HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY

HI EVERYONE. It is Sunday afternnon and I am just getting to my computer to blog about our wonderful week. As you all know we have been celebrating since June 8th our 60th wedding anniversary and it will continue until July 18th my 80th birthday. Merrill's actual date of birth is July 16th. What a wonderful time. It was all celebrated Thursday July 2nd at a dinner at Thanksgiving Point. We had a room full of BEAUTIFUL & WONDERFUL PEOPLE. There were 42 of us and then Brett and Erika, his friend, came as we were finishing up. Those missing were Scott, Laurie and Josh Lundberg, Billy and Jordan Hymas. My two sisters were there with their husbands, Marilyn and Roy Nelson and Judy and Gary Carter. Also Brandon and Cristina Boey, Mike Burgeson, Andrea's friend, and Allie Langston, Alex's friend, and Erin, Ryan's friend were there. Also Brynlee, Penelope, Parley and Annaka, our newest arrivals. This party was hosted by our children and spouses, Rick and Marilyn, Scott and Laurie, Rob and Kathy, and Scott and Alison.

We had a deliciious meal. Especially the pork chops. There was a slide show of days gone by which Justin Banks had put together. It was running while everyone was arriving. Thanks Justin.

Then we had a guest performance by Carnac, alias Rob Hymas. He was also the emcee. Then all of the children and their spouses and Cristina paid a tribute (roast) to us. Many more tributes than roasts. Kirsti read a letter from Laurie and Derek read one from his Dad, Scott. We appreciated all of the many nice things that were said and had a good laugh at some of the others. Laurie's paragraph about the ventroliquist was a hoot. Not many of the family were aware of her secrest desire. Ryan also got a few good laughts as did everyone else.

Chad, Jill's husband was in rare form. We all were worried about Andrea's friend Mike, but he seemed to take it in stride.(Actually Chad seemed to be sitting at Mike table more than at his own. We found out later that Chad had changed the place cards so he could be close to them.

It was truly a night to remember. Thanks so much to all of you for making arrangements for baby sitters, travel plans and taking time from your busy schedules to make it so nice. We hope those that were not there will know how much they were missed and are loved and appreciated for the missionary work they are doing. And Billy we are glad you are working so hard to keep the people of Wisconsin safe. We just hope they appreciate your endeavors.

Rob and Kathy stayed at the Calls, but were back and forth. It is nice our houses are so close.
Friday night Rick & Marilyn, Merrill & I, and Rob & Kathy and Family went to Scott and Alisons for hamburgers etc. Saturdaynight we went to traditional dinner and fire works at Oakridgel
Saturday night Rob Hymas family went with the Calls to Stadium of Fire. They said it was good.
There was a lot of traffic on the way home, both ways red lights and white lights.

Dad and I both commented that we had felt quite well during all of the activities. When we sit down we feel good. I t was great. Thanks again to all of you. I don't know how to do pictures. I need a quick lesson.