Olympics

Unbelieveable! GOLD and SILVER! I sat around for hours waiting for last nights gymnastics, but the previous late nights, and early 4-5am mornings with Tristan made it impossible to keep my eyes open. So first thing this am I have been glued to the internet watching the all around. These two were incredible.

I can't walk today because...

I grew up just miles from some of the most incredible outdoor activities available; in Cody, Wyoming, just a half hour from Yellowstone park. I spent a TON of my time growing up back country camping, fishing, hiking with and without pack horses, rock climbing, etc... When I moved to Utah, I somehow stopped doing all these things in spite of the fact that being outdoors was one of my one true loves. As time passed, I justified sitting behind a computer more and more even though I was SURE that there was amazing outdoor opportunities just miles away.
Amber, amazing in so many ways as usual, has helped motivate me to get outside again and I am so grateful for her even though I can hardly walk today! We decided to drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon yesterday morning to get our butts out-of-doors and we found a little trailhead neither of us had ever investigated. We looked at the map and saw that a little lake called Dog Lake was just a little over 2 miles away and figured we could do it "no problemo". It began quite mildly and it was a really perfect hike. The weather was bright but mild and the scenery was incredible. About 1.5 miles up there was a trail divide which pointed out that Dog Lake was only a little over half a mile away so we prepared for the final stretch. IT WAS ALL STRAIGHT UP HILL, and both Amber and I were dying a little more with each step! I've really slacked off with my physical fitness what with my attempts to become a true Information Technology geek and with the extra 25 pounds on my back, I really truly struggled. After many breaks and moans of agony passed between my wife and I, we made it to the spectacular Dog Lake. Okay, actually, it was far from glorious but we made it and the hike was perfect.
Here are a few snaps of the event. I'm not taking any pictures of the bent-over-90-year-old walk I've got going on today though...

My two boys

So as we visited my grandparents in July--I realized that Tristan and Elijiah were the same age when we took the babies to visit. 3 Months old. So that prompted me when I got back from California, to get out some of Elijiah pictures and see the differences between my two boys. As you can see my grandpa has aged quite a bit, but man ---hes still truckin' for 90.....
Grandpa and Tristan2008

Grandpa and Elijiah 2003

Elijiah 3 months- what a chunk! He was my buddah baby!

Tristans first feeding....in the big boy high chair

Elijiahs first feeding- 4mo.( hes actually eating in his swing because regardless that he was 27 inches tall, and was close to 18lbs he wasnt all that solid sitting up by himself yet...:)

Arnt my boys the cutest????!!!!

My boy has gone and grown up!

Elijiah has had some big changes this year, his brother to name one...kindergarten next week will mark another one. I dont know why, but for me this is a HUGE milestone. Granted most all of his friends started school last year and we all know that he was more than ready, but with a November birthday he had to wait another year. All this has gotten us is a more know-it-all, bossy, dictator around our house. Oh he is as sweet as ever, but he knows everything. You cant tell him something that is contrary to his beliefs. When he asks a question its not to get an answer, he already knows. Its just confirming if YOU know. And if you tell him one thing and he doesnt believe it( even it its the truth), he will rail in to you about why its not and why his answer( therory) whatever, is the right answer. So in all reality there is no challenging Elijiah. This was endearing for a little while. My child who loved reading geography books, and all non-fiction stories to get facts. Bedtime stories? Not for my child any more. He likes "chapter" books.

So realizing that school is on the horizon Im equally THRILLED that someone will be able to teach him something he doesnt already know, and incredibly sad that my baby is no longer a baby. There is this precious time from birth to kindergarten that is YOURS as a parent. You influence them more than any other, and there is a love there that is undefineable. However once they go to school??? Im down on the list of priorities. Other influences, people, friends will have significant impact. Stuff I dont want him learning he will learn. Questions - will he be nice to those less fortunate, or the "weird" kids. Will he do what I hope he will and befriend those that are needing friends? The world of school and divisions and religion and everything that will go on that I have no control over Im terrified of. I want to keep Elijiah safe from heartache and the envitable pain of school age kids. And most of all Im amazed that he is going to school next week.

WHERE did the time go???

...

Although you probably can't tell, both Amber and I are contributors to this blog. So saying, I certainly don't want readers or more importantly our kids to think that daddy doesn't say much so he must not be all that into us! In all actuality, I am blown away on a daily basis with the emotions I feel for my soul's angel Amber and our little Tristan. However, I'm the type of guy that likes to keep his cards extremely close so I don't share my feelings about those things that are extremely special to me all that often. I won't say that this characteristic is going to change much as time moves forward as it's true what they say about old dogs, but I will say that I will try my best to write more often.

SOOOOO, I have to tell my little son how deeply every moment we have together moves me. I look at him and still wonder how such a perfect little person could have been created, at least in part, from this old man! I swear that his perfection comes from my dear wife exclusively but she keeps saying that he looks more and more like me as each day passes so I guess I DID play some part in bringing him to this earth. The little magic moments that I have with him are countless so I won't try to write about them all. However, we just fed him his first "big boy" food (rice cereal) and I wanted to share some photos. He is SUCH a character! The animated .gif below demonstrates how charismatically elastic his personality can be!

GirlsNight

Its been too long since weve all gotten together. With Abbie in Chicago, and Allison in Phoenix, our get togethers are infrequent. Snowbird was beautiful and it was great to have the girls back together again.

4 month appointment

Well Tristan is a growing weed I must say...27 inches long(99th percentile) and 15 lbs and 10oz(60th percentile) in weight. Tall and skinny. Mom wasnt happy with shots but who is?? At least Im not crying anymore. For some reason no matter how prepared I am, the tears start to well up when I see my child in pain. The worst part is taking him to daycare for them to hold and comfort. (sigh) At least I know he is well taken care of and they adore him. Its really great right now...the ratio at the daycare is about 1:1.

My brother took the above photo when Noellie was here and we got some great shots of the fam and me with the kids. Ill post them shortly when Jonathan has some time to make us look pretty!