Family Ties July 9, July 16, 2006

Dear Family,
Last Monday night we were the featured speakers at our Empty Nesters FHE. Most of our good friends from the ward were there, perhaps about thirty and it was held in the home of Mike & Camille Nielsen, whose beautiful mountain home easily accomodated everyone. The rest of the week was spent finalizing our inside painting project and last night Susan and your mother spent the midnight hours putting the finishing touches on the four bedrooms and loft. The decorative items that Susan brought were the "frosting on the cake" and everything looks really good. We are sure you will enjoy the new decor.
Lily's three week stay with us has been most enjoyable. Never in our life have we had a sybling stay with us for that period of time, but also never has a time spent, seemed such a short time. The culmination of her visit came Friday when we traveled to the valley in preparation for the Cook family reunion on Saturday. We met up with Wayne & Eileen, Jim & Sherrie and Dan & Ann. Most of us then went to see the Joseph Smith film at the JS building and then to dinner at Little America. After spending the night at Dan's house we arose early and headed for the reunion at Cedar Fort. This was a great reunion...as well organized as we have ever attended and they had activities planned for the day. We were so pleased that all of our children except Nancy were represented. Following our Maddux box lunch in the comfortable Fairfield Park we returned to the chapel in Cedar Fort for a spiritual and informative meeting. Elder Tom L. Perry whose wife is related to the Daytons and Elder Richard Cook both gave excellent and motivating talks.
Lily returned to Caldwell today with Jim & Sherrie and we enjoyed the overnight company of Mike & Susan who attended sacrament meeting with us before being on their way. Already we miss Lily and your father has to return to his dishwashing chores. This has been a great week.