Sunday, June 30 Remember Bro. Oaks' talk "Good, Better, Best"? Well we had that this week. The Mission was "good" as we were able to finalize the transfer of 30 elders and sisters to the new Federal Way Mission. Now all that's left is to send on their mail as it trickles in. We said our good byes at a Fireside last Sunday night. They are great young people and will do well wherever they are, but we will miss seeing them and hearing about their accomplishments. The "better" started as Connie, Lindsay and children met us Friday night in Leavenworth, that little Bavarian town a few hours north of us. We so enjoyed seeing them and seeing how the little ones had grown. We could walk around the town that is situated in a beautiful valley with gorgeous mountains all around. We ate great German food, brats, pretzels, apple strudel, spetzala, snitzel; and walked the cute shops. The kids swam in the hotel pool and we just talked and relaxed. (I'll post some pictures.) We made it back in time for the Church Missionary Broadcast and then on to the Fireside. It was fun to have the missionaries meet the girls we had talked so much about. Monday started with us going to the office and the kids beginning their exploration of Tacoma area. They found some not so good areas of Tacoma, but made it to the Mall. As the week progressed they went to Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, Vashon Island and a ferry ride, Point Defiance and the beach where Alison and Camden caught crabs. They enjoyed the seafood and also fun visits like Katie Rowe Wilson stopped by and Connie's old college roommate who lives up by Seattle came down for a picnic at a park. They were like teenagers talking and laughing it up again. Old friendships are the "best." We were able to have lunches with them and evenings, so all was great. The highlight came on Saturday when we drove them up to Mt. Rainier and hiked some of the trails. They loved the rivers, bridges, waterfalls and even slipped and slid in the snow still in the meadows of the mountain. Even though they know all about mountains, growing up in Idaho, they still were awed by Mt. Rainier. It truly is the jewel of Tacoma. Sunday morning they took off for their 10 hour drive to McCall. Keven flew in to Boise and was meeting them up there. All the kids will meet in McCall during the next two weeks. I told them to send me pictures of all they do. Alison was worried it would make me sad, but I said it would keep me happy seeing them enjoying our favorite place. Family is truly the "BEST." I'll post some pictures of our adventures. Hope you all have a happy 4th of July. We celebrated an early birthday for our 4th of July, all American baby girl - Connie. Another month down - who's counting? Love, Carolyn