Babysitting and Graduation

Well we survived the 9 days of babysitting the Johnson Children whose current ages are 4,3,2, and 1. No, that is not a misprint, they are 4,3,2,and 1!!! I think it's more difficult in some ways than quadruplets! Anyway, we managed to take them to Jungle Gyms, Hogle Zoo, 2 baseball games, (Larkin and cousin Ethan are on the same baseball team) and the Dinosaur Museum. The power went out for a brief time while we were there and when we called David to get his advice, Anna was overheard in the background telling David to "get us a hotel room, but don't invite them to spend the night over here." That might give you an idea of how people that know them and love them feel about the ease of caring for them. Seriously, Anna was very helpful and went above and beyond the call of duty to feed us dinner one night and take Larkin early to the baseball games. We didn't lose any of the children and we only lost the dog, Sadie, one time. After much prayer and significant personal restraint we are happy to report that all four children survived the ordeal virtually unscathed and unharmed. We were happy to see Katie, Adam, and little Ali on Saturday afternoon. They stayed as long as they could and it was very nice to have an outside opinion about the situation we were in. It was also nice to see how well-behaved and tame Ali appears to be. Adam probably doesn't deserve this, but I'm sure Katie does. It was also nice to visit with Laurel and she actually showed Larkin how to get the dog to sit on her command. That was the first things Larkin wanted to show and tell when her parents got home.
Michael and Ann Marie had a wonderful time in Ecuador doing humanitarian aide for the church. Michael was a great teacher and will be welcomed back anytime they can find another babysitter for their children. Don't everyone volunteer at once.
The next Thursday Glenn and I returned to the scene of the crime for Cassie's graduation . It's official - she has her Master's and is now a Nurse Practitioner. I think she may have the honor of being Grandma and Grandpa's first grandchild to have their Master's Degree. Anyway, we are very proud of her and she has worked extremely hard for this honor. She finished all 6 years with a 3.8 grade average - a real chip off the ol' block, wouldn't you say? HA HA
Paul is busy interviewing for Jobs and weighing his options. He's in Denver today interviewing with Halliburton and will be interviewing with another company later this week in SLC. I am just hoping that they don't end up too far away.
Thomas is working everyday to improve his new house and having fun with his little girl Annie. She is a good baby and, like Adam, he is lucky he got her. Kricket has gone back to school so life is hectic but good for them, as many of you can relate with.
Grandma and grandpa are just chuggin along - grandma always has a good attitude and she still walks at the track most days. Yes, she is still driving, but not too much. She is having her eyes operated on tomorrow, she may not even need her infamous glasses they say.
Hope all is well with everyone and I will write again soon.