Dad

10 years later and we miss you even more.

August 13, 1945 - January 19, 1999

Right, left, right...

We are walking! Of course, I'm talking about Mia and although I think she would still prefer to crawl, we've had several steps this weekend going back and forth between mommy and daddy who were sitting on the floor with open arms. If you're a parent, I know you've all done it, but it was such an amazing thing to see. Funny thing is that she was also just as amazed...staring at her feet as she would take each step. It's miraculous to see the brain make the connection, to watch learning in action and all the while, to see her smile. Phew! What a sense of accomplishment!!

Speaking of accomplishments, I survived week 1 back at work. Ick. It was kinda tough, I will be the first to admit it. But I found lots of empathy from others who had been on their sabbatical and many who mentioned that I will need weeks to truly recover and get back into the swing of things. Okay, the reality is that I do love my job and I'm very lucky to have it, so I'll be good and get back to work. :)

Travis should also be proud since he survived the whole week - I never had any doubts! I think the worst part is that Mia now favors daddy since he's home with her more, but could you complain? I love it that Travis is home with Mia and that we're at least trying a new thing for a while. We'll see how long it lasts...

PS If you've got your speakers turned on, this song is one of Mia's favorites so I had to put it on the blog. She first heard it on the iPod commercial and if the truth be known, she especially likes it when her dad tries to sing it to her. ;)

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Similar to many of you, we also thought 2008 went by really fast. Remember Y2K? It seems like only a couple years ago we were worried that the entire universe would be offline come the new year, but that was 9 years ago. And we partied like it was 1999 last night...only to find out that it was actually 2009. :(

Christmas was all about little Mia this year. She got a rocking horse from Grandma, toys, a handmade ladybug piggy bank, clothes, table and chair set....did I mention Christmas was all about Mia? We enjoyed spending it home with her and my brother who came over for a couple days. We also got a visit from our childhood babysitter on Christmas Eve! She moved back into the neighborhood and just happened to drive by and stopped in to say hi. That was a blast from the past...have you seen YOUR babysitter from when you were a kid lately?

Here's Mia sporting her new, comfy velour outfit...just like her mom's! (Thanks, Aunt Ida!)

Travis has been snowshoeing lately and has been capturing some awesome photos. I've never been before, but I think it looks like a lot of fun (especially knowing there's trails minutes from our house). Anyone want to try it out with me?

On a more solemn note, I'm having a hard time comprehending that we're coming up to 10 years since my dad's accident. The anniversary will be Jan 19th and I'll be volunteering in the Draper Temple that day, preparing for the dedication. It seems like the best place for me to be and I think it will be helpful. If you knew him or remember my dad, think of his grin, spunky personality or a time that you saw him. I want him to know that we haven't forgotten him and that he is greatly missed.