Memorial Day in Luxembourg

This Memorial Day we decided to drive to Luxembourg to try out our new GPS (our first one was stolen, so we bought another only to find out it had a programming error--third time's the charm, right?). Luxembourg is only a 1 1/2 hour drive from our house, so we thought it would make a great destination. When we got there we took a mini train down through the city. It hard to describe how the old part of the city is built. It's built on a 3-sided cliff overlooking a river. It served as a massive fortress between Germany and France for centuries.

On the way home we stopped at an American Military Cemetery to honor those who gave their lives defending freedom and liberty.




When I went in they were closing the gates and I was the only one there. As I looked on the field of white crosses, my heart was filled with gratitude for those who were willing to pay the ultimate price for people they did not know.








It was a very peaceful and touching moment. I feel grateful for those fighting today, too.



We were assigned a few months ago by the Stake to attend the Baumholder Branch as many of the priesthood leaders were being deployed for 15 months. It has been a really good experience so far, and I am amazed at the women in this branch. I've never heard them complain about their situation. They are so strong and such good examples to me of supporting their husbands while at war.

Erik's Baby Blessing

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Erik Bradford was blessed by this father, on May 18th, 2008 in the Baumholder Military Branch. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. He is a very happy baby and smiles a lot, hence the nickname "Guy Smiley."

Actuary Test #3 in Paris

Landon has taken three actuary tests so far: one in Frankfurt, one in Switzerland, and one in Paris. This trip to Paris was our first big trip with the four of us. It went really well (except the drive home...I won't get into that). We visited the Louvre, the Eiffel tower, a few playgrounds, and Versailles. The playgrounds were Jonathan's favorite part. I have to say that the French really know how to set up playgrounds for kids. Not only did they have fun toys, but they were each surrounded by a gate.

I was amazed how Jonathan, who is two, just jumped in and started playing with kids he had never met and who were much older than he is. He had a good time running in circles on one piece of equipment, and turning another with a bunch of kids on top.