Dad and I are taking care of Beck right now while Peter and Anne go out for his birthday dinner date. Andrew went with Kim and Treven...and Melia over to Treven's parents house to see their snakes...very impressed...and then went over to K &T's to play with Melia. Dad is sitting in the big chair with Beck, holding his bear, fast asleep!!

Mike was giving me a hard time yesterday about not writing...I do apologize but I have been busy. Or at least I've felt quite busy. We had a great time on the cruise, very relaxing and worry free! However, the day after we came back, I learned that a new family, the Smith's, had moved into the ward. He is attending school in San Francisco but it was too pricey for the family so she moved up here with their four kids. The Saturday that we returned he was in a serious motorcycle accident. Suzanne, the mother, flew down to be with him on the 14th. Her mother came for the first few days but then had some things she had to get back to so we've been coordinating the care of the kids. They are 17,14,13 and 11. She made arrangements for the older two but we have been managing the younger ones. One thing it has shown me is the great hearts of the sisters in the ward who have not said no once....One particular sister has had them for a week. She and her husband have no children but have been absolutely marvelous with these boys. A real testimony of the goodness of people! Suzanne said she had met Brooke but I'm not sure whether Brooke remembers them.

We are so glad that the earthquake did not affect Tom and Tracey...besides feeling it. Also Sterling Krout, (the son of Larry and Keri who we went on the cruise with) is safe in Chile...good news all the way around.

Our house is pretty busy with Andrew and Beck all the time, and Melia, McKenzie and Noah often!!! It is nice having them all so close although I have a hard time getting my quilting done since when they take naps the room is occupied!

Just read two good books...The House at Riverton (Kate Morton) and Afternoons with Emily (Rose McMurray)...both recommendations from Martha. I really did enjoy them. I'm not into The Forgotten Garden (Kate Morton). After the first two chapters I was into them which is high praise!!!

We had everyone over last night for Pizza and birthday celebrations for Peter and Buffy. It was a very fun evening. Kim and Treven are totally out of their old apartment today. Peter, David, Isaac and Taylor went skiing for a brief time...I'll let Dave or Adina give the news on that one!!!

Love you all,

Mom