September 18, 1989 Orem, Utah

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

A beautiful Fall day here in Orem - it rained last night and everything is so cool and fresh. We love this kind of weather - it even hailed for a few minutes late yesterday afternoon.

I believe we have been in touch with each one of you during this past week and that is a good feeling. Bob & Daddy went to the cabin on Friday morning - Bob came down Thursday evening after his work and he planned to check John's ear but John had complications and couldn't get home - anyway they decided against going to Scofield that late and waited until Friday morning. I told them JOKINGLY that they could fish after they got all their work done at the cabin and when they came home Bob said they had forgotten all they were supposed to do so they just fished. After he left, Daddy told me they completely re-floored the skunk room and also tarred the places on the roof that were leaking SO they didn't spend much time fishing. They did take the four-wheeler up on top of the mountain and then they couldn't get it started and had to walk most of the way back to the cabin. I guess it got really cold up there and that was kinda' bad. Daddy plans to bring the four-wheeler home and have it fixed - he usually does that once a year anyway. Daddy loved being with Bob and I just hope they didn't work too hard - it doesn't seem quite fair for Bob to spend his free weekend working - it's great for Claire to be so supportive too!!!!

We have seen John several times this week - he had his ward's opening social in our back yard Friday night and what a fun time that was - I loved it. He said there were about 150 here - they took care of everything and I just took the dogs and went upstairs in our bedroom. They all sat on the lawn and watched videos that had been taken of individuals in their ward - they laughed and laughed so I knew they were having a good time. They cleaned up everything and it was the easiest party I had ever had anything to do with - they served soda pop, potato chips and grilled chicken breasts. It was a beautiful night - Daddy had called UVCC to get permission for them to park in their parking lot so they parked there and came down the hill to our yard. John has been home several times since to do some computer work for Daddy for his High Priest Group letters. He had to give a talk in his ward yesterday too so he came home to get some books - we think he is over programmed and hope he doesn't neglect his studies!!!! His business cards at school are doing well.

We're anxious to hear how Jean's Primary program went - especially Mary Ann's violin obbligato. The children are still out of school so I know they are mighty busy. Today is Rick's birthday and we hope he has a fun day. We also hope you're feeling good Jeannie - (she was better early in the week).

Ann came over for a few minutes one day last week and Ron has called to talk to Daddy - they're doing fine. I don't believe their Primary program is until next Sunday. We had ours yesterday in our ward and it was darling - the Primary President's daughter had a speaking part - I wouldn't have noticed except that Ann has always said it was hard to not have her children have the speaking parts.

Patrice - we loved your letter and the darling pictures. It had seemed like a long time since we had heard from you so we called on Thursday while Bob was here and then we received your letter on Friday!!! We're So happy you are able to go to Padre Island - it looks like a wonderful place to go. Little Emily looks more and more like her father doesn't she? We know you are excited to have Joan come and then your Mom - I hope your weather doesn't turn bad with the hurricane. Emily will love their visit too - I'm sure she has changed a lot since they last saw her. We're SO glad you have your plane reservations for Thanksgiving (they'll be here Nov. 18 - 25) What would you all think about having our family picture taken early in the week - maybe Monday Nov. 20th? Bob - could you arrange to come to Orem that evening?

We had a nice surprise yesterday afternoon. Dee, Judy, their son Daren and his wife Elaine and their two little girls came to see us. I couldn't believe it!!! That was the first time in about thirty years that Dee has visited us in our home and Don has yet to come!!!! I'm not proud of that. they never did come to see us while we were in Little Rock and it has taken four and a half years since we have been in Utah for them to come. They had come to Provo to see Judy's sister and brother and also to get some pears for her to can. It was really fun having them here - Daren and his wife are very special!!! Their oldest little daughter has a birth defect - it isn't serious but kinda' sad because it could have been prevented I think. Daren is going to the U. of U. to get a degree in mechanical engineering - he is very smart. He has been working at Thiokol this Summer and they have been living with Dee & Judy. They told us yesterday that they have finally rented my parents' home - they haven't been able to sell it. I don't think Dee looks good - too heavy!!! Their daughter Janell and her husband really like San Antonio and their work there with the Father Flanagan Institute.

I taught my class yesterday - I'm always glad when that's over. We had a big group yesterday and I was SO nervous. We also had Relief Society work meeting that I was able to go to on Wednesday morning - I loved it. That's the last one I will be able to attend though because Daddy & I have taken temple sealing assignments for the next three months on Wednesday. I attended a class taught by a lady who had just returned from bicycling from Orem to Washington D.C. with her 23 year old son - they went to meet another son who had just completed his mission. I'm glad I don't want to do that but she loved it!!!!
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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