Happy Birthday!!

There are several cool people I know that have birthdays in August.  OK...so I know there are others - but, I'm only doing some of the people I'm related to in this post.  (Sorry friends.)  I just started randomly looking through and choosing pictures and realized I didn't really have an order - until I noticed that there is an order.  I have them listed by age - although, I'm not going to tell you which end you would need to start at for youngest or oldest.  Anyway, we grew up saying something nice about the bday person when it was their day.  So, just pretend you're at the proverbial dinner table (and you're eating whatever the bday person chose).

Melissa is amazing!  This year I'm choosing communication.  There are a couple of different reasons.  She and Gary communicate so well with each other that they are an impressive team.  She communicates well with her children - anyone that can chat/laugh with her teenage daughters and still maintain the parent/child relationship must being doing something right in the area of communication.  I also know that Melissa seems to be at ease talking with others and helping them to feel good about themselves (and thus, feel good about being around her).  She is articulate and genuine all at the same time - while getting necessary facts correct when needed.

I love this picture of Mike - to me it shows that he is a man of action - in two ways.  It speaks of his ever 'ready for an adventure' side.  Although, he is standing still and has a child on his back - so, he's probably not feeling very adventurous.  But, you do have to know that we were at a mine and I think they went through together.  Mike would have to go for the challenge.  For this reason (the challenge) I think there are many times we've wondered about the miracles that have happened for him to still be alive.  I think there have been sleepless nights for both mom and his current keeper, Sarah (who deserves to be part of the picture - but, I couldn't find any of the two of you together - pathetic of me, really).  We all love that Mike is fun loving and is the 'favorite' adventure keeper in the family.  (Not sure anyone else is willing to put their life on the line for the title - had to throw in 'favorite' somewhere.)  This picture instantly reminds me of his love for others and his endless willingness and excitement for giving.  If you know Mike, the kid on his back, or both - you know that he's not one of Mike's sons.  (We're excited to meet #3, by the way!)  I'm guessing Mike just did it - no questions - just a good idea and some action.

Dave - what to say about Dave...other than we love Dave - always have, always will.  We are all so very glad that we convinced him that he really did need to marry Becca - because well...it really is OK to marry your best friend - besides the fact that we all know she's fabulous.  (Ok, so the rest of us can't really take any credit.)  Dave has a knack for doing what is right - no matter what.  I've noticed that if he feels like it's the right thing to do - he'll do it.  If there's any doubt - it'll either wait until he feels right about it (we're glad you waited around for that moment, Becca) or he won't do it at all.  There is no question about his ability and willingness to follow the Spirit in an effort to be obedient.  Yes, we love Dave and his example of righteous living.

Happy Birthday to each of you!!  I love you - thanks for being your own brand of unique.  A big 'shout out' for bdays coming up - the ever fun loving Allison and the terrifically talented Seth!  (Sorry, no photos - I took so many at the reunion - you'd think there was something.  But, no - very lame!)