Thanksgiving, etc.

What a great Thanksgiving we had!! Kristina and her family came on Wednesday and stayed through the following Monday.  We had so much fun together.  Kristina helped me prepared a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Institute building.  We invited missionaries that had nowhere to go, and told the Ward Mission leaders and Bishops to invite anyone in their wards that didn't have a dinner place.  We ended up with around 20 people.  My sweet grandchildren back home had made decorations for me, so we were able to have home-colored pictures for our tables.  Of course the Institute has lots of things to do, so we were able to spend time playing and visiting.  Kris' kids made friends with the missionaries, and had fun talking and playing with them.

Jacob, Emma, Peter, Elders McCloy and Baloaloa

The following day we went to Legoland.  Of course Peter is Lego-crazy (even makes his own lego-building videos), so it was lots of fun.  Here's a selfie picture of me, Kris, and Emma. (And I'm not getting any better at taking selfies!)  We went to the zoo on Saturday - always a favorite with the kids.  I had to post the Panda picture I took.

Can you tell we're related? 

Just chillin'

My favorite day was Sunday.  Kris and family went to the YSA 2nd Ward with us, and then stayed for their Linger Longer.  Pete worked right by the side of the missionaries, helping them set up tables, etc.  He LOVED it!  Says he wants to "FaceTime" them.  (Unfortunately, that's not allowed!)

Later that day, we visited the Mormon Battalion.  It's such a great place and so much fun for the kids!

Monday Nov. 30, Elder McGuire and I drove to Disneyland and spent the day with his brother, Jim, and their family.  It was really nice to see everyone.  The family is growing!  We stayed the night, then had to be back to the Institute by 9:30 for a music practice.  Class was Tuesday night, as usual.

We attended an Indoor Soccer Game with the YSA 2nd Ward on Thursday, Dec. 3.  Elder McGuire and I were really into it, as you can see by the picture!  Boy, they have some serious soccer players here!

Friday, Dec. 4, we attended the temple again (such a privilege to have that opportunity here!)  Sunday, we attended church at the YSA 1st Ward, then watched the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional at the Institute Building with the YSA 2nd Ward.

Monday night was our Senior Missionary FHE Christmas Dinner.  Good food and great people!  

On Monday, we received 3 Flat Stanley's in the mail from Julianne's triplets.  So, Flat Stanley's have been accompanying us with our various activities.  They've been to music practices, teaching class, and even hitching piggy back rides back to our apartment.

Helping teach class Tuesday Night

Hunter's Flat Stanley

We've been busy this week with apartment inspections for the Elders.  I made some homemade raspberry jam to take to each of the apartments with me - they love it!  On Wednesday, I had to practice the organ - they asked me to play it for the music/musical numbers at our Missionary Devotional on Dec. 21 (and it's been about 5 years since I even touched it!)

Flat Stanley's and me at the organ

The big news is that Elder Whitney L. Clayton is visiting our mission this week.  He's here today, Friday morning, and Saturday afternoon.  We couldn't take today off to attend meetings since we had the Forum Luncheon, but will be going Friday and Saturday.  It should be great! (And yes, I've been asked to play the prelude music for it!)  Again, keep up your piano practice!

It's been busy.  We're going to head back to our apartment now so we can go to the laundromat before dinner.  Dinner is at Marie Callendar's with the CES Senior Missionaries.  We are a wild and crazy bunch here!