The phone GPS showed us getting to Charlotte's at 4:40 or something like that, but as we began traveling at our 60 mph speed, it soon became obvious that that was a way overly optimistic view of things:). Then, to make things a little slower, we got close to Portland and heard on the radio that a major accident had all of 205 blocked all the way back to I5 - which is what we were on. We soon encountered the backed up traffic and our 60 mph became much, much less. Since the accident was on 205 we headed through Portland on I5, but it was about 5:30-ish by then and the traffic was horrendous. Finally got through it all and over the bridges into Washington. Stopped at a rest area to eat a little bit of dinner before going on - and going on ran into another accident which had slowed things down quite a bit. Not sure, but it looked like perhaps the 2 cars that had raced by us at what seemed like 100+ mph earlier ended up in deep trouble. We finally pulled into Allyn and found our little RV park - just across the highway from where we had the family reunion up there. It was well suited to our needs and worked out great. Since we were so late, Charlotte and Seth came down and visited with us for awhile before heading back to their home for bed. We enjoyed popcorn and hot cocoa (some had root beer) while visiting:).
Next morning they came down and picked us up after we had showered and had our breakfast and we spent the day together. It was fun to be able to visit; had hoped to be able to stay for a whole weekend, but since transfers are Monday and we have to pick up the rental van and be at the stake center to pick up missionaries early in the morning, we had to come home on Sunday. And, because the RV park closes at 5, we had to come home early enough to be able to get it parked and emptied and get out the gate again before they closed. After all the delays Friday, we decided it was better to just get up and leave this morning rather than risk not making it in time...as we have no place to put the motor home other than the RV place - and had to have our car back to get through this coming week:). All worked out well, no accidents this time around and we made there in about 6 hours, took about 40 minutes to unload, and got home at a good time. Dad had to go into the office and pick up a gas credit card for tomorrow, but is home now and we are enjoying a quiet evening.
Family Notes: This was a hard week for Mary Elizabeth...she called me on Monday morning in great pain and not sure if it was a tooth or her ear causing it. Went to the urgent care, confirmed that she had an infection deep in her ear canal and they prescribed antibiotic ear drops for it. Her pain continued and she made it to a dentist on Wednesday I think, who said she needed a root canal, plus a crown on that tooth. Makes me really mad because I know that our year with Willamette Dental is probably much to blame for that; so sad and sorry that we went with them to try to be more economical that year! For those not in the know...they managed to give fillings that took so much of the tooth out that little was left - in Mary's case not enough to support the work that needs to be done now. Note to all: Make sure you keep your teeth checked and make sure your dentist is a good one. It is worth the money and most will allow you to make payments if needed. Mary's work is to be done tomorrow - and we hope they do a good job!
It was a good week for Christi because her puppy had her puppies:). 4 of them to be exact! I'll add the picture here when I'm through. Perhaps it wasn't such a good week...because I've heard nothing more since then:). Learned that Michael graduates from high school at the end of May, so we are hoping to be able to visit then and be there for that:). John called a couple of times and sounded good back at school...
Here is the puppy picture:
Got to talk with Jim Jr. twice this week and that was fun even though it sounds like his work environment is extremely challenging right now. Hope things work out and go well for everyone there. It was encouraging to hear that DJ may be finally coming out of his sickness; as of today he has had 3 good days, so we are wishing him a good week ahead. Tanner had a birthday this week and is now officially 3. Was hoping Jeanie would post something about how they celebrated, but haven't seen anything yet:). I think everyone is kind of OK...certainly hope so!
Sara sounds busy as usual; was glad to get to talk to her briefly and hoping she'll give me another call soon:). I was happy to hear that Patrick was getting over his illness and that, as of yet, the rest of them had not gotten it. Had fun videos from Emily as Eli's belated Christmas gift (out of stock when ordered) finally arrived. He says he loves it and apparently Rose likes it too:). Face time is certainly a fun thing; and it is wonderful that modern technology gives this grandma an opportunity to see her grandkids at least a little bit)! I think she and Adam are both super busy as usual. Hoping to doour first big trip in the motor home with down there... we will have to see what works out:). Timing of things is a little up in the air right now as our next door neighbor, Monte Bryan, really would like to buy our property and house and is working on details at this point. Seems he has a prospective buyer for his place, so if all of that actually works out, perhaps our recent plans will change. I have a hard time living in limbo, but am trying with all my heart to Trust in the Lord and to Doubt Not, Fear Not. I know in the end all will work out just fine.
I saw Holly's post on our blog that she has a couple of baby showers coming up and we Ladies are invited:). Wish we could actually be there...that would be so fun!
I think that is about all of my family notes: Charlotte and Seth seem to be doing well. Seth has the month of July off and says things are going to get pretty tight after that. I don't know just how he manages to adjust to the work schedule that is his, but give him great cudos for doing so, and bless Charlotte for trying:)!
Mission Notes: As I've already mentioned, we have transfers tomorrow, followed by departures on Tuesday and new arrivals on Wednesday. One of those weeks where everything seems to get turned upside down and then we spend the next 10 days or so trying to get right side up again:)! The next time this happens will be in our last week in the mission! Two years. Amazing.
We have a new senior couple in the office, the Christensens. They brought a little dog with them, a Corgi named Boo. I had a memory of someone asking if they could bring a dog and of course the answer was no, our apartments do not allow pets, but for some reason they thought President Young had approved it. If he did, he didn't discuss it with the office:). Boo is quite sweet and was not a huge problem in the office, although I did have to walk carefully a number of times to make sure I didn't trip over her leash. After an appeal to the apartment owners to make an exception for this little dog was rejected, the Christensens arranged a trip to Boise, to meet their daughter from Utah who has agreed to keep Boo while they are on their mission. It makes a lot more sense - but I know that Elder Christensen particularly will be very sad.
The new couple were supposed to be our replacements, but because our other new couple doing the other secretary desk and the housing, were having some difficulties, the president has decided to have the new couple help with those aspects and then "re-arrange" some of the office duties...so that makes our training of new people a little sketchy at the moment. Somehow it will all work out - just hard to see exactly how at the moment. Sounds like a familiar theme in my life:).
I think that is all for now...love and miss you all so much:)!
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