Thanks to a raging flu bug, Max and I missed out on a great camping trip as well as the Deseret News 10K.  We were both pretty much incapacitated for a couple of days, then got serious again about mission preparations.  There are so many things to do.  Dit helped me pack my winter clothes suitcase, and we learned that the big suitcases hold more than 50#.  We are re-evaluating what size will best meet our needs.

Today was our "farewell" meeting, and it is a relief to have it over.  We felt loved and supported by many friends and family members.  It was hard, but we managed to keep our emotions pretty much in check, as we kept  telling each other to stick to the talks we had written.  The hardest thing for me was when Medium Max walked in, and I realized he will be on his mission before we get home.  Jeremy was the Youth Speaker and did an awesome job.  We are proud of him.

Shannon, Rachelle, Kristin, Kelli, and Tami prepared food for a delicious open house meal, including honey baked ham, fruit, salads, scalloped potatoes, rolls, and desserts, then managed setting everything up, serving, and cleaning up the mess.  The grand kids certainly got a sugar high from all the yummy cookies and brownies.  It was a great day, and we enjoyed visiting with friends, family, and neighbors.

We gave Kelli and Tyler, and Kristin and Dave a bit of  a run-down on home maintenance needs.  They made fun of us because we told them in the written instructions where to find light bulbs.  I guess they know their way to Home Depot.  We love watching the Olympics and cheering for USA, though we know our days in the USA are numbered.