March 16, 1987 Orem, Utah

Dearest Johnny; Roy & Patrice; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura & Brett; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

It's Monday morning and a rainy, cloudy wonderful day!!!! We look forward to these kinds of days because they're more relaxing and we really enjoy the beautiful views we have regardless of the weather. It seems like when the weather is good Daddy is constantly working and I feel like I should try to keep up with him - on days like today he is confined to the house and I can keep a slower pace - Ha!

We got back from Lake Powell last night about 8 o'clock and we just crashed!!!! We had an absolutely marvelous two days on the lake - the weather was "out of this world" and the kids didn't stop playing from the time they got there until they came home. I am so impressed with how they can make fun out of sand and hills and mud and just being together. Daddy and I had thought about going down earlier in the week and Daddy got our boat all ready but then we changed our minds and decided to go down with the rest of the family and we were happy we did. Rick & Jean and their family came here about 9 o'clock on Thursday night and spent the night with us - we all got up at 3 o'clock Friday morning and Ann & Ron and their family came over here and we really got an early start. We had planned to stop in Price so the children could have breakfast at McDonalds but nothing was open that early in the morning - we really made good time and we were at Lake Powell by about 8 o'clock. The men left us at the beach while they went to get the houseboat - they had a little problem because one of the batteries was dead and that took a little bit of time but the children played happily on the beach. We got everything fixed and for the first time both engines worked and the addition of another bathroom in the houseboat is really nice - it is really just another sink with mirror and then a "porta-pottie" - they have also put in a new toilet that is much better. It is like a brand new houseboat and we love it.

We were at our favorite spot on the heights of "Muvva Muvva" by noon and enjoyed some "Papa Fried Chicken" and other treats and the children played and played while the grown-ups relaxed!!! The nights were so much fun - Rick had brought his TV. and VCR with videos for the children. First we all got together and played charades and then sang songs and then fixed beds for all the older children in the front part of the houseboat so they could watch TV. until they fell asleep. Daddy and I made beds outside on the decks - the first night we slept by the generator and when the children awakened in the morning Jeannie wanted them to watch TV. so they wouldn't awaken us so she turned on the generator and both Daddy and I flew out of our sleeping bags like lightning and I know now that our hearts are really strong. I don't know if any of you remember the noise that generator makes but it is like something you have never heard before!!!! The next night we made our beds on the front deck of the boat - we loved being outside - it was cool but not cold and we were so comfortable.

We left the "heights of Muvva Muvva" about 8 o'clock on Sunday morning and cleaned the houseboat as we traveled - the children and Ann & Jean were let out on the beach close to the cars and Daddy, Rick, Ron & I went to put the houseboat back on the buoy. They took me so I could vacuum while the children were off the boat - I am so glad I got to see that "operation" because I will be much more tolerant when the men take so long to get it done. You just wouldn't believe how hard it was - the wind had come up and there were white caps all around and it had turned really cold and it was raining. Ron was lying down on the ramp and Daddy was steering the boat - Rick was in his boat waiting for us and I was watching. Every time the buoy would get within reach of Ron a big wave would come up and wash it under - Ron's fingers and legs were bright red with the cold but he wouldn't give up. Finally Rick docked his boat to the houseboat which was really a task with big waves dashing against it - he came on board and he and Ron worked together as Daddy as Daddy guided the boat. They came so close to dropping the "pin" in the water and losing the big things that hook onto the boat that it wasn't funny!!!! If I had to do that I would never go again!!!! They said that was the hardest it had ever been and that it is relatively easy when the water in calm. Daddy "re-designed" a way to do that all the way home. It took us about an hour and a half to get it back on the buoy and the children and Ann & Jean were worried and tired because they had had to keep the children in the car because of the rain. Patrice - do you remember sitting in the sun for that long, long time when they were doing it - I was out of patience with them then but never again!!!! They were predicting rain, cold and even snow in Lake Powell for today and so we were really lucky to have two GREAT days, Rick's boat is such an asset and he really knows how to manage it - it got "marred" a little during the docking to the houseboat and I hope he can get it fixed without too many problems. Daddy and I were tired last night and then we talked about the Woolleys and Weinerts and how they have those little children needing so much attention all the time and they had to go home with lots of laundry and things to do to get them ready for school this morning - I told Jeannie last night that I was so glad they could all leave us - she laughed and understood what I meant - Ha! We missed those of you who weren't with us - it's such a neat family vacation - we all decided that March is still a perilous month to go to Lake Powell though and we were lucky not have any more serious problems.

Johnny - we haven't heard from you for awhile again, I have decided to not expect a letter so that when we do get on it will be a surprise instead of being so let down when we don't. We hope so much you are doing good and are happy!!! We finished your bedroom and I just love it - SO if you decide to not live here I'll move down there - Ha! The church continues to do BIG things - have you heard they have bought Hotel Utah (I thought they always owned it but I guess not)? They are going to convert it into offices and also a chapel and recreational center - that will be so interesting for the downtown part of Salt Lake. At this time of our lives it is so neat to read the Church News because we have had personal relationships with so many of the General Authorities and we are more interested in their assignment. Bro. Busche and his wife have just been called to be Temple President in Germany, his native homeland - we were with them a lot on our mission. The last missionary report is that there are 33,000 missionaries in the field - that's a lot!!! I sent you a lot of pictures last week but I didn't put them in a heavy duty envelope - I hope you get them - tell us if you do.

Roy & Patrice - we think every day that you will hear where you are going for the next three years. It was so good to talk to you last night Roy - I'm sure I sounded "harried" because we had just come in the door. Patrice - I had such a lovely letter from your Mom - please tell her how much it meant to me. Ann & Jean and I talk so often about how great it was for you to come for Grandmother Forrest's funeral Roy - I have had friends call and tell me what a good looking son we have - and we agree!!!!

Bob & Claire - we all talked about how much you and your children would enjoy Lake Powell and we're looking forward to the time when you can be with us. Claire - I have thought a lot about Steve and his wife (she lost her baby at 5 months) and I hope they are getting along good - that's really a hard thing for a young couple (or any couple). Are you going to be able to take any days off for a little vacation soon - I think the Spring time is the best time to go camping and boating in the South - before the heat starts in. We had a letter from Chris & Wayne and they are going to go to Arkansas the end of this month to care for Jamie & Jennifer so Linda & Ken can have a little vacation.

I guess I had better quit - Daddy just went over to Ann's to get some raspberry starts and he will be wanting lunch when he gets back. I forgot to tell you - we went to the boat show at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake last week - they have some very tempting looking boats and vans - it was fun to look but it's hard at our age to get into something that's hard to manage. We really need a new boat though - ours is still good for fishing at Utah Lake but not for taking very far away. We can get to the marina at Utah Lake in about 10 minutes from our house and that's nice!!!

We love each one of you so very much - PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO - let us know how we can help you!!!!
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