What a slow week - after the going away party it was pretty quiet around here! We did manage to buy a guitar, go to the zoo, visit with members and work with the missionaries. We are told this is normal for this time of year and we need to go on holiday! :)

It's been a very busy and tiring week so we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go relax. We started at McDonald's for lunch (I know, sad) and started walking to the Planetarium about a mile away.                    

On the way was a flea market. Blocks and blocks of treasures that needed to be looked at, some bought, most not. We were worn out after a few hours of hunting for a bargain and needed some refreshment - the neighborhood ice cream parlor is perfect. Duane had chocolate ice cream swimming on hot chocolate pudding and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Mine was better - wild

berries on ice cream. Back on track - toward the Planetarium was Duane's favorite music store - yes, he's drooling over a 12 string guitar. Thank goodness they were closed. After a few phone calls, visiting the Elders and enjoying the beautiful walk we finally made it to the Planetarium. It was amazing. The show was "Pink Floyd." It was psychedelic but amazing. We sat in the middle of the theater and it played on the domed ceiling above and around us - you know, planetarium style. Not my favorite but Duane enjoyed it. We came home with some great treasures and exhausted. Perfect day!

                                                                    

To give me a break these four and the head chef (who is hiding in the kitchen) made dinner for Institute. Fab U Lous pizza! It was fun to watch them work together and create such an amazing dinner.
These two ladies made us Sunday Supper and told us their histories. It was wonderful to be with them, eat another delicious meal and to get a break from cooking.

It was a very busy week but not busy cooking!

The Elders always ask me if I have hair clippers, when I say yes they assume I know how to use them. Then Elder Lee's job is to vacuum them. Funny thing is they never ask twice.
After a busy week last week and knowing a busy week was coming up we decided to take an afternoon and go explore. We found this palace and gorgeous grounds about 20 minutes north of here. Duane decided to show this statue a few fingerings, I don't think the statue appreciated the tips.

 This palace (the Renaissanceschloss) is between Camburg and Dornburg, north of Jena. Gorgeous view. Gorgeous grounds.

We're getting quite good at putting the camera on things and setting the timer. We had a great time together and learned you can take 3 hour vacations. We are planning our next castle hunt after throwing a going away party for our interns and students; institute and dinner; and missionary time.

We are proud of all of our children but this week we are especially proud of these 3 (4)! We are proud of how they take care of each other, how they are each other's cheerleaders, and that they love being together. This was a milestone - congratulations Rich! You look so handsome and the girls are beautiful! On to the next chapter of your lives!

Notice the monkey hanging on the front and how adept the musician is at changing instruments. He was really a nice man that seemed to appreciate the coins and attention we were giving him. This is an organ grinder BTW.
June and July are our biggest celebration months -  6 birthdays in June, 7 birthdays in July. There are a few wedding anniversaries and anniversaries of loved ones who have departed. We are very melancholy this week. Missing family. Missing celebrations. Missing hugs and kisses.
But ..... we got to go to Frankfurt, walked around the square like we had nothing better to do and had all the time in the world, had gorgeous weather, took a tour bus, saw families playing together and really enjoyed each other's company.
 The river boats on the left were about 100 yds long. Gorgeous. We discovered swans - about 20 of them but this is the only one that came to our side of the river.
And thanks to Mindy we got to celebrate the 4th of July!!

Everyone is smiling   with another addition to the FamLee. Big Sister and Big Brother are being introduced to their new baby sister. Such a special day in all of their lives!! We miss being there but love how all of our kids step up and take care of each other. They all make us smile!

This guy has the biggest smile we have ever seen and he shares it a lot - Elder Lee enjoys making him laugh!

The young man in the middle has made all of us smile with his excitement of his new found life!