Elizabeth Stevenson Fairleigh writes that she and Dave just returned from their 10-year anniversary trip to Costa Rica with daughter Lauren (4). They had an AWESOME time as they saw a "live" volcano spitting hot lava and hiked a rain forest. They were also able to experience the most incredible butterfly and hummingbird gardens. The high point was the cocoon house where 100s of species emerge right before your eyes! On a safari boat ride they saw tons of white-faced monkeys (some were bold enough that they came right up to them on the beach); Jesus Christ lizards that walk on water (really!); caimans galore; sloth hanging from trees.

Ann Colona Bennett informed me that the Friday before Memorial Day she found out that her dad has stage-4 abdominal cancer, most likely pancreatic (the same as her mom, but different symptoms). She's driving to NC (where dad is) every weekend. Jon joins her as much as possible. The only treatment is chemotherapy and the goal of that is to try to minimize symptoms. Ann knows it will be a difficult summer, but she's grateful to have had the years with her dad since his prostatectomy in 1999. This is a bittersweet time for Ann; not happy news, but a reminder to appreciate your loved ones and let them know that you do. (Our prayers are with you and your family, Ann.)

Kate Watson's news is that she went up to Harvard's JFK School of Government for an Executive Program of the Politics of Leadership. She also went to Saudi Arabia and Jordon as a delegate and then was asked to be an "escort" - not what it sounds like - to Australia. Both were learning experiences, although the scandal with her boss, Enid Green Waldholtz, broke while Kate was in Riyadh and there was absolutely nothing she could do. Upon deplaning at Dulles, Enid's lawyer was there to meet Kate - just to make sure that they were ahead of the FBI - with whom Kate spent considerable time later. Her other fun and recent ASC experience was that she hooked up with Elder Maxwell for breakfast a few weeks ago when business brought her not just to New York City, but to Elder's actual neighborhood, Brooklyn. They had a great time getting caught up again. Kate is also making good progress in her effort to move back to Charleston, job or no job. Her offer of shelter and/or entertainment holds for Washington or Charleston. Cute dog is staying with her boyfriend, but she has no doubt that she'll acquire another shelter dog in Charleston.

Check out the new pictures that are up. The monkeys are from Elizabeth's trip to Costa Rica. Reunion pictures are from Carol Buterbaugh Hays.