Up On the Roof

Today was the official "burn the witch day."  Our little branch had a great party at the fairy-tale prince and princess's home.  There was feasting and partying.  But we weren't there.

We were hosting a party of our own, right here in our apartment building.  It is Monday - Family Home Evening.  These young people are soo soo busy and considering all that is going on this week and the coming week, we guessed that we might have about 15 YSAs come this evening.  Leah, the young woman in charge guessed 20.

The party was held on the roof.  There is a small enclosed glass room and then a larger open area where you have a lovely view of the city.  There is a grill there and chairs.  The invitation told everyone to "bring your own meat."

I baked cookies in the morning, and then Leah came over at 6, and together we assembled salads and everything else that needed to be transported to the roof.  Can I just tell you how much I love Leah?  She is so cute and so creative and energetic and full of faith.  She is submitting mission papers very soon.  I am going to miss all these wonderful young people who are leaving on missions.  But I am excited to think about the growth that will come to them during the time they will serve.

By the time we took roll, we had over 40 there!  It was spectacular.  We had two investigators and one person who hasn't been active.  We had 6 cute young missionaries, the Telfords and then SK and me.

Everyone was gone by 10:30.  A large group left to watch the football game.  For those of you in America, they call soccer football.  And the World Cup is big here.  They had a wonderful time together and I think will continue to have a wonderful time together late into the night.

Several stayed to help and clean up, and Sister Swena came hurrying up to lend a hand.  It was all cleaned up by 11.  SK and I went back up to the roof to enjoy a few more minutes of the beautiful skyline with the pale twilight sky.

The clock just struck midnight.  June 24.  Forty Six years ago, SK and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple.  Marriage is not easy.  Marriage is hard work....every single day.  But I can't imagine anything in the world more worth the effort.

It was a little chilly...the dying coals provided warmth.

Cute Leah.

The sky at 10:30 p.m.

11:30 p.m.

11:30 p.m.

11:30 p.m.

11:30 p.m.

Brother and Sister Telford....facing us.

SK was sitting here today and movement outside caught his eye.  A large rat scuttled across the garden and disappeared into the shrubbery.  At least it wasn't a scorpion!

See how well the plants are doing?