June 23, 2024

Family Celebrations

Betsy, so much more than a sister, celebrates a birthday in July.  Jeff and Mike ignore June birthdays.  Jeff, now 75, resides in Alaska.  Mike passed two years ago and we miss him deeply.

Precious Melanie celebrates a BIG birthday this week.  We feel blessed to call her our “daughter”.  Thomas is a lucky man.

Konrad and Thomas – This one’s for you!

One Tree Hill.  Our zone hiked to the top on a cloudy Saturday.

As Autumn lingers, we utilize every day possible for outside activities.

The view of Auckland from this vantage point is breathtaking.  For 360 degrees we view every approach to the city and all the rising hills.

The Sky Dome rests in the same park.  Matariki – the new year stars – begin to appear before the national new year celebration at the end of June.  I finally understand the significance of the stars on New Zealand’s flag.

Comfortable chairs and lights out could signify napping time.  The entire show was restful.

One mission van experienced a flat tire.  It was part of the activity.  No one seems surprised it’s on the left side of the vehicle.  We all drive over left curbs.  It’s all part of learning to adjust to the other side of the road.  Thankfully, the Senior Elder in charge of the mission fleet was there to oversee the repair.  Rick found and pulled the spare from under the floorboards.   Five elders joined in to make the repair fast and easy.  

Warm pizza awaited our return to the area office.

We enjoy these outings with the senior missionaries.  Half serve with young missionaries and half in the area office.  Joining forces once a month provides a much-needed diversion and interaction with fabulous people.

Everyone knows how to pause (pose) for a photo.