Monday, April 20, 2009

Netherlands Adventure


Tammy and I just returned from Utrecht, the Netherlands, on a combination work and pleasure trip. I presented at the bi-annual Community, Work, and Family Conference which is held Internationally. Tammy got everything done for Emily's wedding next Wednesday, so she decided to come too. We had a great time! This picture is of the tower "Dom" which stands 350 feet above the city of Utrecht. It has great bells that ring every 15 minutes. Unfortunately our hotel was just 100 meters down the road and so we heard those bells day and night. Tammy and I also climbed the 458 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Utrecht.


On Wednesday, April 15, 2009, Tammy and I rented a tandem bicycle and rode through the flower fields. Holland is very bicycle friendly and we rode for two hours (probably 20 miles) through these colorful fields. They were amazing!

Also on Wednesday we visited Koeukenhof, which consists of 750 acres of flowers and gardens. I am not particularly a flower man, but I have to admit this garden was so beautiful it took my breath away. I am so glad I have Tammy to help me appreciate the aesthetic side of life! Here we are sitting on a traditional well with some of the gardens in the background.

Flowers were in every configuration, color, and scent imagineable. Here is a "river" of flowers meandering through the gardens.
There were probably ten zillion tulips in this garden. Here I am standing amidst a few thousands of them!

Tammy and I went to the temple at the Hague on Thrusday, April 16, 2009. Tammy had brought 20 names to do baptisms for. We got to the temple at 5:20 pm and asked if we could do some work before the 7:30 baptism session. However, there was nothing to do ... no sealings, endowment session, or initiatories. So we walked the town and had a nice cozy dinner at a tastefully decorated (and quiet) restauraunt. Tammy ordered a sandwich which she was assured was like "roast beef". However, it was not. We suspect it was pickled tongue. She only ate one third of the sandwich ... I finished the rest!
Here we are standing on a bridge leading to the temple. Tammy and I love bridges (we always kiss on them) and the temple, so what could be better than this?!


Utrecht is laced with canals. Tammy and I rented a paddle boat and had the time of our lives exploring the town through the canals. We managed to avoid the bigger boats, though sometimes it was a tight squeeze. Afterwards we had pizza at a sidewalk cafe located on the canal. How romantic!
Of course, the purpose of the trip was for me to present at the International Community, Work, and Family Conference. It was held in this elegant building right next to the cathedral. This is where the University of Utrecht was founded in the 16th century.

This was one of the halls where we presented.


This was a great renewing trip for Tammy and me. We are ready to take on the wedding now!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

April Joys

Amanda, Seth, the Zundels, Melody, and I had a really fun time watching Uncle Scott in the Music Man. He was so animated and fun and "distinguished." River City will never be the same after Scott's performance.







On April 10, Emily went through the temple for the first time. Tammy was her escort and they had a wonderful experience visiting with Sister Bateman (the temple matron) for 45 minutes alone. Ben and I, along with his brother and Dad, and Jordan Mulford were able to go through the session along with Tammy and Emily. What a blessing we have to make those special covenants in the temple.




On April 1 Tammy made a wonderful "backwards" breakfast for April Fools. The kids had to eat their colors (M&Ms) before they could have their pizza and Gatorade. What a breakfast! Tammy is so fun!




I celebrated my birthday on April 7. One problem, whoever made the cake can't count. She put an "80" on the top of the cake. I may be old, but I'm not that old! The truth is that I'm 56 and proud of it!




Ryan engaged in an International Project at school and presented food, data, and stories from Malaysia. Here he is in his native dress!








Ryan has been so amazing in track. He places in four events every week, usually taking first in the 4x100 relay (video above) and then placing second in the 100, 200, and long jump. He is faster than a speeding bullet and it's fun to see him run with reckless abandon! (He is in lane 2)