DISNEYLAND!

We went to the happiest place on earth and had a wonderful time. We were so lucky to go with Bryan's family and couldn't have had a better time with the Massey Family. Brooks might not stop talking about this trip . . . ever !

On our Way!
!

Fun With Cousins.


Fun with Friends.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the trip, was on our very last night, we were eating dinner just before leaving the park. Brooks looked up at me with tears in his eyes and said, "I am just so sad to leave the happiest place on earth." Me too, little Brooksie.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Massey, we will never forget it!

Please Meet . . .

My new nephew, Ben.

I just returned from the most wonderful weekend with him and my sister, Paige and brother-in-law, Mike. Ben is such a little man and such a good baby. It is so fun to watch my little sister as a mom. Paige has always been such a nurturer and has always loved children. I knew she would be a terrific mother and boy was I right. She is great!

She is so in love and takes such great care of him. What a lucky little guy. Paige and I are similar in many ways and different in many other. But, I can't think of anything I would rather share or have in common with her more than the role of being a mother.

Congrats Paige and Mike. Ben is beautiful!

It's a Party in the U.S.A.!!!

Well, it should be because Erin is turning, uh, 25 today. I'm breaking our blogging code of silence to wish my sweet wife a Happy Birthday. Those who frequent this well-maintained blog of ours already know how great Erin is so I won't belabor you with gushy details about her way-above-average characteristics and minute/mile speed. Suffice it to say that she makes these two guys very, very happy.

Although it may be said that this year has brought (like her Wasatch Back legs) a few more downs than ups, I would much rather go through downs with Erin than ups without her (as evidenced by the sincere smile on my face in the following highly professional and flattering self portrait of us at Pebble Beach. My smile may be because of the close proximity to the best golf courses in the world (see background), but probably not).

***Warning: Gratuitous attempt at cheesy and highly cliched gushing over my wife follows (as if everything prior to this wasn't), the faint of heart should cease reading immediately and return to your online shopping activities.***

Erin brings an unmatched vibrancy into people's lives, especially mine. Like any good caddie, I will follow her anywhere.

Erin thank you so much for all you do for Brooks and I, and everyone else in your life. We love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

My Buddy

"Hey Mom, all mom's have a buddy, I'll be your buddy. OK?"

I am loving my little buddy. These past winter months would have been so sad without him. I love him dearly and indulge him too much, but it's hard not to with such a great little guy. He is curious and chatty and happy and now he is four and he is pretty proud of that. I am sad with how quickly the time flies, but I am in love with every day he grows.

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#1 - The Return of Uncle Trent!

My brother returned home from a church mission in the Philippines. He had a great time and did a wonderful work, but we are so glad he is home. He was certainly missed. Though I do miss the nightly prayers that said, "please, please bless Uncle Trent, far, far away in the Philippines," we are all so glad to have him back. (yes, ladies. . .he's single.)

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#2 The Beach We had the best time at Newport Beach with my family this summer. I can't believe it has taken me so long to write about it, but summer wouldn't have been quite so nice without time spent at the beach. Thanks Amma and Papa for such a wonderful vacation! We loved every minute.

Cute boys.

The entire Morgan clan, minus Bridget (sorry.)

We even got to spend time with some of our very favorite people.

Sandcastles with Sammy, so cool!

Ahhh, Brooks and Annie. How cute is that?

A little competition is good for the soul!

We ran and jumped waves four hours and hours. Can't wait to do it all again. Surf's up!

Top Ten Reasons We Have Loved Summer '09

#3 - Disneyland!

We were so lucky to be able to go to California this summer with my family. While we were there, we stopped off to see Mickey and Minnie and all the other fun friends at Disneyland. Brooks was enamored with it all, from the rides to the characters, the treats to the toys and he even loved the swinging doors on the garbage cans. I think he hit every one in the park, yuck! But we had a wonderful time and made so many great memories. Here are some we'll share.

Ahoy Matey! Our first ride was Pirates and it was the best way to start off our day. A quick lunch at the Blue Bayou and then another turn on the ride and this sealed the deal for Brooks, "A pirates life for me." Just last week he told everyone in primary that he wants to be a pirate when he grows up. I am fine with that...there's good money to be made in piracy.

Lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe with the whole gang.

Tea cups with Amma and Papa. The orange cup was the only cup that spun the entire time, Papa is crazy, but you will be happy to know that none of the passengers got sick!

Thumbs up dude!

Our last and favorite ride...Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Brooks waited all day to ride and it was well worth the wait. He loved every minute of it. I loved hearing his giggles. Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth. I can't wait until next time.