May 6, 1979 - Sunday

Dearest Ron, Ann & Susanna, Rick & and Jean and Roy,

Well we're home from a very wonderful trip - really the nicest trip Daddy and I have every had - knowing everything was well cared for at home made it so enjoyable. The best part of it all was spending time with Roy on "his" campus and seeing all the things he has told us about - we really loved Brown and I will never forget how beautiful everything was. I realize we were there at an ideal time as for as weather was concerned but it was so typical "Ivy League" and traditional and we were so impressed - Roy, Daddy and I hope you will be able to take everything that is good and make it a part of your life and that you will be able to filter out that part which is undesirable for your growth and happiness - that takes a very mature person on any campus and especially when you are 1500 miles from those who would like to help you make those decisions. We could sense that you are in a highly intellectual environment and one which oftentimes might put spiritual and family values in the background. We know that real success and happiness comes while when spiritual and family success is achieved. We loved seeing the different ethnic groups - the delicious food and fun entertainment on Federal Hill when they were celebrating St. Joseph's Day and we bought some Italian Peppers and Italian Pastry to bring home and that fabulous sweet bread at that Portuguese Bakery (that is absolutely the most delicious bread I have ever eaten) and the pocket bread sandwich at that Greek restaurant. It was really an experience watching the students come and go and I'm so happy we were able to do that - they all seem to be so determined and ambitious - and we think you are so fortunate to have that opportunity to get such and outstanding education - we're so proud of you! I am so relieved to know that the library is close to where you live - I have called so many times and had your roommates tell me you were at the library and I had visions of you a long ways away. I'm also so happy we were able to see the home you will be living in next year and also the biological science building where you'll be spending so much time. All in all we felt that we had truly been in "New England" - seeing Newport and all those gorgeous homes - I still can't believe they exist. Thank you so much Roy for showing us everything. We wondered how your scuba diving was - did it rain like they said it would? We had absolutely perfect weather all the way back and we were so glad you routed our trip for us because that is the most beautiful country I have ever been inn - I would love to live on one of those hillsides in Pennsylvania or West Virginia.

Ron - we thought of you as we went through Harrisburg, Pa.!!!! Actually we risked it and spent the night there and that is such beautiful country I don't think I would evacuate my home either. Annie - you don't have too much longer to teach - I'm sure you have mixed emotions about the year ending and I'll be thinking of you. One thing for sure, you can always teach but now is the time to have your family and that is the most important thing you can do - I know you all that!!! Roy had little Susanna's picture up by his desk and I have the little one in my wallet and the big one in the living room - what a doll!!!! We surely hope everything is doing great for you. This will be an exciting Summer if you get your business going.

Rick and Jennie - we loved our little visits over the phone and I'm sorry we didn't ever get together - when I unpacked today I realized I had taken some clothes with the intentions of going shopping with Jennie in New York - you were so close and yet so far away. I had to call you this morning to see if you had any ill effects from your trip - I'm sorry I woke you up but I'm so glad everything is fine. We're thrilled you were able to go to see Roy, Jennie but I still can't imagine your ridding the train that far. Rick's family sounds wonderful and what a thrill for you to get to be with them - I'm dying to see the "ten set" - what a sweet thing for his Grandmother to do far you we want to hear more about your trip and hope you'll write and tell us - it was really something for Rick to meet the Selokovitch (sp.?) your man - is he working here in Little Rock? We'd like for Rick to have some friends here so he would enjoy visiting here more. Rick - we're proud off you to have this opportunity with your company and hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

John has had some successes that I have neglected to tell you about. About a month ago he came home and said he was happy because he would receive some extra credit for a "Spanish Poetry" contest he had entered - well, it turned out that he won, along with four other students , from Forest Heights and got to enter the District contest that was held at Parkview. There were a lot in that competition and he come in second place and won trophy - We were proud of him but could never let him to recite it for us until today and he is rally good. He was also initiated it the Jr. Beta Club - he has been working to get in that for several years and finally made it. he is such a good, good boy and really loved being here with Bob and Claire.

Bob and Claire have rented apartment and it is absolutely darling - they had moved out when we got home - we really knew they would if they could find what they wanted and we didn't blame them. (that sounds like they were gone when we got home - they were herewith Johnny but they had moved their things out.) their apartment is on Kanis road close by the new Baptist Hospital - it is one bedroom, living room and kitchen and they have access to a nice swimming pool and washing machines and dryers. They bought a "water bed" and we went over this afternoon and Daddy helped them rig up the hose so they cold fill it. Bob starts work in the morning at the University Hospital and they have given him such good hours. Claire starts work at Cohn's on Tuesday - she will clerk for five weeks and then be Department Head - she interviewed with some of the other larger companies they wanted her to be subject to transfer and he increase in salary just wouldn't be worth it. this apartment is actually in the Second Ward but Bishop Tolman said he would make this exception - if there is any fuss they may have to go to the Second Ward. They brought their beautiful plants from Utah and they are all flourishing so their apartment is every nice already. It is really wonderful to have them here with us - while we were on our trip Bob replaced all the plastic under the house and that is such fifty job. Bob and John and Ken Garrett (Linda's husband) went fishing out to Lake Maumelle on Saturday -they didn't catch anything but they had fun.

We left Harrisburg, Pa. Saturday morning about 8 and drove until we got home - about 4:30 Sunday morning. Daddy slept for about an hour and then went to Priesthood and we have been going all day - we bought some crabmeat in Connecticut and made salad for lunch - that with the Portuguese bread and Italian peppers and some Pennsylvania cheese made a delicious dinner and we're waiting now for Bob and Claire to come over and eat a snack with us and watch the last episode of "Ike". They had some friends go to their apartment - Skylar and John Merrifiled - so they're late in coming over. They will have many young couples to be with - Linda and Ken, Perry and Kay Bohn, Karl Sherwood and his wife - I just know they will love it here.

We loved our day in the Temple and appreciate so much the Adcocks who got us such a nice room without a reservations. Ima Adcock asked about all of you - she looks so good and seems so happy - they were called to the Washington Temple on a Mission about six or seven years ago and have been there ever since - they have bought two home there and will accommodate people in their homes if they can't get reservations for them at the Motel the church owns. That temple is so beautiful and so impressive - we felt as if we were in the Celestial Kingdom. Our Stake will have their Temple Excursion the first of July so we'll be going again soon.

Guess what!!! Barbara's Sondrup had a little baby boy - born May 1st. I kept telling her she was going to have a boy but she wouldn't believe me - they are so thrilled!!!! Barbara's father, Tug Jacobsen, named and blessed him today - they are going to name the baby Samuel Kevin and call them tug. Helena and Tug have been here for about three weeks but they left his afternoon -they're lovely people.

I believe that's all the ness. We have been in whirlwind for the past week - now I must settle down to doing a lot of Relief Society work - we are planning our Feminine Fair for June 2 and I'm in charge of the luncheon and some of the visiting teaching program - there is always a lot to do.

Dee called last night and told Bob that Daren had received his Mission Call and will go to Germany - the same country as Bart - isn't that something???

We love you all so very , very much - please be careful!!!!
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