Weeks 44-46 in France

We had the opportunity to go to the Louvre again, and this time actually got to see the Mona Lisa close up.  The attendants made sure we only had time to take two pictures before moving us along to the next room,  We were able to look at other magnificent paintings while ziz-zagging our way through the long lines for half an hour to see her.  We'll wait until after the tourist season ends befrore going again!!

We've gotten together with the other senior couples several times in the past few weeks.  Here are some pictures of us rowing on the Grand Basin behind the Chateau of Versailles, and eating together at a creperie and at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Taking pictures of each other

Looking back towards the chateau

Eating out at a nice mom and pop type crepe restaurant.  Good crepes!

A really nice Vietnamese Buffet

We had the sister missionaries for dinner two seeks ago and the elders for dinner last week.  Unfortunately we forgot to take pictures of the sister, and Sister Etherington has already gone home.  We were going to have the elders over on Thursday, but Elder Duffin was getting transferred so we moved their appointment up to Monday.  They asked for Mexican again, just as the sisters had the week before!  Mexican is hard to get in France.

Elder Duffin, us, Elder Thomas, and Elder Hopuu

Elder Duffin making his own new drink: grape lemonade crystal light topped with whipped cream and a Doritos chip

Sister Utile Nduwimana was a sister missionary we knew from the Christmas programs she sang in last December.  Wayne had the privilege to attend her wedding ceremony in the temple, and then played the piano for hymns and a musical number at her reception.

Utile and Quentin 

Flowers are still out in force even though summer is fleeing fast.

This past week we had a farewell gathering for Elder and Sister Kirkham. He has been having health issues requiring them to return early to the U.S.  We will greatly miss them.

The Kirkham's,

Left to right: Sisters Baird, Winston, and Tahiata

Sister Cadin and President Lazeras getting food ready

The dessert table.  Janet's two bundt cakes were delicious

Left to right, sisters Lazeras and Giraud-Carrier, wives of the temple first counselor and temple president

The Riquelme's are volunteer servants at the Paris temple who are waiting for a call to serve at the Montreal Canada Temple

Two days ago we received a surprise package from Janet, Rebecca, Brandt, Khyah, and Jeramiah. We loved reading their postcards from Canada and tasting the delicious maple creme cookies.

While shipping changed their shape, it didn't affect their taste!

The past two weeks have been especially busy for Wayne.  He served at the temple all day as the assistant temple recorder while the temple recorder was on vacation.  He has gained a new appreciation for the work that a recorder does in support of all that takes place in the temple; everything from observing that ordinances are performed correctly, to making sure ordinances are properly recorded, to verifying recommends for people who come without theirs. Knowing the joy temple worship brings to those who come makes serving a delight, even if tired!