Sherrie's busy at the moment so I will blog even though it is her turn. We just had one of our daughters (Heather, and her daughters Katie and Allie) come visit us for a few days. We spent time with her and the girls as well as with Amy and family who are in Walnut Creek, 80 minutes away. We road tripped to the beach and the aquarium at Monterey Bay. Great fun.

Special quotes we heard from the grandkids include: From 3 year old Bea as we were trying to wipe her dirty hands "That's da-gusting" she said as she was trying to describe how disgusting it is. To watch Katie age 4 as she tells a story with all of the grandiose ways that a typical 4 year old talks with hands, arms, eyes and emotions. To hear Simon tell a complete story with a binkie still in his mouth. In about ten days Melissa and her family will be coming to visit a few days. We are so grateful that mission rules for us "older missionaries" are more flexible in allowing family to come visit.

Today we started with some new assignments. In addition to still working with the Marshallese branch on Sundays from 11 am - 3 pm as well as Wednesday nights, we will now also be working with the Sacramento 1st and 2nd wards. One of these wards starts at 9 am in the morning so we will attend there until we leave to go over to the Marshallese branch. Then we will be making visits to these two wards members during the week and evenings. In the one ward there are older members that live in 15 different retirement centers. I think I've already seen Sherrie digging out her old "Activity Director" hat because she will love going into the retirement centers to visit. In this  particular ward the Bishop has asked younger families to "adopt a grandparent" that lives in the retirement centers that can't get around or may need a ride to church. It works out well for everyone.

I mentioned previously that we now have two sets of senior sister missionaries living in the same apartment complex as us. I am the district leader over them and Sherrie. That's five women against one man. Oh well, some guys are just lucky. At least I get in the last word all the time (Yes, Sisters, whatever you say!!).

Another effort I'm doing is genealogy when I have time. As I was using  familysearch.org  (this is a free website for anyone to go to) to do some research, I clicked on my family tree to see what research has been completed whether by me or by unknown or distant relatives. I found a line branching off from one of my immediate lines that someone else has done. The line goes all the way back to 400 AD and includes Kings, Queens, Counts and Countesses, Dukes, Earls, etc. How exciting! I'm checking to see if any money or crown jewels are being held back for the right descendent (ME!!) to come forth and claim. Ha!!

"When fleeing a scene of temptation, do not leave a forwarding address." (Jeffrey R. Holland)

Take care,

John