1986-88

After we returned from our fabulous trip to Europe, we were able to get a new roof. With help from Brent, Doug, and I can’t remember who else, we got the job done, just before a rainstorm.
Doug had been attending Utah Valley Community College and had enrolled in an art class, or something like that, and the teacher planned a trip to Europe. Doug got to go and had a great time. The most important part of that trip was that he met Julie, also a student at UVCC. They hit it off really well and became engaged; either on the trip or shortly after returning home. They were married December 5, 1986 and the sealing was performed by my Dad.
In April of 1987, David received his PHD from UC Berkely. We were able to travel and witness this. We were really proud of him and his accomplishments.
Mark received his mission call to Des Moines, IA late that summer and in the fall, entered the MTC. Our last son to fill a mission. Many family members went to the MTC to see him off.
We had five young men from our ward enter the MTC that fall; one after the other gave their farewell talks, a week apart in Sacrament Meeting.
In a weak moment, we signed up to buy two lots in Aspen Hills; between Fairview and Mt. Pleasant. There was a stream with a waterfall and it was fun to go there for picnics. We parked the Dragin’ Wagon and the camper shell there. Many family members enjoyed visits and a few camped over night. We always thought we would build a cabin but it was not to be. Some vandals stole the metal supports on the camper shell and a bad winter snow caved in the Dragin’ Wagon so we cleaned up the lots. Eventually we sold the lots.
December brought another performance of Messiah. Leon was the conductor and Tricia and I sang in the Chorus. It was always a lot of fun to sing that great music.
My boss, Roger Plothow, had me, another secretary, himself, and the college president, attend a conference in Washington, D.C. Besides attending the meetings, I was able to visit the Smithsonian Museums, Ford’s Theater, The Washington Monument, Lincoln’s Memorial, Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, saw the Declaration of Independence and visited the White House. There were many more things we saw. It was a great time. One could purchase a ticket, ride a little bus around, get off and on again and continue seeing our capital. I’ll always be grateful to Roger for the nice trips I was able to take.
I was able to visit Washington D.C. another time; this time just Roger, someone else, and I went. After the conference, he said he wanted to visit the National Museum of Art with me. We would go into a room. He would sit on a bench while I walked around looking at the paintings, then we would go into another room and he would sit again and I would look. I got a kick out this. It was in Washington D.C. that I first tasted Key Lime Pie. It has been a favorite ever since.
In 1988, my Dad celebrated his 80th birthday and we had a big celebration in Mesa. Most of the family were there except Mark and Shane Morris; they were serving their missions. We had lots of singing and playing. We sang the grandkids’ songs and wedding songs that Mom wrote, plus her sacred ones. I was wonderful to be with the extended family and Mom and Dad