Something's Wrong

Our house has been too quiet this week - no students popping in and out for a cup of coffee, coming to join us for a meal or a game in the evening. Has it really been a whole week without someone joining us at our dining room table? Well, a few neighbours have been in for a 'cuppa' and a friendly chat, but at meal times, I have just been cooking for two! Yes, something really is wrong!!!

The campus has been like a ghost town since graduation last week. It was a cheerful, bright, sad, happy, tearful, joyous, weepy, festive occasion!! We know graduation comes every July, and we are proud to see the students receive their hard earned diplomas, ready to move on to the various fields, yet there is always that empty feeling when they leave.

Times with them over the past year have been wonderful. We loved seeing the path God has lead them on to this point and are excited for them as they continue this journey. We know lots of exciting things are in store for them as they continue to walk with Him.

Meanwhile this quietness has allowed us to get caught up on a few projects, and finish getting ready for the upcoming Refresher Course in Germany. We get on the ferry later this afternoon and make our way to the Netherlands. From Rotterdam it is about a 4 hr. drive to NTM Headquarters in Germany.

Great singing!

Valentina sharing her testimony.

Friends receiving their diplomas.

....but it still sure is quiet around here.

He's 60!!

Yep, Ragnar is 60 now - does that mean we are at the stage when we should start to slow down?

When our family was still altogether we had an early celebration for him.

Kara & Selah made him a cute sign for our dining room wall.

Abbi's pavlova Birthday Cake with lots of fruit.

Now he has his very own hand made apron, from Claire, to use when he makes us our Faroese meals.

The day before his birthday, almost everyone on campus had enchiladas together.

As we were singing Happy Birthday to him, he was given 'the torch' with ice cream in it!!

A proper English Breakfast was a good way to begin his actual birthday.

Later in the day.

We were in the Lake District, which is a gorgeous place, but the weather didn't cooperate for great picture taking.

Our 'German kids' were in Mission Simulation for the big day, but they arranged to have his gift delivered to him.  How very thoughtful!!

The following week the Volunteers took us to the Driving Range as part of his celebration.

Part of the fun was for the person whose balls went the furthest, to choose something from the box for the other one to wear.  Whoops, I guess he missed a couple!!

Then we went back to our home to enjoy a scrumptious cheesecake that one of the young ladies made.

Another part of his gift was to have our car washed.

They did a beautiful job - in the end it was sparkling both on the outside and within.

Aren't we spoiled!?!?

Lots of fun with cousins!

Craig, Claire, Ellie, Rebekah and Lydia arrived at our home around the same time Ragnar and Ryan returned from their few days in the Faroes.

Wow - now we were literally all together!  We were so looking forward to the next week.

Here are the oldest 6 grandkids enjoying their breakfast together.

A picnic in our back yard.

Adding another swing.

Then trying it out.

Getting ready to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Traditional yummy British lunch prepared by our 'British Princess.'

Little Andrew taking the show while we were waiting for the Birds of Prey Show.

At the end of the show we could all have the Redtail Hawk land on our hand.

Each generation taking a turn.

Taking turns feeding the animals.

Then horse back riding.

One day we went for a short ride on a nearby Steam Train.

Crokinole is always part of a Niclasen reunion.

There is a little model of Thomas the Train in our neighbourhood.  Noah and Omma's traditional British date.  

Moms and Dads went out for the day, so while they were gone, we snuck in a 'hot chocolate' party...  

and a trip to McDonalds.  Ssshhh!! 

Then a time for peanuts and raisins in the 'slide house'

Working in the garden!

Two little artists. 

Andrew really didn't think it was time to get up yet!!

Kandace is growing up - she was almost 6 months old when they left.

The night before they left she sat up in our bed.

Bible Story before it is time to turn the light off.

Lots of hugs for 6 year olds!

More fun in the back yard!!