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Kids are having a ball with cousins.  After the Father's Day dinner, two went to Sam's and two went to Brigham's house.  The house was so quiet with just my parents and me! The younger group of cousins came back for a birthday swim party and then left again for part II of the cousin extravaganza.  Mom, Dad and I went to dinner and the outlet mall. Tuesday the older cousins and younger cousins met up at Big Surf. The girls were so tired that they fell asleep around 7PM and didn't move until the next morning.  The AZ sun can wipe you out! 

Today the girls and I went with my mom to Scottsdale while Brooke and Brigham worked on their school work. Brynn lost a tooth.  Molly and Todd took Brigham, Brynn, Sophie and Riley to the Phoenix Mercury game. They had a great time in the suite, brought back bobble head dolls and drank way too much coke.  I think Sophie had 4, and I hope she is able to sleep tonight.  Fun memories. Brooke/Mom/Dad and I went to dinner.   We picked up Avery to "help with algebra" and all i can hear is laughing.  I didn't know math was soooo funny! I'm glad they are having a good time with cousins.  

Temple day with Avalon ward relief society and then lunch afterwards.  Sophie got to play with friends in our neighborhood. She didn't want to get in the car to go home.  Lily is a sweet friend.  She bonked her nose on the pool steps and has a bruise. Got a letter in the mail from Chase today! First handwritten note.  More packing up supplies for China. Late night drive to sonic with my parents and kids + Ruby. Dad was jamming to Creedence Clearwater-Down on the Corner.  Chatted with Brig and Tammy as a spitball war ensued.  Pretty soon I look over and my dad is ripping off some tissue paper and loading his straw.  Awesome!! 

Friday: Checked out of the "Mom and Dad hotel".  Thanks Mom, for doing our laundry and for the comfy beds and home cooked meals. Always nice to be "home"! Off to Mesa,  algebra final for Brigham, dentist for me. School counselor for Brooke. Brynn stayed with cousin Ruby.   Numb mouth for hours.  Sophie had a great day full of friends at the Stratford's. We picked her up and dropped off Brigham then headed to Liz's for her delicious smoked pork dinner, swimming and dominoes.  Thanks Liz and Ryan! 

Saturday: swimming while Brigham and Brooke worked on school. Shopping for pool toys,sauce for dinner ( kid with really great hair-see first pic above), gym, more school and finally BED!! We also stopped at the Goodwill for books.  Who knew they had the greatest songs and entertainment wrapped into one? Sophie played with crutches for about 45 minutes.  Brigham found a football and another nerf ball to keep him busy, Brynn found a working shower radio and Brooke was fixed in the camera section in-between breakout dance sessions.  She has perfected her moonwalk (a skill they learn before leaving our home) , with a spin, thanks to all her new sandals with smooth, slick soles. At one point I was going through the books. I didn't know where she was but the song..everybody dance now, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, bum.  I said, "break it down, Brooke" and off she went dancing in the tiled open area between the electronics and kitchen appliances.  Meanwhile,  Todd has Raygozas and Jonsons and Shane staying at our China house.  I'm sure he's loving the company, and Shane is always a bonus. He's a hoot to be around.   

Sunday: Todd hosted dinner in China by himself-I'm so proud.  He had Shane and his parents, Raygozas, and Bro. Long.  Enjoyed Blake Timothy's farewell and Sue's RS lesson on missionary work and following up. She always does a great job and I miss hearing her lessons from when we worked together in Young Women.   A couple of things on that...being in China where we can't voice our beliefs without strict guidelines makes us appreciate the opportunity elsewhere.  And using the "Preach My Gospel" manual as a personal study guide in your family can help them be prepared when situations arise where people have questions about the church.  The home is the new MTC, and if the kids know the manual before entering the MTC, they can focus on learning the language (if necessary). Knowing the manual also helps by being able to "bring all things to our remembrance" when needed and is a huge advantage in the mission field and in our other callings, I'm sure.    

President Turner asked Brooke and I to speak next month. The joys of being in a small branch, lots of opportunities to speak.  I appreciate the opportunity to dwell on a topic and gain more understanding and testimony.  

Naps! Todd still working away in China. Hopefully we will see him on Friday.  

Hope you are having a fun-filled summer so far.  Let us know how you are doing too! 

Love from AZ/China, 

Todd, Jane & family