Happy 40th Larry!

Yes.  It's a bit embarrassing.  Not only have a skipped a complete action-packet month- but I have not one picture to share for Larry's birthday.  But his gift was pretty darn good.  So I'm thinking it makes up for my negligence.  Larry bought himself a boat this year.  A ski boat.  A 1996 Four Winns 18 1/2 foot inboard/outboard with open bow, to be exact.  He loves it.  He smiles just thinking about it.  I will add pictures on a future post.  But just know that Larry entered the 40's an older and wiser boat-owner.  And it couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy- I love you!  Happy birthday, Larry!

Happy Valentine's Day, baaaaaaby!

So the ward activity in February was a Valentine's dance.  Yes.  Dance.  Yes.  Larry hates dancing.  BUT... it was a 70's theme so we got to have fun anyway...   How do we look?

Hot, right?!

Happy 39th, Larry!

It was a great couple of days. Monday, the 3rd, Larry's parents came to celebrate with dinner, dessert, and gifts. Chicken and pork kabobs on the grill and brownies with ice cream to top it off! Yum! I think he was surprised with his gifts this year. It is rare, because he usually asks for one thing he wants. But this year we took that birthday wish and expounded on it. Not only did he get the new driver he wanted but he got a new golf bag and pull cart. Yes, yes, I found them all on sale so I didn't go crazy- but it was fun to watch him open them all the same. So he's all ready for his RE-found hobby to be resurrected. Now only if he had time to kill....

Gotta love 'em!

With Dad and Mom.

Gifts a plenty!

The new driver.

Try 103?

Check out those divots?

The natural.

Grandpa

Don't throw that rock, Porter!

Grandma

Larry chose to spend the actual day at the lake. When asked what he wanted to do, he didn't hesitate with that answer. So off to Lake Ohop we went. It was a beautiful day- after having 107 the week before, we were glad for a cool down. The day started out cloudy and chilly but warmed up by noon. The sun was shining, the sky was clear and the water was smooth. We were almost alone on the lake. Sydney was the first to attempt to ski- several tries, got up on a few, but kept falling. Riley went next and skied successfully on her 3rd try. It was fun to see! Payton even gave it a go. For those of you who know her, you realize what an amazing birthday present that was! She gave it 2 good attempts before clambering back in the boat. Larry's beach start went off without a hitch, too. (Which is saying something since I had to drive!) I skied around the lake, too. The water was warm, not the usual NW glacial. The kids tubed, even Porter! So, all in all, a very happy birthday indeed! We can hardly wait for next year!

The water trio.

Two "P"s in a pod.

So sweet!

Enjoying the ride...

Takin' a rest.

Sydney skiing...

Riley's turn.

The proud skier!

Beach start success!

And he's spent.

All done.

The (unattractive) proof

that I really do

ski.

Faster!

Water fun!

My birthday boy!

Enough said.

It is true that a picture speaks a thousand words. This says it all.

Happy Father's Day!

I've gotta say, Larry is one of my most favorite people in the world. There is no one I would rather hang out with or talk to or see at the end of the day. I am a pretty lucky lady, if I do say so myself. I couldn't let this holiday go without a little gushing. I realize I've been severely blog-negligent; perhaps I will continue to be throughout this summer- no promises here. But I've got one amazing guy who adores his children more than any basketball game and that makes me happy. This is true in spite of a giftless Father's Day weekend. Now that is not counting the very cool light up yo-yo from sweet Sydney and all the hand-made cards at breakfast and the big breakfast itself (I can count that, right?). The plan was to surprise him with a new flag and solar spotlight for said flag. Didn't happen. I'm so sorry, honey, I just plain ran out of time. So much for being prepared. Does the fact that I had "chosen" a gift count for anything? I will try to make it up to him. I promise.

But... he informed us last night while helping with dinner, taking out the garbage, cleaning up a spill, doing dishes, taking care of the dog (among other things that we all should have done while he sat with his feet up), that next year he is going to cook breakfast on Father's Day. Crazy, I know. He says the best gift would be for him to make the big breakfast; that he loves to be with his family, helping.

So, does that make me look like a selfish Mother's-Day-lounge-around-watch-tv-with-no-interruptions-breakfast-when-I-come-down-after-sleeping-in kind of Mom? He says no and I guess by next May I will have gotten over any and all guilt. But, again, I feel very lucky to have found the man of my dreams/the love of my life/the most incredible Dad to my kids over and over again.

Love you, Larry! Happy Father's Day!