Happy 20th Birthday Nicole

Nicole isn't going to be very happy about the picture chosen for this blog. My answer to that is "TO BAD."

This picture has always been one of my favorites because it shows me the true side of this amazing young woman. Nicole is usually seen with a smile on her face, or dancing (mostly in the car), singing or laughing (especially when 30 Rock is on). However, she has always been one that has knows what it is like to feel the spirit and has taken the time to reflect on it.

Whether its the sacrifice experience at girls camp, or kneeling in ward prayer pleading to spare Jared and Karen's lives, or sitting by her "pops" bed reading him a book while he prepared to leave us, or talking with her with other grandparents or simply reflecting on her life..she knows and appreciates her relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Well now she's 20, been away to college, and this fall leaving for a study abroad to London. She's growing up but we know that she will continue to be amazing and are grateful for her in our family.

We love ya "Collie" or "T......" HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Dad, Mom, Megan & Abbie

By the way...pictures of her birthday night out with her friends are below:



Isn't this an Honor Code Violation??????:)



Chocolate and friends...pretty much Nicole's idea of the perfect evening!

The Legacy Continues

Last July we were in California for Robyne's mom's birthday (won't say which one...don't want to get in any more trouble than I'm usually in). While we were there we took the girls to see their only remaining great-grandmother who was living in a care center. While she was in frail health and suffered from Dementia, we still had an amazing time visiting with her.

Yesterday she passed away after a very long and rewarding life.

Robyne and I had the opportunity to spend some time last night reflecting on the different experiences we've had with her. She talked of spending time with her in the summer, her delicious cooking and the support she felt from her grandma as she left on her mission. My first memory was visiting with her after our engagement and the ice cold Coke she brought me in a in what had to be a gallon size glass. Tender tears always accompanied Robyne's reflections along with a tender smile and eyes filled with love.

One of the attributes I love most about my wife is her unconditional and genuine love she has for everyone, especially her family. Robyne has had an amazing relationship with her grandparents throughout her life. She loved them deeply and they did her in return. Every time Robyne and her grandparents were together, laughter, smiles and love was always abundant. They enjoyed the time they spent together.

My parents were the same age as Robyne's grandparents and she always treated them in the same way she did her own parents and grandparents...loved them unconditionally.

As I've reflected on the lives of those we've lost over the past few years I've often thought of what I cherish most about them, and how its made me a better person. I also have reflected on how best we can keep their individual legacies continuing within our family. Tonight as I looked over this picture I realized again that those legacies are still alive and well with my wife and daughters. It is seen just as clearly in their faces as it is in their mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. For that, I am eternally blessed.

Four Generations