Dear Kids,

What a wonderful time we had with all of you yesterday at Bear Lake.  I was sorry we couldn’t be there longer.  Oh, yes, and thanks for the birthday cake and birthday wishes!  Dad and I left soon after that because there was a chance we could be home in time for Dad to work on the sprinkler valves I’m using for the new meadow grass I planted.  Back to Bear Lake–Thanks to Monica for planning it so well, and for John for supervising the go-kart rides, and to Tom for supervising the pickle ball, and to Al for providing the lemon yellow sunshade we like so well, and for all of you for bringing food and equipment and children and your wonderful enthusiasm.  There never was such a family!  

Tomorrow I’ll officially be three quarters of a century old.  Since my birthday comes after Dad’s, it isn’t so hard to be one year older.  Actually, I’m grateful for every year I have now.  In connection with that, I’ll be starting chemo again tomorrow.  What a great birthday present.  Actually, I’m glad to have it, since it helps me breathe better.  

Bentley will be giving his mission report in their ward on August 14, two weeks from today.  I’m not sure of the exact time, but I’ll put it in my letter next week.  Tom’s church is the one next to J.R. Smith elementary on 500 North in Heber.  I’m sure there will be an after-party at Tom’s house, so if you want to bring something, contact Kim.  Yay for the family events!  There can’t be too many!

And there’s still three weeks for your family to finish reading Summer of the Monkeys.  Our official book club will meet August 21 at 5 pm at our house.  Two weeks after that is Labor Day weekend, and I’m thinking of having a Sunday night S’mores party then.  It will depend on the weather.  It should be cooler, and the sun goes down earlier, now.  That will make it better for an evening campfire.  It seems like it’s been Labor Day Weekend when we’ve done it before.

There’s no stoppin’ the fun!  Love Mom