Ray’s Note: Upon receiving this information, Reed  offered that I edit it - ‘especially the parts you are most familiar with’. As I read his wonderful remembrances, I realized that I could contribute to his remembrances as a 5-6 year older brother. So, I include my edits herein as red additions. I certainly do not wish to detract from the sacred remembrances of a genuinely delightful younger brother. Rather my edits are intended to contribute and enhance the sacred remembrances of a dear younger brother.

Some of what you read is recollections from my memories as a child. Others are culled from the memories of others. But regardless of the source - all of it truly happened.

As a young child there were places in our home that were magical. I’m not sure if the magic was because I was a child or because the places were off limits to the kids.  When you look at the pictures Ray has included, I’m referring to the house where we are all in the blow-up pool.

Children in inflatable pool.

Dad had an office in this house; and from what I recall, it was filled to the brim with wonders.  It was like a magical room. full of amazing things a small curious boy (who entertained himself) would find mercerizing.  Whenever I could, I would sneak into this room and play with or explore everything I could get my hands on. There were mechanical pencils where the lead magically appeared, sword shaped letter openers, magnifying glasses, sand filled paper weights.  Just amazing things!  To me, it was like a trip down Diagon Alley (Diagon Alley was a cobblestoned wizarding alley and shopping area located in London, England).  Time after time; I recall being caught in this room; gently being reminded I should not be in there; ushered out; and the door locked. What wonder still fills my mind as I discovered all the trinkets used by adults; but were forbidden to little tykes like me.

Verdeland Park, Layton, Utah

I’m sure this same wonder filled me in other rooms of the house. Four older brothers meant that they had toys and hobbies way too old for me. I recall wishing I could do what they were doing; but never realizing it wasn’t possible due to the age difference. Hugh had a Gas powered, line controlled, airplane. And oh how I wished I could fly it like he could. We would go to the park; and he would start it up with a roar, run to the end of the strings and make that airplane dance through the sky. I vaguely recall sneaking into their room (when curtains were shut) seeking the forbidden.

One time, I seemed to have made it. I was quite young, and Ray had a pet turtle.  A small, two-inch turtle that was in a small glass bowl.  I may have removed some parts of this from my memory to avoid the trauma that would surely accompany this event, or I may have been too small to recall it completely. But, I must have found access to this turtle from what I have been told. I understand, and Ray can add commentary here because I think he is the one who found me. He came into the room and found me holding half his turtle. It seems the turtle’s head and neck were missing, and turtle goo was drooling from my mouth. Now mind you, I understand; they never found the missing parts of that turtle, and we don’t know if I ate them or spit them out. However, it is clear I was the culprit who had found access to the wonderful things my older brothers had and explored them completely.  It’s no wonder they kept an eye on me after that and kept “curious me”, from places I shouldn’t have been.

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