From Grandmamma to the best 21 grandchildren in the world

Dear Children,

Today Grandpa and I walked along the beach of the Gulf of Mexico (we have to drive about 20 minutes to get to it). The waves were splashing high and one caught me by surprise and drenched my tennis shoes and Bermuda shorts. I kept walking in wet shoes for awhile, but finally decided to just take them off and enjoy the sand between my toes. I kept thinking how much fun it would be to have you walking with us.
Every few feet or so we’d discover a pretty sea shell. We have quite a collection now to bring home in July for you to create “shell sculptures” with at the reunion. Grandpa found a small, hollow crab shell that is very interesting, and we’ve added it to our “sand dollars” and unusual shells in a basket in the bathroom.
It is fun to watch the fishermen wade waste deep into the water, and throw large round nets out. They slowly pull them into shore and if they are lucky they’ve a net full of fresh fish to sell at the market or to take home for breakfast.
Speaking of food, a week ago we walked along the Laguna which is about a 10 minute drive from our house. A friendly, medium size crocodile swam along beside us as we walked. If we’d stop, he’d stop and turn so that he could look at us head on.
Grandpa thought he was sizing us up for his breakfast. I wasn’t concerned as there was a nice big fence between us. He must have decided we were not worth his trouble because after awhile he turned and swam away. There are also lots of snapping turtles in the Laguna, and some huge fish which are the main diet of the crocodiles.
There is a nice dirt path all the way around the big Laguna where many people go to walk or jog. Spanning the water is a bridge that is about a block long. I like to walk across it and remember when I was a little girl and would walk across the Franklin Avenue bridge that spanned the Mississippi River right in front of our house in Minneapolis. My big brothers and I had grand times playing on the banks of that mighty river, but I never even dipped my big toe into that rushing water. There were no crocodiles, but my mother warned me about the terrible deep drop offs and whirlpools that could suck even a grownup under and drown them within seconds.
What a blessing it is to have parents who love us and protect us. I want you to know that Your Heavenly Father also loves you and will protect you. Always turn to Him in prayer, and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost in your life.
With all my love, You’re Grandmamma Bentley