For Your Birthday

Dylan,


I want to write you a little birthday note so I can tell you how important you are to me.  I don't honestly know where the time has gone.  It seems like just yesterday we brought you home from the hospital and now, you're three.  I can't believe it.  Where did our baby boy go?


Even though there are times that your mom and I want you to stay a baby forever, it so much fun watching you grow and develop.  You have a strong will and a big personality that can take you far in life.  You are certainly a boy who knows what he wants and I believe you have the will to make it happen.  Be sure to remember that you can accomplish great things when you set your mind to it.


As you continue to develop stay close to your brother and sister.  It's hard to be included with the big kids at times, but stand up for yourself and they will bring you along on some great adventures.  I know Kennedy and Alex love you so much, even if it's hard sometimes for them to show it.


This past year we've watched you achieve so many milestones:  riding a bike with training wheels, attending your first classes, helping out around the house.  It's fun to see your desire to contribute to our family and I hope you'll want to continue doing things on your own.  It's clear you have an independent spirit, but don't forget we want to be part of the ride, ok?


I love you Big D.  You have a place in our family that is special and unique - just like you.  Happy Birthday Dylan.


Love,


Daddy

Dad's Celebration

I've been putting off writing this post. It has been hard saying goodbye to my dad. I guess you always think you have more time. But it was my dad's time to go. After a two week battle with pancreatitis and lots of side effects, my dad's body couldn't fight anymore. He gave it a good fight, but it wasn't meant to be. He passed away on January 20, 2012. He was surrounded by family and went quietly. I was glad that I was able to say goodbye to my dad, but it was hard watching him pass away. I've never experienced anything like that before and honestly, I don't really want to do it again.

My dad's funeral was on Wednesday, January 25th. I had no idea how time consuming and draining it was to plan a funeral. We all helped my mom with the details and honestly, there wasn't a second to breath. We finally got everything together and the viewing and funeral were really nice. It was amazing how many people showed up to pay their respects to my dad. It meant so much to my mom.

The funeral was a great celebration of my dad's life. Everyone that spoke did a nice job and the music was great (except for the organ solo-not sure what was going on with that!) We laughed and cried as we remembered dad and all the good times we had together. As hard as it was, I really thought it was a great way to celebrate his life.

After the funeral, we drove to the cemetery. When we got there, the American Legion was there to honor my dad for his time in the Navy. It was awesome to see all these men lined up, saluting my dad as they took him out of the hearse. My nephew dedicated the grave, then the Legion played taps and did the gun salute. Our friend and neighbor gave my mom the flag. I sobbed all the way through. It was so emotional.  After the American Legion was done, we all placed a white rose on my dad's casket to say our last goodbyes.  It was hard to leave the cemetery. It all seemed so final.

After lunch at the church, we headed back to my mom's. We were all exhausted. We hung out for a little while, remembering dad and the day. When it was time to go home, we decided to head back to see dad's grave. We made it there right at sunset. There were lots of pretty flowers on dad's grave. We took some pictures and said one more goodbye.

 The one thing that makes this somewhat easier is knowing that my dad had a good long life. He was 81. I'm sad that he didn't get a few more years, but it was his time to go. I know that he is in a better place and I'm thankful to know that his spirit still lives on. It helps to know that we will see him again someday.

I hope my dad knows how much I love him. I looked up to him so much growing up. I loved spending time with him, following him around the garden, and the yard and watching him fix and build things. He was such a support to me and all the things I wanted to do. He was always there in the background, cheering me on in whatever endeavor I had. I loved my dad's quiet ways. He wasn't much of a talker, but if you got him on the right subject, he opened right up. My dad was an obedient, righteous, good man. I will miss him so much. I love you dad.

Dylan's Birthday

Dylan's birthday was on a Sunday this year, so we decided to do a family dinner.  My mom, Bonnie and the Duncan's and Jared's family all joined us for some yummy soup and macaroni and cheese.  Dylan wasn't too interested in food and just wanted his presents.  So after dinner, he opened up his presents in record time!  The best thing about opening the presents was when we would tell him who the present was from, he would take it to them, thinking it was their present to open.  At least he knows how to share!  Once he started opening though, he barely looked at each present before moving on.  After the chaos, he slowed down and realized he got some fun toys and games from everyone.

We made Dylan a Pluto cake.  (At least I tried-not so sure it looked much like Pluto, but it tasted great!) My cakes quality have surely gone downhill without Kaaren here to help me.  But they are done a lot faster!

Dylan had a nice birthday.  He loved telling everyone he was three, but was not fooled when we told him all three year olds go pee-pee on the potty.  He is not interested!

I can't believe my baby is three years old.  It makes me a little sad to see him grow up so fast, but not so sad that I won't be changing diapers for much longer!  My Big D is such a blessing in my life.  I love his strong spirit and love for everything around him.  He has such a big personality and I love see him express it--most of the time!  I love you, Big D!  Happy Birthday!

Klondike Camping

A few months ago I was called to be the Assistant Scoutmaster.  This is a calling I knew I'd love.  Working with the young men, fun activities, playing with toys - what's not to love.  The only thing I was a little worried about was WINTER CAMPING.  Don't get me wrong - I love to camp.  It's just winter camping that I wasn't so gung ho about.  Honestly, I didn't want to force a bunch of 12-year-olds to camp out in the freezing cold.  That being said, we felt that it was important to take our kids to the annual Klondike Derby in Heber last weekend.

It couldn't have turned out better.  The camp is actually at the Heber Valley Girls' Camp, so instead of freezing in a tent all night, we were relaxing in the bunk houses (rough I know).  It was perfect for our younger boys - for three of them this was their first scout camp.

Leading up to the Klondike Ryan got our boys super excited building our sled; they spent three weeks working on it!  It was so cool to see how proud the boys were of their new ride.  They wanted to compete with the other groups and show that they could do anything they set their minds to.  Wow, isn't that the purpose of Scouting, building boys into men.

The Klondike events were very fun.  The boys raced in snowshoes, build winter shelters, navigated obstacles courses, raced the sled, and administered first aid.  In the end our troop finished 3rd overall.  Not bad considering there were 23 troops in attendance.  Our sled time was third fastest and we finished second in the snowshoe relay.  Our boys couldn't have been happier!

In the end, I don't know who had a better time this weekend, the boys or the leaders.  I really love the guys I work with in our Ward and it was a total blast going camping with them.  I can't wait for future outings so I can be a scout again!

BTW - The trip was even better because Coleton and Evan came with their troop!  Fun to watch Coleton compete with his friends...

Take a look at Troop 332 is action!

Super Bowl Fun

Yesterday was the Super Bowl and the biggest party of the year (so far). We packed up the van to go down to Paul's house for some good food and fun company. I didn't really care about the winner of the game. Neither the Patriots or Giants are that exciting to us, so we just hoped for a close game. The game didn't disappoint. A score for the win on the final drive for the G-Men. I think my favorite part of the game were a few memorable commercials.

 First - I loved the spoof of Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the Honda CR-V. This show was a big part of my friends' culture and a 2 minute return to high school made my day.

 

 Speaking of making my day, the Clint Eastwood halftime ad was amazing. I don't really care about Chrysler, but the ad's message of American resiliency and pride came through - loud and clear.

 

Last, what would the Super Bowl be without a great commercial for Doritos. Watching this dog made me laugh out loud. Always a good commercial when a cat ends up missing.