...And we're back!

Sorry for the long hiatus from posting. Here's some of what's happened with the Blackmers since last August (my last post):

Our new roommates! They (appropriately) live in the super hero room. The mission boundaries changed in Salt Lake and there's a need for more homes for missionaries.  We love having them around. They are the lowest-maintenance roommates you can have (they're never here!) and we love hearing them sing hymns in the morning and play hymns on the piano. They bring a wonderful spirit to our home. We don't know how long they'll be with us, but we're happy they're here.

For Thanksgiving last year we visited Ted and Elise in Rochester. They were such gracious hosts and we had a memorable Thanksgiving in their apartment living room. :) We loved having Al, our newest family member, there!

We got to visit several of the Church History sites, including the Sacred Grove (above). This was one of my favorite sites of the trip, in addition to a replica of Joseph Smith's boyhood home. It made the stories I've heard all my life much more real and strengthened my testimony of them.

Site where the gold plates were buried.

I was recently released from my calling as Young Women's President. I really miss spending so much time with the beautiful, fun, faithful, amazing Young Women and the talented, dedicated, humble leaders I was privileged to serve with. 

 Now I teach the four-year olds and do fun, (borderline sacrilegious?) crafts like this.:)

Christmas with the Rysers - sorry, no photos with all of the Blackmers or of our own Blackmer celebration. Ever since we moved into our home we sleep in the living room on Christmas Eve with the tree lit up, roast chestnuts in our fireplace, and talk the night away. My favorite holiday tradition!

What would Christmas be like if we didn't get a new game?! Labyrinth - a new favorite!

 My incredible, hard-working, humble, faithful, funny, loving Grandpa left us last month. As a tribute to what a wonderful man he was, his grandchildren from across the country all came in town for his funeral. We enjoyed being together and telling stories about Grandpa. He is very missed.

This summer we are going on the trip of a lifetime! We're going to...

Spain! Nick will serve as our tour guide, since he returned from his mission there less than a year ago.

 and...

Germany! Maggie will be our tour guide here, since she also (fairly) recently returned from her mission to Berlin.

 and...

Ireland! While we're on that side of the globe, how could we not visit one of the most enchanting, gorgeous, charming places on the planet (according to Dave)? I've never been to Ireland, but Dave will be my tour guide on a week-long trip around the southern part of the country. We can't wait!