Jim & Mindy

At the end of July Roger drove to Rapid City, South Dakota, to visit Jim & Kristen and their daughter, Faith, and Jim's sons, Orrin & Jacob. He also visited Mindy. Jim & Kristen live out of town on 5 acres. While there they put together a trampoline for the kids. Roger was so happy to see the family again and meet Faith for the first time.

Kevin

Kevin and Ruth came to visit from Longview, Texas last June. They brought with them their daughter Jaime Rinehart, her two boys, Russell and Randall, and grandson Joshua Hollwarth, son of daughter, Christy. While they were here we took the opportunity to do some sightseeing, including Jerome and Montezuma Castle & Well, and also spent a day at Slide Rock in Sedona. Ruth, Jaime, and I went shopping one afternoon in Sedona and ate lunch at Javelina Cantina. Another afternoon we took the boys shopping for souvenirs in uptown Sedona. The boys loved playing with Murphy, throwing water balloons, and using squirt guns. It was a great visit and we loved having family from Texas finally come.

Jo Lynn

It is so nice to live near Jo Lynn. Everyone else lives way too far away, even Angie. I get to see Jo's family every week at church, and sometimes in between. Chad sits up front with the bishopric so I sit with Jo and the girls (and Roger--he has been coming, too). Madi and Sadie are playing soccer. Madi's first game was at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and everyone knows I am never up and going that early, so I missed it, but this coming week she plays later and I will be there. Sadie scored 2 goals last Saturday. Awesome! Shacee and Taylin came over the other morning and I took their picture with Murphy.

Tiffany

April 1st was Tiffany's birthday. I flew into Washington D.C. where Tiffany and her family met me. We toured the Pentagon and then went to dinner at an Irish Pub to celebrate. While visiting we took walks, watched movies, and went shopping. Tiffany lives in Stafford, Virginia. Saturday found us at the Cherry Blossom Festival back in D.C. It is an awesome sight seeing all the cherry trees in bloom along the tidal basin and near the monuments. At the end of the week Tiffany and Abigail flew to Phoenix (we came on separate flights). Tiffany rented a car and drove up to Cottonwood to spend a few days with us and Jo Lynn. Then we all went to Mesa for Angie's wedding to Lou. Abigail got her wish--to be a flower girl.

Matt

I flew into Salt Lake City on May 1st and went to Kyle's track meet. I froze. It snowed on us. Later Blake had a ballgame. Ryan was baptized on Saturday, May 3rd. Kyle and Corrine both spoke at the service. Matt smoked pork overnight and Corinne provided all the fixings to go with it when we met for lunch after the baptism.

Matt

Angie

Angie married Lou in April. Alisha graduated from Mesa High School in May. And Joshua was ordained a deacon. Lou brings his 3 children, Shandalyn, Madelyn, and Michael to the family. Lots of excitement this year for all of them.

North Carolina

Because of Jed's illness this year I have made two trips to visit him and his family. The first was a few days after last Christmas when he had surgery due to colon cancer. He was in the hospital for a week before returning home to his family. After recuperating he endured chemo treatments for a few months while finishing his last semester of school and also working. He was able to get his clinicals done and all the classwork in order to graduate with his class in May. We were so proud to see him graduate. Dorian participated in "Are You Smarter Than a Pirate", his school's version of the TV show about 5th graders. He did real well. Go Dorian!
Two weeks ago Jed had surgery again, this time to reverse the colostomy. It was successful but he has had a difficult and painful recovery. The good news is that there is no sign of cancer at this date. His family is glad to have him home again after being away so long.