More interesting sights near Frankfurt

In the last couple of weeks before me hitting the "noggin" we went to some interesting places near Frankfurt.    Our senior couples cultural event this month was learning about Queen Victoria's life and then we went to a "home" that she built here after her husband died.  It has not been turned into an exclusive hotel but most of the original rooms and structure, etc. has been maintained.  It was a lovely place and we can stay there for $450 nightly (for the cheap rooms).  So come on over!

We also enjoyed the lovely spring weather at this castle on a lake.  Actually it is surrounded by a mote which forms this small lake in front.

This is one of the few "inhabited" castles.  Family members with young children live in an upstairs wing.  We toured the castle and then had lunch at a little cafe overlooking the castle.  Life was good on that relaxing day.

We attend the most amazing International ward.  Everyone is from somewhere outside of Germany.  About 10 of the couple missionaries serving in the Area office and many church employees from a wide variety of countries attend.  We love hearing all the different accents and getting to know these amazing families.  One of our favorites is the Francois (pronounced fran-shwa) family.  She is from Russia and he from France.  They met at BYU where she was getting her Dr. in Russian Literature and he a Masters .  They could not understand each other in the beginning but obviously learned to communicate.  They are such a cute, intelligent and devoted family.  We went to their  home for FHE and a delicious french meal. 

 
We truly "stand all amazed" at the beautiful people we have met on this mission and the different, rewarding and challenging experiences we continue to have.  The Lord has lead us down so many unknown paths with such love and support.  We feel so very blessed and love our mission and will always cherish this time and be ever thankful for His tender care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE COMPANION

We had a fun time celebrating Allan's birthday.  He got a little choked with the sweet cards sent by all the grandkiddies but we soon livened him up .  A friend who bakes wonderful treats made him a cake that we shared with many friends in the office.  And of course the crazy gifts were in abundance.

Life is never dull with this "old" fellow.  Allan is quite the man--the best husband ever, a wise and loving father, a fun and caring grandpa and a gifted leader and counselor to everyone he has ever known.  He has made my life incredibly full and meaningful and we are inseparable "companions".  How I love this AMAZING birthday boy!!  Have a good one honey!

The Aroma of Rome

We went to Rome to visit a Center and to train a new couple serving there.  We also had a seminar with our newly called Italy Area Advisors to give direction and information about the 14 Centers they will supervise in Rome.  They were wonderful meetings.  We spent one evening with the great YSAs at the Center and attended a baptism .  The Italian saints are so fun and vivacious, or you could say full of emotion!!

These two sisters are true missionaries--one served on Temple Square and the other in Romania.
We stayed 2 extra days at our own expense and saw the city.  Rome is everything you have ever heard and much more!!  Every direction you look there is history - some in the lst century.  One of our favorite sights was the coliseum which is huge and partially standing.

Another beautiful and famous sight was the de Trevia fountain where several movies have been made .  Do you remember "3 coins in a fountain"?  Well that's the spot and if you throw them it , then surely you will return. (hope so)

Of course the Vatican is probably the most famous sight and it is pretty amazing.  The Vatican is actually a walled city with it's own gov't., etc.  Inside is St.Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  St. Peter's square is the "Temple Square" of the Catholic church and is quite impressive.  There are statues of the 12 apostles around the top of the walls in the square.  Certainly no less impressive is the inside of the church (St. Peter's Basilica).

They claim that Peter is entombed here and have a beautiful bronze statue of him near the tomb.

One afternoon we went to the "square" and there were thousands of people waiting so we waited to see why.  Up in one of the windows atop  St. Peter's square the Pope appeared and spoke to the multitude.  Guess we were in the right place at the right time, but we did not convert!!

Just so you know, Pinocchio is alive and well in Rome.  He could be found in almost every tourist shop in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Rome is a charming city aside from all the historical places with it's cobblestone streets, old buildings and sidewalk cafes.   As you can tell, we were delighted with every moment we spent there and would love to return someday .