Melanie, Miranda, Milo & Dave

(All these pictures were shamelessly stolen from Miranda and Dave's blog)


While Mike and Ben were in San Diego, Melanie went back to Virigina to shop, but mostly to see our new grandchild, Milo, in Concord, New Hampshire, where Dave is attending law lchool, and Miranda is doing using her nursing skills teaching diabetics about healthy lifestyles, and, more importantly gave birth to handsome, bright Milo.

Miranda and Dave were moving to a new apartment, so Melanie's considerable skills in the area came in handy. Her hard work was rewarded with some Granite State ice cream, and a trip to Boston.





Milo held up his side of the bargain by being cute and well-behaved.

Kate and Rachel

The lovely sisters-in-law, Kate and Rachel helping us have a good time at the call.

The Mother's Day call

Only Melanie could make a Mother's Day call into a special event. Here is the spread, including Mediterranean food from Mazza and Melanie's homemade specialties. Ryan brought a cake from his aunt. No one has ever eaten better at a phone call.

While we were there, waiting for Sarah's call, we though we would try to patch in the kids who weren't there; Amy, Scott and Susanna in Seattle, Dave and Miranda in Concord, New Hampshire. With the magic of the internet and Spype and our technical wizard Eric, we got to talk and see all of them, at the same time!

Sarah is doing so well. We are proud of her. She has jumped in the Peru mission environment. Years before, the missionaries were all "nortes." But now, she is one of only 2 norte sister missionaries in her mission, and she hasn't seen the other one. So, she has been immersed in the culture and the language, and is learning fast. Her enthusiasm and humility are serving her in dealing with the culture shock. We are so proud of her! Already 2 baptisms. (Good story: after her door approach, a little boy ran to his mother and said "Mommy, Brittany Spears is at the door!") Can't wait for the next call!

Ben and Mike in kinda sunny San Diego

Mike had a conference, and Ben had graduated, so, as a devotee of Socal, Ben came along with Mike to San Diego. We ignored the press about commuter airline pilot training (or the lack thereof) and took Delta/Skywest to San Diego. here is Ben thinking about the sun and the beach, as he boards ....



While Mike was at the conference founfd a local friend, and hung out in Coronado. In the evenings we'd walk around the Gaslamp district. Ate at "La Puerta," geat Mexican food on 4th Avenue.





Then we walked around the waterfront, saw the cruise ships and the Midway.



But Ben did find time to go see a Padres game with Mike. They ate at Tin Fish first.
They felt a little chicken about leaving before the end of the game. But ESPN later said the game went 13 innings.
Skywest took us safely home again. We had a good time!