Bob, Becky & Charly Come For A Visit and the Week, 1-3 June 2015

We met up with Bob, Becky and Charly at Heathrow airport about noon, on Monday.  It was so good to see them!  A year is a long time and we miss family.  I think Charly has grown a couple of inches since I last hugged her!

Once we got in the car we were off to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, and mother of Elizabeth I.  We talked and talked as we traveled, pointing out things to the kids and them asking questions, etc.    The draw back to the day was the wind and rain.  We brought extra umbrellas but being cold and wet just isn't the best way to enjoy an outing.

 Bob, Becky & Charly

Our first stop was a break at the loo, and then for a bite to eat at the cafe.  Everyone had something different and they got their first taste of English food, some good, some okay, etc.

  William Waldorf Astor of America, purchased the castle in the 1903.  He did a lot to restore the castle and there are many artifacts and furnishings dating back to the15th century.  His family used it as their home and some of the rooms had been remodeled to reflect a more current period for his three daughters.

We were not allowed to take pictures inside, but we did see the only Tudor royal bed in existence, which is located in King Henry's bedchamber.  We had hoped to miss the rain by eating first, but it continued to come down so off we went on a walk through the gardens.  We made a trip through the maze and Charly got us out in no time.

We finished up our time here and then headed to the temple grounds.  The tree tunnel covered narrow country roads were an excitement for all of us and we continued to talk and share events and stories.

We spent a little time here for them to see our flat, walk the grounds, and to get Charly's things in the flat.  She stayed the night with us and Bob and Becky stayed at the Wiremill Pub, Bed & Breakfast.

Bob, Becky & Charly at the London Temple.

 We headed over to the pub, got Bob & Becky checked in, then had dinner there.  Becky had cards so we played a couple hands of hearts while we waited for the food.  After dinner it was time for bed.  They were all sleepy with jet lag hanging heavy on them.

We took Charly with us and headed to the flat.  She got ready for bed and was out like a light!

Tuesday morning came and we all met up at the baptistry in the temple at 8 a.m.  Charly had brought family names Danny had prepared.  She was baptized for 18 of her ancestors.  It was a special time to be in the temple with our children.  We were happy to introduce them to other workers and to show them around.

It was cold, windy, and rainy weather again today, so we considered what we could do until it was time for them to catch the train.  We took them to London Road in East Grinstead and walked the shops for them to get a feel of an English town.  It was pretty fun, other than the windy rain!  We were all ready for the car when we headed back to it.  We took them to Three Bridges to catch the train and off they went.

We traded with a couple on the afternoon shift so we could be with the children in the morning.  We were home and ready for our shift at 2 p.m.

The week in the temple went well.  The single adults held a conference here at the temple grounds for the week.  They were in each day and filled the rooms.  By Saturday we could recognize most of them.  Six coaches came in on Saturday and we were very busy.  Every area had plenty of patrons and the workers were continually serving them.

By Thursday we were beginning to see sunshine some and then Friday was a whole day filled with it. Clouds came back in on Saturday, but not to the point of blocking out the sun.  We were able to open windows and enjoy the pleasant weather.

The week was filled with the usual doctor appointments, shopping, errands, and cleaning.  I helped Steve with family history and Dad and I watched Elder Perry's funeral.  It was a very nice tribute to a powerful man and witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will be missed by his loved ones as well as many church members and others.

We did a FaceTime call with Eliza and sang Happy Birthday to her on her special day, 3 June.  She is one year old and we have yet to see her in the flesh.  We caught her eating lunch but she took time between bites to smile, wave to us, and try to touch us.  What a sweetie she is.  Later that day Juliann sent this photo of her and Collins.  You would not guess they are five months apart in age.