Dear Kids,
      Bonnie sent out an e-mail asking me to remind you about the family reunion-picnic on August 4th. She says: We have the Riverwoods park (this is the much improved nicer version of last year's park) across from the Riverwoods shopping area, (just west of University Avenue) for Sat. August 4th from 8:30 a.m.-2:00p.m. This will be very casual, no program, just bring your own lunch and visit. We will set up a slip and slide on the hill for anyone who wants to get wet, also a wading pool for the little ones. Hopefully we will have nice weather. Jane and Brendan will be here and I'm sure they would love to see as many of you as possible. See you in a couple of weeks!
      So that’s the word from Bonnie. I hope at least some of you can come. Dad and I will be there for sure.
      Our July 24th holiday was lots of fun, since we’re at the cabin this week. Bevan took off on his bike and rode around the Jordanelle Reservoir, 36 miles all together. (Donna had to work. Park City likes to snub its nose at the pioneers.) The rest of us went to the parade in Kamas, which lasted about 15 minutes. The floats are sponsored by the various wards, and they all throw candy. Or otter pops. Behind every float, there are kids on bikes, and moms pushing strollers. Bentley rode his bike behind the Francis 2nd ward float, and Kim pushed Emma and carried Ali in a sling. John’s family was there, too, just for the fun of it, and Heather pushed Aubrey in a stroller while Jacob and Aaron rode their bikes. Now that’s my kind of parade! When it reached the end of town, it turned around and came back. And then we were out of there and on our way home, along with all the pickup trucks and horse trailers. When we got back to the cabin, the Salt Lake parade was on TV, still going, and I felt sorry for the poor suckers standing out in the sun watching it, hour after hour. And they weren’t getting candy and popsicles, either.
      Nora and Paige came to the cabin Tuesday afternoon, while James took Addie and Ben to Lagoon for a “bounce back.” I guess Nora didn’t feel much like bouncing. We sat around and talked and ate and had a good time. Paige thinks she’s so smart, walking around. Emma was wondering why Ali can’t walk yet.
      We’ve had some wild weather this week. Monday, a big black cloud came over the hill, and pretty soon the rain and hail blew in sideways. Resin chairs were flying through the air! We were pounded by rain for about 20 minutes, and then it blew over, leaving the yard looking like a lake. The same thing happens almost every afternoon, now, but not quite so violent. It must be a monsoon pattern. It’s lots better than last week, when we were broiling in the heat every day.
      You know how they’re building Victory Ranch down on the Provo River, just south and west of Francis? They’re also working on the golf course, up on top of the bluff. On Tuesday, Dad and I drove over there, and we convinced a man standing guard to let us in. We drove to the top of the bluff, and watched the big earth movers grading the side of the mountain. That’s going to be one beautiful golf course! You can see Mt. Timpanogos, Deer Crest, Kamas Valley, and up into the Uintas, all at once. It’s almost enough to make me want to get rich and learn to play golf.
      Life is good! I love you all! Mom