Does this look like your Relief Society president? Didn't think so....

You may have heard the rumors and I'm here to tell you that I don't believe them either. But I will try to avoid completely demolishing the Beaverton 1st Ward as the Relief Society president.

I'm not saying that this is a harbinger of things to come, but the day after I was sustained, we left for a three week vacation. I suspect that the ward may think that was one of the highlights of my presidency. Anyway, we had a great time in northwest Washington. The second place we stayed was next to Skagit Bay and we had lots of fun exploring the area. I wish we would have taken our kayak, but we'll know better for next time.

While we were in the area, Cal had the opportunity to baptize his son-in-law, which of course he was very pleased to do.

From Kerry and Melissa: Audrey had her first day of swim lessons today and I wish I could have Ashlynn and Ryan both in as well next summer. In the meantime, I was chasing one around the bleachers, one heading to the park and trying to extend comfort and cheer through the spectator fence to the one in the pool. LOL I am so not a very
good mother in such situations. To boot the sweltering heat that I stay
out of when I'm home in a nice air conditioned fanned house. - spoiled,
we are!


From Eric: The big news in the Utah Smith home is that Afton has a tooth! After that "bit" of information, you might also be interested to know that the Smiths are quite the athletic bunch. Eric tried his shtick at roller hockey (or was that a roller hockey stick?) and Gerrit just completed his baseball season. Ethan's lungs got a work out--be sure to check out Sparks for more on that. Shannon, on the other hand, exercised her eyeballs, completing a book of several hundred pages in just a few days.

A portion of the Wrathalls are off on their National Lampoon vacation. They stopped briefly at mom's for cake and ice cream--not that we were celebrating that they were leaving, but both Jared and Ann's birthdays are to come. We also celebrated Ashlynn's. Sorry she couldn't make it-she's getting older, but hasn't learned to drive yet.

We know the Wrathalls made it to Utah, but will they make it the rest of the way across country before Saturday? Jared, Dallin, Taylor and Milkshake certainly hope so, otherwise, no one will be there to pick them up at the airport in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Taylor decided there is no time like the present to shed all her fur. Hey mom, I understand that some people knit sweaters out of dog hair!

Mom also wants everyone to know that there are 20 cubic yards less junk in her house now and we will all thank her later. I understand there is an echo in the house from the absence of all that stuff.

The Vancouver Smiths continue their globetrotting ways. Mona is off to NY. Alan gets to spend quality and quantity time with the twins!

Jacob has submitted his mission papers so it is just wait and see. From Debra: Needless to say Jacob is anxious. He is very motivated and wished he’d done this much sooner. I am constantly amazed at him and keep wondering if its my son that is living in my home. He has secured a copy of the discussions that they study in the MTC and has already completed it 90%. He is truly committed and will be a very productive missionary. Talk about raising the bar. He raised it and then some. We are very pleased with his change of heart and personal progression.

Aaron is on his way back from working in Florida for 2 weeks and Emily is happily dancing her way thru her summer break. She dances 5 days a week. One of these Christmas’s we will have to invite the family to which her dance in the Nutcracker Ballet that is performed at BYU.

Richard continues to travel and is teaching the Teacher Development class which he loves and as for myself I am busy with work and such. Excited for my new corporate headquarters that will open the end of September. That means a 2 min commute to work. It does involve a promotion also for me but not yet announced.

Thanks to everyone for cooperating. Be sure to save those little tidbits of news to share with the family!

posted by Cathy Crandall at 8:10 PM