It is fairly surreal to see your kids grow up before you. It is hard to imagine that they were once babies, unable to speak, unable to care for themselves. it is such a pleasure to see them perform, compete, and succeed (although it can also break my heart when they don't). It is fairly overwhelming to hear them praise me, to encourage me, to imitate me, and to count me as their "hero." Boone has taken to the outdoors, and for this I am thankful. We went on a backpacking trip this past Fall, and for the past two Birthdays we have spent the night at North Creek campground (not far from our house). It is a tremendous pleasure to see my kids enjoy the things that I enjoy. Above is Boone playing in North creek with some of his buds. Below, he is sitting around the campfire with the gang.
Happy Birthday, Brother. You deserve all of life's best. (I am usually much happier when I think of you than the bottom left-hand corner of this picture attests.)
