Hello, I know it has been awhile. We had a good time in Europe--Well I did. Reagan was sick most of the time, so he enjoyed himself just as much as he expected he would.
Josh had 2 wonderful years serving the Lord! He had several growing experiences and speaks French better than the average Frenchman.
We spent our first day with Josh in Geneva, we all really like it there. It was a beautiful day-we toured part of Lake Geneva, and walked through the city. The weather was unseasonably warm - for which we were all grateful.
Next we headed to Valance where we hiked up to these ruins. There has been a structure here since 400AD. We met some very wonderful members in Valance, and experienced our first taste of REAL French cuisine. Most of the meal was very good---but some of it was -let's just say-not to our liking.
S
t Etienne was the next stop, where we had dinner with a very nice family who took us to this castle(1) and we saw this one (2) on the way. We had the wrong timetable for our train to Lyon, where we had to catch the night train to Venice..so the Husband drove us to Lyon!
2
We then
headed to Venice, Italy. WOW!! Now, even Reagan agrees that it is a place he would like to visit again. Due to the fact that we were unfamiliar with the area, and train schedules etc., we spent 2 days here. It was very enjoyable. It was just 
like I imagined it to be. We took a nice gondola tour of the city. Our gondolier, Fransisco, was very knowledgeable, and talked us through the whole tour.
t Etienne was the next stop, where we had dinner with a very nice family who took us to this castle(1) and we saw this one (2) on the way. We had the wrong timetable for our train to Lyon, where we had to catch the night train to Venice..so the Husband drove us to Lyon!
2We then
headed to Venice, Italy. WOW!! Now, even Reagan agrees that it is a place he would like to visit again. Due to the fact that we were unfamiliar with the area, and train schedules etc., we spent 2 days here. It was very enjoyable. It was just 
like I imagined it to be. We took a nice gondola tour of the city. Our gondolier, Fransisco, was very knowledgeable, and talked us through the whole tour. (1)
It was then on to Gay Paris! I thought it was big and dirty but the sites wer
e great. Especially the Louver!(1) we spent the whole day there and only say one little section. The Eiffel tower was magnificent as well ,and Notre Dame was interesting. 
e great. Especially the Louver!(1) we spent the whole day there and only say one little section. The Eiffel tower was magnificent as well ,and Notre Dame was interesting. We did not make it to London as planned, but did go to the temple in Bern. It was very nice. It was bitterly cold and Reagan got food poisoning, I had it the day before and was still not feeling great. The temple was warm and inviting and the Temple President and his wife -Pres. & Sis. Hancock- are from Arizona and asked what Yuma was like these days. They were the only English speaking members there! but the Spirit relays everything.
We spent our last real day out around Lake Geneva at Chateau de Chillon. It is very old (1200-1300's if I remember right) And still very much in tact. It was like walking back in time. I think this was my second favorite site!
We had a memorable trip home (to say the least)due to rerouting by British Airways to avoid Heathrow--(do not fly Air India--nuff said!!)
All in all it was an once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful to have had.
Josh has fit back into civilian life quite easily and quickly -- he already has a girlfriend. He will be attending BYU(provo) in the Fall! He is working alot and hopefully saving money.
We are very glad to have him home for the time being! We are truly blessed.
