We rode the bus down and the kids were able to visit the Visitor’s Center, where they watched a short movie and did a scavenger hunt.  They were all quite reverent inside and loved learning more about the temple.

But, when we were finishing up with a walk around the temple grounds – what kid would not want to play around in all that open space?  Thankfully, the Primary leaders planned ahead and brought a fun activity along.

We’re so grateful that our kids are able to have these experiences and visit the temple grounds.  What a wonderful day!

Our student branch was close-knit and fun, but because many of us had young families in the same situation, there was a great camaraderie that we all seemed to cling to with no family close by.  So, 5 years later, on the opposite side of the US (Bear Lake, UT), many of us got together to renew those friendships and catch-up.

The kids couldn’t remember any of their friends from that time, but they lost no time in meeting new friends or reconnecting with others.  They each seemed to find at least one person to cling to during our 2+ days together.  They then left with promises to e-mail and stay in touch.

“Smee” & Cami

The “Hannahs”

The “Calebs”

Naine & Emma

The reunion was organized so well that each night we had a picnic at the park with a designated activity for each.

Whiffle Ball:

Mini-Olympics:

Wheelbarrow Race

Marshmallow Spitting Contest

Bear Walk Race

Water Balloon Toss

3-Legged Race

Kick-Ball:

Our days were filled up being on the beach or taking in other local activities.  We spent one morning on the beach with the group and were able to fit in some boat time.  Chris and Emma both had a go at waterskiing.  Chris made it up and Emma had a great attempt for her first time (this coming from someone who has never even attempted it!).

Some of us settled for the simpler pleasures in boating.

We had a great time being together.  We missed many that couldn’t make it and look forward to the next time we can all catch-up!

Go, Big Red!

Those few days of their stay were doubled when Mom fell while jump roping with the kids and broke both of her wrists.  Mom and Dad actually stayed in the Logan area longer than we did as Mom had to have surgery before they could fly home.  But, ever resilient and strong, Mom put on a strong front and we all enjoyed our days together relaxing.

At the Cabin:

Chris Playing Pool

Caleb & Hannah Playing Ping Pong

Our Family Favorite – “Uno”

Playing Basketball overlooking the Lake

At the Beach:

Chris Overseeing the Sand Castle Construction

The Final Product

When does Sand become Dirt?

Watching from the Sidelines

Our Waverunner Rental for a Day

Other Local Activities:

Yum!

Cami not sure about her ‘Pony Ride’

Lovin’ it at the End

Our Hot & Dusty, but Great Trail Ride

We had a GREAT view!

Great times, great view, great company ~ I think we may just have to go back!

We were only in the Provo area for less than 24 hours, but it will always be a memorable time!

We started off our time meeting up with some friends from London.  They recently moved to the states and just so happened to be in Provo during the same time.  We had less than an hour to meet up but it was so great to see Andre’ and Ginny . . . and be on BYU campus again!

Our Family with Andre’ & Ginny

Then we were off to meet up with my sister, Eliza, and my parents, who had just flown in.  We were all together to be with Eliza as she went through the temple for the first time.  We were so excited for her decision and wanted to be there to support her.  We had a great evening catching up over dinner at Brick Oven.

Tuesday morning we all arose early and went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  We were so thankful for Liza’s roommate who offered to watch the kids while we were gone!  We had such a special morning and it was wonderful to be at the temple with Liza, reminding me of what it was like when I went through for the first time.

Chris, Becca, Liza, Mom, & Dad

It was also great to see so many of Liza’s friends (and co-workers) as well as family friends who had come to support her, even some who had traveled quite a distance for the event.

We had a great time catching up with everyone over lunch afterward.  I even got to talk to one of my best friends from growing up in Indiana.  I think the last time I saw Emily was when I came out to walk at BYU graduation in 2002.  Since then she’s gotten married and has the cutest set of twins.  So, it was great to meet her husband and her kids.

Emily & Becca

On top of that I got to (re)meet the couple, Mike & Gail Wilcox, who introduced my parents to the Church and baptized them in Northern Maine.  My parents reconnected with them a few years ago, but I hadn’t seen them since I was about 5 years old.  When my parents did visit them a few years ago and were catching up, they discovered that Gail’s maiden name is ‘Stephenson’ and was not-so-distantly related to Chris!  My dad called me after that visit to let me know Chris’ family was making sure we’d meet up eventually by introducing us to the Church.  We are eternally grateful to them, but now we are even more so.  They are amazing people!

Mike & Gail Wilcox with our Family

We will always have a special place in our hearts for the Provo area as that is where Chris and I attended school and met, but now we’ll also remember that we came to be with Liza at Mt. Timpanogos for her special day!  Congratulations, Liza!  We love you!

Of course, after the 11 hour flight of enjoying the in-flight on-demand movies non-stop, the kids finally crashed in the car.

There were so many fun things planned for us during those few days of the reunion that before we knew it, the reunion was over and we realized we would have to wait an entire year to do this all over again.  We sure do love spending time with our family!

Some of the highlights:

Grandma & Grandpa’s Yard –

Emma’s Dream Reading Spot

The Pool –

The Chickens –

Feeding the Chickens

Collecting Eggs

‘Easter’ Egg Hunt for the Kids –

Geocache ‘Hunt’ for the Adults –

Checking the GPS coordinates

Haley Finding our First Clue

One Clue took us to Baskin Robbins for Free Ice Cream!

Bowling –

Award Ceremony –

Cami – Miss Photogenic

Hannah – Community Service

Caleb – Gymnast

Emma – Goodreads Enthusiast

Becca – Field Tripper

Chris – Ambassador

We also had a great time one morning doing a family service project for a woman who had recently lost her husband.  One afternoon we had a family talent show.  I neglected to get any pictures of that, but our kids held up our weight for the show.  Emma recited lyrics for a song she composed, Caleb played a couple pieces on the piano (as well as showing off some gymnastics moves), Hannah did a hip-hop dance (with Emma’s assistance), and Cami did the ‘chicken dance.’  Chris and I decided that our talents were supporting our kids in these interests and cheering enthusiastically!!

And, of course, a reunion would never be complete without a day (or two) of family group pictures:

Day 1 –

The ‘Original’ Family

The ‘In-laws’ (with me trying to steal the show)

Our Little Family

The Big Family

Cozy Cousins

Cami & John T.

Day 2 –

The Big Family (Plus Great-grandma & Chloe)

We love that our kids are building these fun family memories as they grow older.  Even though they only see their cousins once a year, they can pick up where they left off and love to be together.

Falconry

One week the kids had a falconry visit to their ‘Flexi-school.’  Cami and I stayed behind to see the birds as well.  I thought this would just be a demonstration and informative discussion about the different birds, but it was hands-on.  Each of the kids had a chance to ‘fly’ the birds and feed them.  Emma was the only one of our bunch to attempt this on any level.

Barn Owl

Harris Hawk

Emma did, however, shy away from handling the large owl.  It was huge!

European Eagle Owl

London Bombings

We have been full-force into studying World War II and the Holocaust, as evidenced from our recent trip to Amsterdam.  It has been a great experience studying these events from the actual places that they occurred.  One day we talked about the time during the war when many families in London were sending their children away to the countryside, away from the bombings.  So, after our lesson, I told the kids we were going to pretend that they lived in London during the time of the war.  They had 5 minutes to grab their backpacks and pack whatever they thought they would need, not knowing how long they’d be gone.  They thought the idea of it was great fun and were laughing and giggling the whole way.  After 2 minutes, a couple kids were back but when I asked if they had packed clothes, they were back up the stairs.

When the kids had gotten everything, I had them put their shoes on and we walked out the front door.  They were clueless as to where we were going and couldn’t stop laughing.  It just so happens that we live down the road from where the first V-2 rocket was dropped in London.

I had seen the marker for it, but have never stopped to look at it.  We found out 3 people had been killed in that spot.

When we got back home, I had the kids (one by one) empty out their backpacks and show us what they had packed.  We had an assortment of things – piggy banks, toys, journals, books, toiletries, and each had 1 change of clothes.  Then we each voted on who we thought packed the best.  It really was fun and the kids keep talking about it.

**I found out later my great-grandmother was one of the women who took in children from London during the bombings.  She was a widow and her 3 children were all away serving in the military.  All three of the children that stayed with her formed a close bond with her family and called her “Mum”.  When she passed away, they came to her funeral.  The war definitely changed lives . . . many people made the best out of it and I think that is amazing.**

REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Army Museum

We jumped at the chance for a homeschool group field trip to the REME Army Museum discussing . . . World War II.  We actually made 2 separate trips out there during a two week time to discuss science and history.

Some of our favorite activities were -

• using the old field phones to talk across the vehicle hall,

• learning and sending morse code messages,

• building and ‘flying’ our own parachutes,

• learning to be a good soldier,

• as well as dressing up like one.

By far, my favorite activity was the mock air-raid drill.  This was by no means ‘fun,’ as I actually was trying to control my emotions watching some of these little kids with pure fear on their faces from the loud sirens.  But, it was so interesting to see what the war was like here in England.  This is part of history you don’t learn about fully in American history classes.  The kids each grabbed one item off a table (ranging from important documents to the chamber pot) and raced to get under the ‘kitchen table’ (which we were pretending to have been a special steel table used especially as a bomb shelter).

The Warden, an unpaid volunteer, stayed out in the open during the ‘attack’ and when it was safe for everyone to come out, she gave the ‘all-clear’ signal.  I think it was eye-opening for the kids, but I felt like I learned a great deal as well.

Last weekend we took an extended field trip to Amsterdam.

We’ve been studying World World II and the Holocaust and felt this was a great time to take a short trip to see the Anne Frank House.

It was amazing! The house has been left unfurnished – when the Germans were tipped off of the secret annex, they also took all the furnishings. Otto Frank felt it should be left this way. As you walk through the house, everyone spoke in hushed tones and you really felt you were walking in a hallowed place.

I think we were all reminded why journals are something we should strive so hard to keep. Emma was also impressed that Anne Frank wrote short stories and had started on a novel as well; a girl after her own heart.

With so much culture around us, we tried to get in as much as possible.

We began with a boat tour . .

. . . and loved seeing the different parts of the city as we navigated through the many canals.

Something that definitely catches your eye is how many bikes there are – locked to everything.

In one area, we even spotted a parking garage just for bikes!

As tourists, we were constantly looking around at the sites and almost got side-swiped by bikes a couple times. If you ever go to Amsterdam, beware of the bike lanes and stick to the little dirt pathway that is allotted for pedestrians!

Path in village of Sloten

Even though Holland is such a small country, there seem to be many famous artists from there. We studied up on a few (Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt) and made sure to visit the museums where their paintings are hung. It was great to see the kids recognize their works and know what the stories behind each painting were.

Van Gogh Museum

We even had the opportunity to visit Rembrandt’s house (before he went bankrupt) and see his studio.

Saturday morning, we took a short tram ride out of the city to a small village called Sloten to tour a working windmill. You can’t go to Holland and not see windmills!

This windmill does not grind anything, but rather pumps water. The miller was a great tour guide and even showed us how he turns the ‘mill cap’ so the vanes face the wind. We were impressed as we watched the top of the windmill rotate until it was catching as much wind as possible to get the water pumping.

We will all agree that Sloten possibly has the best French fries in the world! True perfection!

We had such a great time and were grateful to find a flat that could fit all of us. We were on the top floor of this building and had the attic as well.

In case we didn’t get a big enough workout while we were out walking, we always had to finish strong so we could make it up the steep stairs of the flat!

This is only the FIRST flight!

Definitely a weekend to remember (in addition to the fact that we got to experience, first-hand, the energy from the nation as the Netherlands celebrated their World Cup successes so far)!

Being here in London for Father’s Day was a different experience.  Yes, it is mentioned, but not truly celebrated.  I was expecting a little more commercialization, no extra church meetings, children singing in Sacrament meeting, etc.  Nothing.  One of my British friends told me it is a relatively newer holiday here and isn’t pushed as much as Mother’s Day is, which has been around in the UK for a long time.

But . . . that didn’t stop us.  We celebrated as if . . . it was the British Mother’s Day for Dad!

We started off with “THE Mystery Card” (an idea from my friend, Brooke, last year).

Totally stumped on how to open the card:

The ‘a-ha’ moment (I will admit he needed a little hint, but I think he enjoyed the challenge):

We picked up some fun things that Dad needed and a great family book for UK family adventures.

One mysterious trip to the garage revealed another fun gift . . one that Dad had a craving for – a grill!

We are so thankful for our dad and all he does for us.  He is one of the hardest workers and best multi-taskers I know.  He knows how to have fun and he knows how to bring a special feeling into our home.  He is truly one of a kind and we’re so glad he’s ours!

Our hotel was actually situated high on the hill (the highest building in the picture).

The first night we were put into a little cottage in the valley part of the village.

The outside does not do it justice.  The inside was wonderful . . . as long as you duck your head on the way in and out of the bathroom.

Our remaining nights in the village were spent in a house just down the hill from the main hotel.

Each morning we opened up the basket they left in the kitchen to find our breakfast.

There was always fresh bread, ‘cake’, cheeses, vegetables, fresh eggs, homemade jellies, and fruits.

Just being in the hotel’s houses just made you feel ‘at home.’  We spent many hours inside just relaxing.

One afternoon we attempted a swim in the hotel’s pool.  It was a beautiful layout, as you looked out over the valley, but the water was FREEZING cold!  Only the die-hard kids made it in past their feet!

One of our nights there, we ate in the hotel’s restaurant and had the most picturesque dining experience we will probably ever have.

The food was really good as well, but the view was stunning.  I was so glad we were still eating for the sunset.

*The Village*

The village is made up of descendants of Turkish immigrants who left their homes in Greek Macedonia, in the 1920′s.  Their main sources of income are peaches, grapes and olives, although being so close to Ephesus, tourism has started to help their economy as well.  

With the steep slopes of the village, a tractor is one of the only ways to haul anything.

Another way . . . by donkey.

Shops have been set up to display local wares.  One of the most unique was a little lean-to with an old man who carved cooking utensils.

Day after day he sits there carving, and sells the utensils.  (You can see Caleb holding the spoon Chris bought.)

Village Drinking Fountain

For our last full day in the village we decided to go hiking.  We had no idea where we would end up but we stayed to the trails and had a lot of fun.

The only site that wasn’t countryside was this view that we had of workers digging into the rock wall.

We were quite curious to know what they were creating but not close enough to ask.

*Ephesus*

Despite what it sounds like, we did make it out of the village to site-see.  Our first stop was the ruins of Ephesus.  We were told to arrive early, before the cruise ship tours started.  We were glad we listened.

Before (on our way in)

After (on our way out)

We made sure to get in what we wanted to see, like the facade of the Library of Celsus.

Also, the Ephesus Theatre was on our list.  This is the theater where Paul’s preaching started an anti-Christian demonstration (from Acts 19:24-41).

We were able to catch a little bit of action during this ‘gladiator’ battle.  The kids were entranced.

Just a little bit off from the main path of Ephesus there is a trail leading to St. Mary’s Church.  We enjoyed walking through (or playing in) the ruins here as well.

On our way out, we found something of a treasure to us . .

A baptistry font for adult baptisms . . . by immersion.

*Virgin Mary and St. John*

Just up the road from Ephesus were signs for Virgin Mary’s House so we drove up the hill to see what it was all about.

At the top of the hill is a house where supposedly Mary lived after John brought her to Ephesus after Jesus was crucified.

When we realized they were going to charge us for parking and to go see the house, we snapped a couple pictures and went back down the hill.  So, we didn’t actually see the house.

We did, however, find the Basilica of St. John in the town next to Ephesus.  So, we went in its ruins.

Again, we found a baptismal font for baptisms by . . . immersion!

This is supposedly where John is buried.

*Beach*

Sadly, once you see some ruins, they all start running together.  So, we left them behind and found the beach!

The kids had a great time getting their energy out.

The water was, again, FREEZING!  So sticking our feet in was as far as we got!

Now we can say we’ve been to the Aegean Sea . . . and stuck our toes in!

*Lesson Learned*

We were warned prior to this trip that Turkish people love children and we needed to relax and let them give our kids candy or whatever they feel the urge to share.  Even with the warning, I don’t think we were quite prepared for how much this would affect our traveling.

Poor Cami was truly a target.  Every single place we went, her cheeks were squeezed, she was picked up and cuddled, her hair was petted, etc.  At first she really had issues with this.  I mean, who wouldn’t?!  But, by the end of the trip, she just tried to pretend they weren’t touching her.

Cami trying to ignore the guard petting her hair:

Of course, sometimes this worked to our advantage.  One night at dinner, when the weather had started to cool off, the waiter brought Cami a tablecloth to wrap around her shoulders.  In an after-thought he brought one for Hannah as well.

Not too long afterward, the waiter brought us an additional plate of lamb chops specifying that they were specifically for Cami ‘on the house.’

That was a night that she didn’t mind the extra attention!

Cami has now become everyone’s favorite travel partner.  Even having to deal with 4 year old melt-downs, there definitely are perks, especially if you are in Turkey!

After seeing the big site-seeing destinations, we decided to spend a relaxing afternoon atop a site-seeing bus.  It was great.

After being in the same part of the city for a couple days, it was refreshing to get out of our little hub and see the rest of Istanbul.

I LOVE audio-guides, mostly for the fact that my kids LOVE them!

As we crossed the Galata Bridge to the other side of Istanbul, we saw fishermen.  Not just a few, but the entire length of the bridge was lined with them!

I’m sure some are sold directly to the restaurants, but this fish market we passed must be on the receiving end as well.

We aren’t really seafood eating people.  Well, some of us aren’t.  But, we did try a lot of other Turkish cuisine while in the city.  One night we splurged and ate at a roof-top restaurant with an amazing view of Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque

Bosphorus

This was a night that we encouraged the kids to eat Turkish and not settle for something they always eat.  You can see Emma’s reaction to that news.  She is definitely our finicky eater.  Although she was quite happy with her chicken kabob.

Hagia Sophia

If, on the off-chance, you get hungry between meals, there are a number of street vendors to choose from.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen such variety in food carts.

Watermelon

Nuts

Corn on the Cob

Prezels (in a cart)

Pretzels (on the shoulders)

Pretzels (on the head)

We really enjoyed the pretzels, although I think the ultimate winner each day was the ice cream.

I do admit, one day, we were ready for something we were used to and popped into a McDonald’s.  Sometimes it’s just nice having something ‘normal’ when everything else around you isn’t.

We set aside our last full day in Istanbul to shop for souvenirs.

You could do this through locals set up on the sidewalks,

as you weed through the rest of the tourist population checking out the wares.

There are also the small street bazaars,

where you can find most things Turkish.

You can even get quite an education on how they make the Turkish rugs, as you get pulled into different rug shops.

The shop owners are always accommodating to families, as they hope for that sale.  Our kids loved the freedom they were given to play in the rugs.

But, if you are really going to look for souvenirs, the best place is the Grand Bazaar.

These were my favorite shops to stop in:

The kids each found something to remember our trip by.  Cami chose a Turkish yo-yo and the other three chose leather-bound notebooks.  I was impressed that when we got back to our flat, they all opened their notebook and declared they were their travel journals.  Perfect use for them and I hope they continue to use them on future travels.

Our time in Istanbul was done, but this is not the end of our travels . . . stayed tuned for Bölüm Üç (Part 3).