July

Dearest Family,

We've hit the 100 degree mark the last couple of days so we finally have summer. Friday was Go Forth Day when the new missionaries, the mission presidency, and all the training zone go to the temple together after the missionaries receive their assignments. We're so impressed with our new leadership. The previous presidency was marvelous and this one is outstanding. Different people have different gifts to bless and lead us in different ways. Usually we go to the Salt Lake Temple but it was closed for maintenence but will reopen July 20. We went in church vans. John was one of the drivers and Pres. Simmons sat next to him. He's a thoughtful man. When we returned, he told John how to get the van back to the lowest level of the church parking lot. He watched and when John didn't find the down ramp, he walked across the parking lot and showed him the way. What a great example of leadership! Our trip to the Bountiful Temple was spiritual and uplifting. It is a beautiful building and the spirit was very strong.

Last Monday we had a long wonderful day ending with helping a bus tour of tourists from the East find their family using census reports. John's tooth has been bothering him for a while so he went to the dentist. Eventually the tooth will have to be pulled because the root canal didn't work.

We've had a wonderful week with Katrina, Neal, Daniel, and Anna. Sunday night we went over to Brad and Ileen Keele's home to visit with Wendy and Kristie. Eventually Kristilyn and Denise were able to come also so they had a wonderful visit. What remarkable women they have all become. Brad's mother has decided that she want to go to the temple and is taking the Temple Preparation lessons and carefully reading Gospel Principles. Monday evening they played games with Keith, Kim, and their girls. Tuesday during the day they met Kristilyn and the boys at Liberty Park. Unfortunately the Seven Canyons water area was closed for cleaning. Wednesday Carters went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House in the morning and Kristilyn and the boys came over to our house in the afternoon. Thursday Carters came up to visit us at Temple Square. In the afternoon Daniel was enchanted with TRAX and excited to get to ride the train. Friday evening we tended Daniel and Anna so Katrina and Neal could celebrate their birthdays attending the Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Day Concert at the Conference Center.

Friday night the Toyota battery died in our driveway rather than on the road someplace. What a tender mercy!! John was able to replace it on Saturday morning. He also repaired the plumbing on the sink upstairs so it runs freely now. I'm so grateful for his mechanical skills and his diligence in keeping our home repaired. At noon we went with the Carters up to Silver Lake. After a quick, unplanned dip in the wetlands water, Daniel walked all the way around the lake. In the evening the Carters went down to Provo and played games with Julie and Jason Saturday night.

Today will be a usual busy Sunday. Both John and I have lessons to give along with the usual things. Tomorrow we have the special pioneer program with the Elijah Choir with practice at 6:00 AM. I love the music we are singing. I just wish we had more time to practice and enjoy it.

We're looking forward to spending time with you this week. Thursday will be fun in Lindon with the Rasband family. Please let us know your availability and what you would like to do on the other days.

Love,
Mom and Dad Rogers