Stockholm, Zemskov's, Thanksgiving

Stockholm
This is the Grand Hotel we stayed in while in Stockholm. It was built in 1893 as a replica for a hotel in Monte Carlo. The original carved woodwork was wonderful and the whole experience was really fun. We were several miles from Stockholm city center, so we took a quaint little train into the city.

This is a view from our hotel window. The bay is surrounded by beautiful homes and many boats.

We were able to attend the Stockholm temple which has a very unique architecture.
The feeling is almost one of a summer resort.
The grounds were beautiful with the fall plantings and the quiet flow of the fountain.
We took a bus tour of the city and this was the royal palace. It's quite plain in architecture and there is not a lot of security.
The Opera House is just down the street from the palace, and is more majestic, but certainly not as large.
This view from the bus window gives you an idea of the water that surrounds Stockholm. It is actually many islands connected by bridges.
We couldn't resist taking a picture of this wonderful troll outside a gift shop. Trolls are a major theme in Sweden and I wonder if the story of the "Billy Goats Gruff" comes from there.
This cute troll was outside another gift shop. Notice the skis and the Swedish flag. We also like the fact that he is standing beside a Dala horse, a native craft since the 19th century.
Sweden, much like Finland, is build on rock. These rock beds are seen along the highways and roads everywhere. It's surprising because of all the water.
Elder Worthington mentioned he would love to have a Dr. Pepper if we found one. We did and he was in heaven when we brought it back to him.

Zemskov Visit
The wonderful Zemskov families came for family home evening. Andre and Olga are in the center, her parents are on the left and his are on the right. Their two children are Masha and Vanya and their niece, Sonya, on the far right, was visiting. Andre's father is not a member, but is investigating.

Thanksgiving
Elders Guynn, left, and Worthington were very proud of their peach cobbler which they made for Thanksgiving dinner. After tasting it, we agreed they should be proud! Having those creative aprons must have helped them be such good cooks.
Thanksgiving dinner was special for all of us. Starting left, Elders Worthington, Nuckols, and Anderson, Sister Chetina (almost hidden), Elders McClelland and Guynn, Ludmila, an investigator, Sister Doty, Alusha and Pasha, newly baptized. Erina, another investigator, is there, but hidden. We had Thanksgiving thoughts printed on cardstock taped around each cup and also positioned in the floral arrangement. It was very festive and, as the Russian's say, very tasty!