and thought about it for a long time, almost two years. It was a very good decision, one I have never regretted. Quite the contrary.
I'll always feel indebted to all the good young missionaries who visited our family, and gave us so much. It was a special time.
When my brother and sister and I first visited the church in Linz on a Sunday morning, we found a small congregation in a humble little building. We were slightly late, and when we walked in the door, they were singing a song, with devotion and a very good feeling:  "Erstaunt und bewundernd"

                                  I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
                                  Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.
                                  I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,
                                  That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.
                                   Oh, it is wonderful, that He should care for me,
                                   Enough to die for me!
                                   Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

     Hymns, #  193          

Ride Idaho!

We experienced a beautiful part of Idaho, as well as Montana, when John and Jake took part in Ride Idaho 2013, and I went along as a volunteer/ helper. Gorgeous scenery, kind and interesting people, good food, fresh air, fun times.
It was a week-long ride, and almost 400 bicyclists took part : (Coeur d'Alene) - Sandpoint - Thomposn Falls - Wallace - rest day Wallace - Coeur d'Alene.
John and Jake did it!  A testament to their grit and determination and fitness!

                              For myself, my very favorite part of that week was swimming in this lake:

    On the way home, my favorite was Nauvoo  -       

Waking up to a glorious, fresh morning in Nauvoo.  Love this tent!    (And the fellow in it.)

                                 

Hurray! Hurray!

              Three cheers for Adam and KayAnna! They are engaged, and will be married in October.

              We are delighted with the news, and couldn't be happier.

                       Here, we are celebrating Swiss National Day (August 1) in Provo.

Father's Day

Four generations:  Our darling H with his father, grandfather and great- grandfather.    
Photo by L, taken in Charleston, S.C., about five years ago.                                            

What I appreciate most about JFC is, he is dependable and reliable and steady.
When young, these traits may be considered boring, but as the years go by, they become more and more important and appreciated.
I never, ever had to worry about where he was when he was away from home, or how or with whom he was spending his time. I was sure of his love and devotion to me and our family, and to God. Even in the tough times. It's a quiet kind of honor I value highly, and am thankful for.

Mother's Day

 Hold him a little longer,

Rock him a little more,

Tell him another story

(You've only told him four).

Let him sleep on your shoulder,

Rejoice in his happy smile,

He is only two-and-a-half

For such a little while!

 

                                  Author unknown   

                               "Free Verse, 12 May 1996"

Yes, we can loll here for six more chapters before [breakfast],
Yes , waffles, yes, you can stay naked all day or until you think you need clothes,
yes to butter on the video popcorn today,
and me beside you for not just the scary parts;
then yes to a rain-walk, yes, even to the culvert-rushing water and the long way home,
yes to candles with dinner, yes to no lettuce;
yes, I'll save the opera and switch to jazz,
yes, a bath bead? - take two;
and yes, I will sing the song, yes, just this once, three times.

                                                                 Ellen Dore Watson, "Wondertime", 03-08

         

 

             A lovely and happy weekend for the whole family!  So happy we could be there to share in it.