Preston Temple

We went to the Preston Temple today, just the outside, for some photos. Beautiful building and grounds.

Photo credit: Rob, who never thinks I give him enough credit. :)

The photo Rob and I both regret not taking is of the wedding group waiting out by this sign, smoking and talking about the distance to the nearest pub while they waited for the member couple getting sealed inside. The father of the bride was wearing his kilt, so we talked to him for a few minutes. I didn't understand most of what he said. Rob claims it's "payback" for our three months in France, when I allegedly told him and the kids "to just try harder." :)

Anyway, they were a little reluctant to put down their cigarettes in order to snap a photo, but one of them did, with the instructions to get us and the sign...oh well. 

Afterward we went shopping, and found a cute t-shirt for Ellie. Love Ainsley's photobomb here.

Sadly England didn't make it past the first round, and Ellie probably won't be able to wear this in Scotland without making someone give her the evil eye, but still a good souvenir.

Last Sunday in London

Posted May 27, 2015

Our last Sunday at the Hyde Park Chapel. We didn't develop relationships with many members, probably because they have so many visitors each week that it's not really a novelty there. Everyone was nice though and the girls really loved being able to understand everything in Primary again. Here they are with their cute Primary teacher:

It was so fun to reconnect with Duane and Margaret Cardall. We lived in their ward in Millcreek for a very short time while we were looking for a house to buy. We've decided that they have one of the best missionary jobs in the church as directors of the Hyde Park visitors' center. 

After church I was busy making food and packing (okay, maybe a nap too), so Rob walked down to Speaker's Corner, where he says most of the speakers were Muslims railing against Christians. He must have taken a circuitous route home, he found several more homes of famous Londoners.

Château Royal d'Amboise et Château du Clos Lucé

Posted June 20, 2015

Two beauties on the parade of châteaux today. First, Château Royal d'Amboise, which became a royal residence during the Renaissance.

The private Chapel of Saint-Hubert.

Inside the chapel.

Louis XII became a patron of Leonardo Da Vinci, and he moved in next door at Château du Clos Luce. He's buried in the chapel at Amboise.

The views here are spectacular.

Went into town to find lunch.

Baguette sandwiches by the river. Doesn't get much better than that.

Château du Clos Luce, where Leonardo Da Vinci lived.

This is an underground tunnel to Amboise, so King Louis could easily access Da Vinci.

There were models of his inventions.

And of course copies of his most famous paintings.

Da Vinci was personally involved in the planning and maintenance of the grounds.

After a full day visiting the châteaux, we went to a ward dance. Love how the sign is in English: Very Important Party. :)

We had a great time, and left late, especially considering the drive home and church in the morning. But the party was still going strong when we left...French church curfew is later than ours. :)