July 25, 1982

Dearest Roy, Bob, Claire, & Michael, Rick, Jean, Ricky & Barbara Jean and Ron, Ann, Susanna and Russell,

This will be a super short letter - it's 10:30 p.m. and Daddy and I have to leave early in the morning to drive about 150 miles to see a missionary. Daddy had a brand new electric typewriter in his office and since he doesn't type he gave it to one of the missionaries in the office to use - I could use it but I wanted to type in our apartment so they got me this really old one to use.

We had a young adult fireside here in the Mission Home tonight - there are about 50 young people here who attend the Institute and go to Eastern Montana College here during the summer and then on to Ricks or BYU during the Winter. There were some really beautiful young girls here tonight - one who is visiting here for the Summer with her roommate from the - her father was a Mission President in Austria and she went with her family when she was 11 - there were four in her family (children) and her brother was the same age as Johnny when he went. Johnny really enjoyed meeting and talking to her because she could really tell how he feels - her brother left from Austria to go on her mission when he was 18 and he went to England so she said he was gone from the States for four years. She is just a beautiful girl and is from Salt Lake. Johnny is doing really well but we can tell he is homesick - the girls in the wards here are constantly bringing him cakes, pies, cookies etc. - he says they are coming on too strong. He went to a Ward swimming party the other night and lost his wallet that had my Visa card in it - Daddy called and had the card cancelled and then today Johnny found it on the front lawn - we think some of the kids are just playing with him because the wallet didn't have any identification for Montana on it. He'll make it!!!

Bob and Claire thank you so much for the wonderful pictures - we love the one of Michael - we can't believe what good candid shots they are - we're also thrilled to get the ones of our farewell parties there. We loved the note from you too Bob - really a letter, and also your call last night. We can just imagine how much Michael must be enjoying his pool right now.

Thank you Annie for your long call telling us about little Jimmy Braithwaite's funeral - I would think that is a big relief for all of them - he has been sick for such a long time - our hearts really go out to them. We are so pleased that you would go and represent our family. I thought I was talking to Susanna when I was talking to Jessie the other night - they both sound alike - Susanna was so excited about the gift she had made for her Daddy's birthday!!!

Jeannie - you sounded so good too and your trip to Sun Valley sounded like so much fun. We hope you were able to celebrate Ricky's birthday this week-end - we can't imagine Barbara Jean getting to be a "terrible two year old". Rick - when do you come to Cody??

Roy - where are you??? We have called you twice this week and your roommates tell us you are doing good and that you are going to San Antonio this week - we thought maybe you would come to Montana on your way. Please send us your Texas address - it is really hard to not be able to get in touch with you. Are you through with your surgery rotation now? What will you be in next?

We went to one of the Ward's Pioneer Day Picnics here on Saturday - it was raining and the pavilion was really crowded but it was fun. I was kinda' disappointment that they didn't do anything to honor our Pioneers - we all took salads or desserts and then they furnished the drinks and the hamburgers and we all ate and visited and then came home. Chris Jordin called me today and from what she said and what Bob said, Little Rock Stake really did it up right. They had a big old fashioned fair at the Stake Center and I guess it was a real success. It has been fun being in Billings most of this week - I can't believe how fast the time goes though - I just get started doing something and it's time to go to bed. Everyone is really wonderful to us and we love our Mission!!!!

We love you all very much - let us know if we can help you in anyway and PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!
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