When we were kids.............(LuAnn, Frances, and I-Jimmy).............we tended to spend most of our time playing around the house and in the yard. We also liked to play in the woods; and along Clover Creek; and the swamp. Often it was over to the Skoog's house (Ricky & Doug); the Cooks; Jack Allison's; or the Pearson's-- (or to Grandma's house next door). We so loved our comic books and the Sunday funnies. We always could come up with something to do, but it was extra special when our parents would come up with something special: like an evening ride to get either a root beer or a float; to an ice cream place or hamburger joint; a drive-in movie; a school event or to the downtown theater; to see the Daffodil Parade (in Puallup); a Watkins sponsored Christmas party; or to attend the Parkland Roundup to experience a real-live rodeo! We even went bobsledding and on hayrides. They also took us to the "Top of the Ocean" (a seafood place); Fort Nisqually; Point Defiance; a Saturday Matinee at Fort Lewis; a ride across the Tacoma-Narrows Bridge; Long Lake; Wapato Park; or Spanaway. A few times we were taken to the beach to dig clams, play in the sand, jump the waves,get sun-burned, or to look for shells, crabs, and sand dollars. We were happy kids and Dad & Mom were energetic in seeing that we were able to enjoy a kid's life much the same as they, themselves, had enjoyed at a similar age.
In Salt Lake, we were taken to Salt Air; Lagoon Amusement Park; Liberty park; the bowling alley; the State Capital; the Mormon Tabernacle; Derks Field;the Elk's Boys and Girls Club; places to take our sleds, in the winter; and, of course there was always Grandma's and Grandpa's place.
In Phoenix, we were introduced to goofy golf, roller and ice skating rinks, more drive-in movies, desert parks and explorations, Saghuaro & Canyon Lakes, the Mining Camp Restaurant, Rawhide, the swap meet at Greyhound Park, stable horse-back riding, etc. We also entertained the State & County Fairs as a whole family and always having a great time.
We were treated most satisfiably by our parents and I don't believe any of us kids have cause for remorse. Thanks Dad and Mom.