Letter June 19 2016

Caleb:

It's so much fun to see little video clips of you when you write.  I also love seeing pictures.

I think it's going to keep getting more hot and more humid in VA for the next few months.  Make sure you take care of yourself.   Jacob told me that it was 115° in AZ the week before he left.  It's 118° today.  It will be interesting to see how he is able to proselyte in that heat.

By way of news, Syd continues to take Daelynn to the USU sheep farm from 8:30 until midnight every night because Daelynn doesn't have a driver's license.  Originally I couldn't understand why her parents didn't force her to get her license at the right age (I still can't) but I've decided that I don't care about that and Syd is having a great time and learning a lot birthing sheep.

About 3 weeks ago Adam hurt his knee sitting on the couch playing video games and the injury has made it so he didn't go to Teacher's high adventure or Scout camp.  I guess I'll send him into a doctor and try to get an opinion as to what's up with him.  He is very tender whenever we talk about it.

Manna continues to grow and this summer we've told her that she needs to be done with her baby blanket.  Not sure how that's going to go.  I can't believe there isn't a disconnect in her mind when she adjusts her training bra (which she doesn't need) and then curls up with her blanky...

Riah has been sick the past couple of days.  When she isn't sick she's a handful.

It's different to only have four kids in the house.  Life is going to be different for Mom as she tries to rationalize the new normal.  Just make sure you are good to her when you write and especially when you come home.  She has really struggled with kids growing up and leaving.  I think she was most happy when you were little and needed her.  Now that you don't need her as much, I think it's hard for her.

Well, we come into the world to grow and develop.  It's part of the Plan of Salvation.  I am thrilled to see you grow and develop and hope that you are taking full advantage of development opportunities in the mission field.  There are many opportunities to grow and develop.  One thing the Church is really good at is developing leaders and teachers.

I'm assuming that you are getting a new mission president pretty soon.  I hope you like him and that you are able to learn a lot from him.

I love you,

Dad