It's another big birthday month in the family. Ann led off but just to make sure we couldn't tease her about her age, she traveled clear across the country to avoid us. I'm sure the best birthday present she got that day was the reuniting of her family and dogs, when Jared and Dallin, Taylor and Milkshake arrived safe and sound in Atlanta.

Ann and Kent are homeowners once again. Instead of hanging around home, though, they are making the trip back to the right side of the country (the west) to get rid of...oh I mean take Kayla to school at BYU-I. Ann says: “When we move into the house we probably won't have any internet because the cable company does not have things up and running in our neighborhood.” In spite of that she is way ready to be in the new house.

Those of us who are still in the Portland area got together at Leverich Park to celebrate dad's birthday on the 18th. We celebrated Shannon's by proxy (I ate a cupcake for you).

Alan was next. We got together at Alan and Mona's house for cake and ice cream. Mona told us about the fun time she is having with her office being painted, while the kids played on A& M's new play structure. Alan continues to love the airport, but is taking a week off soon so he can tile in their master bathroom (this guy needs to get a life!). Mona and Alan also traveled to Pittsburg this month for Mona's parents' 50th anniversary. Tyler and Chloe got to play non-stop with their cousins.



Even though they have no August birthdays, Kerry and Melissa have had a busy month. Kerry, Melissa and family trekked up to Mt Hood for Kerry's company party at Ski Bowl. Ashlyn wanted to try the zip line but being the overprotective parents that they are, Kerry and Melissa settled for some milder adventures.

K & M also traveled to the beach this month, stopping by to pick up Grandma, and had a grand picnic in the sand. Ryan completed his kindergarten orientation by taking himself to his classroom before the rest of the group and no one could find him. Audrey and Ryan are learning the Articles of Faith, Audrey having mastered four and Ryan close behind at three. Kerry will soon be starting volleyball again and both Kerry and Melissa love their new calling in the nursery!

From the Utah Pedens: Debra writes: “I have been visiting back and forth with Melissa trying to help her resolve some decorating issues she is having, trying to  complete a model home for the parade in Park City, get my yard in, get Emily started in Middle School, work with my personal clients that I have and keep up with Jacob and his needs.  Just a quick synopsis of my life.”

For anyone who hasn't heard, Jacob got his mission call and will be going to Guam. No letting the grass grow under his feet—by the time you are reading this he may be gone!

Mom's exciting news is new pipes and a new shower. Wahoo! Last time I was there, they were painting the laundry room, which mom claims has never been painted since we moved in 44 years ago. Hmmm, that means the paint was older than some reading this blog.

Cal and I have been home for more than a month! This is a very unusual circumstance as of late, but we actually have gotten some things done outside before the rains start again. We built a small rock retaining wall in the front, which was a lot more fun than cleaning the gutters, washing windows, trimming the vegetation and doing some paint touchups. We'll try to do some more exciting things next month.
posted by Cathy Crandall at 9:14 PM