Dear Kids,
          We’ve had a ton of rain here, just like everywhere around. My dry creek bed is full of water, and the spot we excavated for our playground looks like a swimming pool. Yesterday morning Dad’s friend Ken Christiansen went out to walk his dog while it was just sprinkling, but by the time he came past our house it was pouring. Dad drove both Ken and the dog home in his truck. Nora’s family did the same thing–they went out for a hike during the "lull" in the storm, but they were drenched before they got back to their car. We’re grateful for all the rain, but I know there’s been a lot of damage from flooding. I’m glad it’s not us.
          Last weekend, however, it was absolutely beautiful for our trip to Idaho. We drove to Rexburg Saturday and met the Harpers at the temple there. After we did a session, we drove out to their house in Newdale. It was a gorgeous evening, so we walked around town - - twice. (Three streets in each direction, so you can’t go far.) Chris showed us the new baseball diamond in the park, and the house where her mother grew up, and the house where her father grew up, and where all her aunts and uncles had lived. We walked by her mom’s house, and Chris watered the carrots in her garden. I’ve always wished I had grown up in a really small town, but our little part of Kamas Valley is the closest I’ll get now.
          Sunday morning Dad and I drove from Newdale to Pocatello, and we met Vanessa’s family at their church. After the block we had a great lunch at their house, even though the power was out. The barbecued pork in the crock pot was still warm! Later we walked up the hill on a dirt road, but the police had followed a drunk lady up there (she had hit two cars in town) and we couldn’t get past all the cop cars. It was plenty exciting for the kids, though! On our way home Sunday night we stopped at Nora’s house so she could give Dad a haircut. It was fun visiting there, too.
          Next weekend is conference! On Saturday, Dad and I will be watching conference here at our house, and any of you guys who want to go to the Priesthood session with Dad can meet here beforehand. I’ll definitely have ice cream for afterwards. Anybody else is welcome to come, too. I don’t know if there’s a plan for a Café Rio dinner beforehand. Nora’s family will have a couple of Vanessa’s kids with them, (Vanessa’s doing the St. George marathon on Saturday) so Nora wasn’t clear about their plans. Sunday Dad and I will be at the cabin for both conference sessions, and we’ll have dinner there about 1:00. Let me know if you’re coming!
          Lots of love, Mom