Here are four generations of Sumstad's. I am on the left, then Barb, Sandee and Reidar Sumstad. Sandee was on vacation with her friends. Since they would be staying for a time in Phoenix, we arranged to have a meetup at The Farm at South Mountain.
The weather was perfect for a picnic lunch. We got to order sandwiches at the Farm Kitchen and take them out to our table in baskets. Then we spent time getting to know one another.
I brought many old photos I had accumulated. Reidar has worked diligently on a site called Ancestry, posting photos, documents and even videos of our family. I can't wait to see the video of my Nana and Grandpa Sumstad visiting his family in Seattle back in the 1940's. Technology is amazing!
As I was speaking with Sandee, I noticed how many of her features resembled my Aunt Ruth who is my dad's only sister.
Photo taken in Sumstad, Norway |
Here are a few photos of the town of Sumstad, Norway.
I felt right at home with my family. We were able to share insights into our family, like the love of music, art, and writing. I grew up with my mom playing the piano and our family singing Norwegian songs together.
Reidar began singing a few Norwegian songs and they came right back to me. He even recited many Norwegian phrases that had us laughing like "uff da" and "tussen tak". We all knew the Norwegian prayer before meals.
I began learning about second and third cousins and what it is to be a second cousin twice removed. However, I must admit I'm still a bit fuzzy on that one. :)
But I look forward to learning more about my Sumstad family.
How thankful for the wonderful afternoon of meeting my relatives in a beautiful environment. God is so good!
Blessings and love,