August 19, 1984 Billings, Montana

Dearest Roy; Bob, Claire, Michael & Laura; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean & Mary Ann and Ron,

We have Johnny, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell & LeeAnna here with us and we're having a "ball"!!!! Ann & the children came by air and got here about 7 o'clock Thursday night and we were only back home for about an hour when Johnny came - he left Provo about 9 o'clock that morning so he had made good time in his car. We thought they could all come together and save the air fare but Ron really wanted them (his family) to fly and since they have been here we can see the wisdom in that decision. It's hard for us to know the situation when we're not around then like their parents and it would have been very hard for little Russell to sit that long without any time to stop and run. He is just a doll and I just have to laugh every time. I look at him because he is such a replica of his Father and his Grandpa Russ - he is much larger than we had thought he was and I tell you he is all BOY!!! Little LeeAnna is adorable and SO*O*O good - I think she looks like both Susanna & Jessie. Susanna & Jessie haven't changed very much since we saw them about eighteen months ago except that Susanna is much more responsible than she was then and is a big help for Ann. We went to the "Crow Fair" last Friday night - that is a big Indian celebration and they come from all over; Arizona, Wyoming, the Dakotas, etc. and they set up tepee tents and have booths to sell things and then at night they put on really authentic Indian dances and their native costumes. The children loved it and so did we - Johnny went to help and we appreciated that (he even missed a party at one of his friend's home). I took Susanna & Jessie over to a booth to look at some of the jewelry and I turned around & Jessie was gone - I found her within minutes but it scared me to death - she is very independent!!!!

Johnny has loved his Summer Semester at the "Y" but we think he is happy to be home. He really looks good and has done really well in school - he has lost at least ten pounds and he says it's because they don't give him enough to eat - he and his roommate have a little apartment refrigerator for the Winter so that will help. I can't figure out why when our boys go to college they lose weight and our girls (including me) all gained! The county fair was here last week and ended last night and Johnny has enjoyed going to that. He has an appointment with an oral surgeon to have his wisdom teeth taken out on the 30th - two of them are crooked and we want him to have them taken out before he leaves on his mission so now is the best time.

Ricky - we really loved your letter and we're so proud that you can write to us all by yourself. We are having some big pictures made of you and your fish and we'll send them to you as soon as we get them. Jeannie - Ann says that you have decided to not have Ricky start kindergarten this year. We know that whatever decision you make it will be the right one - I know he will be a good student whenever he goes and we agree that he will probably b happier socially if you start him next year. Will you start Barji then too? We miss them! Little Russell is "dynamite" here now - is Mary Ann still going strong?

Bob & Claire and Roy we know you are all busy!!! Now we just have one grandchild we haven't seen - little Laura! It's fun to visit and visit with Ann and we talk about all of you and make plans for future "family outings". WE think the plan to go to Lake Powell next September sounds great but we don't want it to be a hardship on anyone. We have talked about maybe getting a smaller houseboat and then taking our trailer and tents, etc. and plan to not all being on the houseboat all together all the time - how does that sound? If Ann & Ron are willing to be "chairmen" for it we need to let them know our feelings and then commit to helping make it a success - okay!!!!

Daddy & I went to Bozeman this morning for their Stake Conference, and we took Jessie with us. WE had planned to take both Susanna & Jessie but Susanna at the last minute decided she would prefer to stay here and go to church with her Mother and Russell & LeeAnna & Johnny. As it worked out they didn't stay at church very long because Russell got hungry and was hard to handle and LeeAnna was fussy - from 1 - 4 is a very difficult time for church with children Jessie was really good with us and she enjoyed it. Bro. Osborne (the new Seventy) was their visiting authority and he asked both Daddy & I to speak (I sat down in front with Jessie and it worked out fine - he is really a nice man! Bob & Jerry Nelson from Brigham City were there and it was fun to visit with them. That's all the news so I won't start another page - we love each one of you, as very much - PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO - let us know how we can help you. We'll take pictures of the Woolleys while they're here and duplicate them - we're loving their visit and marvel at how Ann can manage all of them!!!!!
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