Here We Go.....

I took over 500 pictures on our Norwegian Fjord Cruise.  I will try to not choose too many, but enough to give you a good feel for the wonderful time we had.  The scenery was fabulous and the weather wonderful.  We were very blessed.

   A few basic points of information.  The cruise was 8 nights and left out of Copenhagen.  Edith and Ross Brown one of our temple missionary couples went with us as well as Walt and Maureen Hale a missionary couple we meet in England who just added this on to a river cruise in Holland they had just finished.

   Our first formal dinner was Saturday night after cruising all day up the coast of Norway.

  Our first stop was up the longest fjord in Norway to the little town of Flam.  We took our only schedule shore excursion here, a train up the mountain through magnificent scenery and lovely waffles, berries and cream at a quaint little hotel.

And back to Flam

Happy Mother's Day

We are back from our cruise and there will be pictures coming.  But for today, Happy Mother's Day to all the great mothers I know.
  Besides the cruise, this was my Mother's Day Gift

Okay, I didn't really get the Frederiksberg Castle, but I did get a yearly pass.  I have to go five times to make it worth it.  I went with Maureen and Walt Hales today and know of at least four other guests who are coming. So if any of you  are in the neighborhood and need a guide, I'm good to go.

Cruise Packing

   We board our cruise liner tomorrow about noon.    It is great just being able to take a taxi down and not worry about weight of the suitcases.   It's especially nice since I am packing for cold weather as well as life on the boat.  I may or may not be able to figure out the internet  to regularly post.  I'm trying it on my I pad right now. ( However, I've had to come to the computer to get it past the draft stage, so we will see.)

    This is the packing scene.  

Where Did I leave it?

     I went shopping today at the Fredericksberg Mall.  A nice small mall, not too far.  We are going on a cruise Friday and I needed a swimming suit.  When I originally packed, I couldn't think of any reason I would need to bring my 20 year old suit... Apparently there is a hot tub and pool on the ship, so just in case, I bought one at Fotex ( Think Wall Mart, Target).  We'll see if I actually use it....
     But keeping track of your bike can be a challenge.....Fortunately I now know mine is grey with flowers and a bent basket.

Funerals and Fun

  The missionaries sang at a funeral of an older sister in the ward today and asked me to accompany them.... Not my favorite thing to do.  I get too nervous.  It went fine.  The two sisters and 4 elders had excellent voices and I managed not to distract as they sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."

Tonight we were invited to dinner with a great couple, Marianne and Jens Ole Fredericksen.  They live in a beautiful little town close to Roskilde. The drive was beautiful as was their yard.  Check out the wood pile

Mission Over

Our grandnephew, Tyler Christensen, came by to say good-bye.  He has finished his mission and goes home in the morning.

 Only these two elders are going home, along with three missionary couples.

       Excellent Missionaries to the end.  They left a spiritual thought and prayer.

Copenhagen Stake Conference

Today was Stake Conference with Elder Dykes of the European Area presiding.  He is such a kind, down-to-earth leader. I don't know if it was his idea or comes from up line, but everyone 12 years of age and older were invited to the meeting last night and he worked a little question and answer time with those under 21.  A point he made, which connects with us, is that all those 12 and up can now carry their own temple recommend, actually encouraged to carry it.  I love how the church is finding ways to strengthen the youth.  I understand now why we were inspired several weeks ago to propose to the stake having the temple open every Saturday from 10-12 for individuals to come in on their own for baptisms.  We will provide priesthood. Previously everyone had to make an appointment and come with a group.
   We held conference in a high school auditorium as the Stake Center here is being renovated.
There was a Choir/musical Half Hour, before conference started.  Jim went over early and sang with them.  They were excellent.

Thomas Kofod ( Two Testaments) sang the first verse of "This is The Christ" with the choir for the closing song. The number was magnificent and brought tears to many of us.  A wonderful reaffirmation of testimony.

Thomas is fabulous in many ways. Right now he has the lead in a major production of "Evita" but finds time to server in the temple whenever possible.

 It was an altogether beautiful day and we were amazed at how many of the saints we know and love and connect with in the temple. Everyone had such a good time seeing friends and enjoying the sunshine.