Dear Family,

Our month has ebbed and flowed through family birthdays this past month.  Abby & Ruthie F. turned 25 this year! 

Conference was, of course, amazing, with many thoughts on self-improvement.  I hope to follow those promptings.  The announcement of Jean’s new assignment was shocking.  I have loved reading about her new counselors.  Jean had mentioned to us before what a wonderful capable woman Sister Eubank was on their trip to Uganda.  I’m glad they had that time together!  And yes!  Her assignment has me being even more diligent to live more carefully.  I was surprised to go into work the next morning and have the two CEO’s congratulate me.  (WHAT???? I didn’t know they knew we were related.) Only thing I could think of to say was, “Sister Bingham is a WONDERFUL woman who continues to serve with all her heart.”   I don’t really know how to support Jean, but I have never skipped praying for her each day.  Actually, I pray for all of you each day too!

Andrew, Willow, Alex and Miranda joined us for the weekend, which is always great. April turned 23 on Robert’s birthday, April 7.  One of our ‘adventures’ this past month was driving to Lompoc CA to visit April and Dan while they’re at Vandenberg Air Force Base.  Curt and I drove to St. George on Wednesday and finished most of the driving on Thursday.  I ashamed to say that whenever I visit the kids there is a panic to clean every speck in sight.  April had called a few days earlier apologizing for scuffs on baseboards and doors she couldn’t remove.  Holy Smokes!!  Got to fix that perception!  April & Dan’s apartment was comfortable and cozy. 

Curt and I soaked in the beauty of the green rolling hills filled grape orchards, strawberry fields, citrus groves and avocado trees.  It was wonderful!  On April’s birthday, Friday, we visited the reconstructed Purisima Mission which is the oldest mission in California.  That was very cool!  Later that day we had a quick tour of Vandenberg Air Force Base, picked up Dan and drove to Solvang, a Danish town with fun shops to explore.  There were so many ‘best bakeries’ that we decided each person had to choose a bakery and take a turn picking one delicacy and have it split into fourths.  Delicious!  There were lots of things to ooh and ah about but in the end, we just came back with fun memories.  We ended the birthday at a bit of a strange Western B-BQ with a table up by the live music.

The next morning, we had the privilege of attending the baptism of one of Dan & April’s Primary class.  It was a nice blessing to be able to visit with so many of their ward.  After a quick change of clothes, we headed for the Oceano Dunes National Preserve.  It was a pretty windy day (of course!) but satisfying to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean and walk among the dunes.  Along the drive, we saw hundreds of RV’s parking along the roadside right next to the beach as if they were in line waiting for an event. I was surprised to find out that they were parked on reserved ‘camping’ sites.  That was new to me! And it honestly looked rather inviting if you could ignore the RV next to you.  Isn’t it nice to go somewhere just to break the routine?

We left our little dog Sadie with April and Dan to keep April company.  Life is sometimes very quiet with Dan gone long hours.  So far, the new little roommate is doing her job!

Love you always,  Susan & Curt