TRIP TO MICHIGAN

Dear Family.

It has been a busy time of the year. Mom and IO travelled back to Michigan for the baby blessing of Al & Paul's seventh child, George Thomas. Here is Mom holding the little guy; they now have five boys and two girls. They picked us up at the airport and we drove to Ann Arbor where they are living.

We stopped at the Great Food Market which is one of the largest io the country. Little Peter wanted to show me where he got the free sample of pickled octopus each time he went. (Not sure where these kids get their weird tastes but I have an Idea.) Well we bought a pint of octopus and shrimp and here is Peter getting his octopus treat.

We went \ to Al's and tried to get a little nap and here is Opa on the couch like a big old bear with Klara, Henry and Mary Anne piled on.

These kids are so fun, When they stayed in our downstairs apartment during a time of transition, we all got to be great pals. Al and Paul are looking for a little farm in Michigan.

We then went to Bloomfield Hills and stayed with Mary, Mark, David and Kati. It was like old times and memories overflowed. The next day Karen K, now Dr Karen came by and to see Mary, Al and Karen together again took me back a few years. They were all on the track team, cross country and they were cheerleaders together and so much like sisters.

Bry and I went to the farm and did some work. We pruned a pear tree at the farm. When Julie died we planted a pear tree next to the farm house we called the Julie Tree, Over the last ten years it grew and we pruned it back . Bry and I work sell together, there are only hand signals a we know what to do. Here is Opa on tractor filling up the burn pile.

There were rides on the farm, barbecue, a little shooting, a late night campfire and I was back in time.

Sunday was busy, I gave Sarah her Patriarchal Blessing; Paul gave his little boy George his name and blessing, Mom gave a talk in Church and then I did a Stake fireside in the evening. It was busy and so much fun to see everyone again. Monday we drove over to Ann Arbor and then to the airport and home. It was a great trip down memory lane and the same time building new memories.

We are grateful for our blessings, Love,

Oma and Opa

BIRTHDAYS IN APRIL

We have about 20 birthdays in April so it is a busy month for all.

I had a benchmark birthday as well. It was a great day! I gave two blessings in the morning, went to a single adult ward conference and then to Cheryl and Paul's house for a dinner. Doug's family was there as well and there was a four course dinner starting with fondue. It was great. Here we are surrounding a homemade Bavarian chocolate cake. Everyone called and I got a lot of well wishing via email and Facebook as well.

Al's boy, Peter sent me a birthday letter, He is 6 and has taught himself to write in block letters and on his own, sat down and wrote the following. "Dear Opa, it is really something to be alive on the earth for three quarters of a century" Well I had to agree and feel thankful to be here in the "joy in my posterity" phase of life.

Here is the list: Bryan, Roy, Dad, Paul, SWamuel, Camile, Anabelle, Caroline, Rebecca, Madeline, Elise, Allisa, Catherine. Olivia, LKexie, Eva, Henry, David and Andrew!

Love and thanks for all the well wishes,

DAD

MISSIONARY REUNION 2010

Dear Family,

We had our missionary reunion last night in our home. We had a good turnout with at least 70 - 80 there with kids. They came from afar: one came from Vermont, one from California and one of the newly baptised young lady from the Heinlein family in Schweinfurt, Germany. It was so great to see everyone. Several of our senior missionaries couples were there as well. We had Meiers chicken, with a lot of fixins. Mom did a great job. Mom and I did short talks and we had a violin solo from Erin H. It was so great to see them all moving along life's path. I mentioned the change in the mission with the addition of Switzerland to our mission which will make an interesting assignment for the Mission President. It is like our old Swiss- Austrian mission with the addition of a good hunk of southern Germany.

Here are two of our former sister missionaries. In addition to being great wives and mothers, Heidi P. has started her landscape business after graduating from the Y with a degree in that field. Elizabeth E. finds time to teach early morning seminary miles from her home, be a councilor in the Relief Society and coach middle school lacrosse.

The accomplishments of the entire group are impressive. It is almost like we have a second family and we love those missionaries and are so proud of them!

Alles Gute, Mom & Dad