Wonderful Gatherings

Wonderful Gatherings

Last weekend was so blessed!   Such fond memories of gathering with friends, family and neighbors.  We will always hold them with joy in our hearts!

Friday night July 30th 2021 Kristen and Nathan and Kristen hosted a surprise going away party for us in their lovely home in American Fork.  It was their 16th anniversary and they had asked us to come down and tend the children so they could go out and celebrate for the evening. 

When we walked in the back door I yelled, “Happy Anniversary”  It was unusually quiet and I wondered why the children didn’t run up to hug us!  As we entered the kitchen they all yelled “Ueberraschung!” (which means surprise in German!) We were completely shocked!   All six of our children and Holly Alder, Michael’s girlfriend.  We sure missed Jessie, Sheraz, Mandy (who was home and miserable with horrific back pain) and Marco (who was working at Whole Foods that night).  The table was set beautifully and she had purchased flags from all the countries in our mission.  She had also printed a darling sign which she displayed with the definition of the German word: “Gemutlichkeit” which means cozy, comfortable, inviting and warm!  Kristen said she chose to display this word because of how I feel around my friends!   

Kristen prepared a delectable German meal for us.  (Damon made some red cabbage to contribute). We ate Saurbraten that she had marinated for three days.  Yum!  Also, roasted potatoes and a delicious salad and for dessert we enjoyed Bienen Stich (a german dessert made with yeast dough and vanilla custard inside). Amazing!!!  Impressive or what?  

They prepared a program where they all marched down the stairs as Nathan blew his  penny whistle  (like the Von Trapp family singers) and Andrew playing the piano as they sang “So long, farewell”.  Their singing was  beautiful and their performance was so charming and adorable.  We loved it!  They recorded it and I hope to post it to this blog!

They gave us beautiful gifts we really appreciated and we all had such a delightful time together.

If that wasn’t enough... the next day on Saturday July 31 they had a lovely open house for us at the Big Cottonwood Creekside park just down the street from where we live on Murray Holladay Road.  The decorations were pretty with pink and gold balloons.  They served so many delicious desserts and the tables were decorated beautifully. There was a book to sign and wish us well.  Everyone had such a delightful time.  It meant a lot to have the support of so many loved ones.  

Many wonderful family members, friends and  neighbors came.  It was a delightful gathering.  

Afterwards we had a family portrait taken and a meal at Wheeler Farm.  It was such a joyful weekend and we really appreciated all the loving service to us.  Forever memories...