February 11, 1968

Dear Family; (those not here)

It was quite a day. Lloyd, Carol and family and Betty and the girls joined us her Friday night. We
took off for Hunters Point on a very nice morning, marred only by grandpa blowing his jets, because
everyone was so slow in starting.

There must have been a least a thousand at the Ceremony, highlighted by speeches by Admirals,
Rear Admirals, and Commanders Etc. Even the Chaplin, who gave the invocation and Benediction, was a
high Ranker.

After the Brass had left, we all filed aboard the ship, which seems about as large as the now
famous, Puebla. We finally found David stationed at the bottom of a steep companion way, (stairs),
helping people down. Mother said his face was red most of the time because of the Mini skirted girls.
Lloyd and Bob accused him of paying off to get the post. I took pictures of the boat and will send some
along if they are good. We saw David’s bunk, a bid with a four inch foam mattress. Paul Jones must
squirm in his grave to know that the modern sailor has it so good.

It has really been hectic with 15 people here. I don’t know how or where they all slept, but I do
know that the bath room became a shining goal. We all sat around talking with one ear tuned to the
closing or opening of the bath room door. When we heard it open we would wander casually around as
though going to the kitchen or the telephone and then make a dash. It was sure a good feeling when we
made it. Mother drafted me to run interference for her then stand on guard in front of the door so that
she would not be interrupted.

Coming up from L.A. we drove through fog for about four hours. Mother tied herself in knots
trying to see through the fog. She even suggested that we sell the car and fly back, but we will try it
again tomorrow.

Betty came off the mountain in a snow storm and sideswiped a road marker in a skid, but her car
was not damaged. The Rice girls and Mimi were in Mimi’s room directly across from where we slept. As
is usual with girls after not seeing each other for a long time, they tittered and tee heed and talked until
the wee hours, finally quieted by a bellow from Grandpa; “Knock it off!” It reminded me very much of
the days when my own did the same.

Marion, who seems to be growing to a “big shot” in Sears, was in Fresno for a three day Sears
conference last week and came back the same day we arrived. Bob is working steadily again and says
that he doesn’t believe there will be another lay-off for a long time.

Brian Jon does not quite understand why there are so many people. He seems to have settled
his affections on Robin and won’t have anything to do with anyone else.

We received your letter here Rina and were glad to know that you were back on even keel. We
were also glad to hear that Frank is flying again. We still have not found a tape recorder to play your

tape. We depended on Lloyd but he did not bring his. Maybe we will hear it by next Christmas.

Lloyd, David and I are getting ready to go to Priesthood meeting so I will close.

Everyone sends their love,

Vaya Con Dios,

Dad