Day on The Hill

In keeping with our efforts to get our kids out and away from the pressures of life and electronics, we decided last minute to head up to Alta and do some skiing with the entire family.  We rent the kids gear at the Alta ski shop and then just hang on the bunny hill.  Both the older ones made great progress on their confidence and form, and both have really enjoyed skiing.  Since this is something we all like to do, we will continue to expand this and plan to eventually graduate to a family season pass at Alta since it is close.

The weather was good and it was about 40 degrees at the bottom so not real cold since all of us were there including the baby.  Joaquin is pretty self sufficient now and can basically do his own thing, which makes it way easier for us because then we are not managing three kids.

Happy Valentine's Day Honey

It is good to have a day set aside to remember those closest to us.  I need this, but honey you do not.  You always demonstrate your love to our family from doing fun things with the kids to making a favorite dinner.  You are the glue that holds us all together.  It is great to think that through thick and thin we have grown in our love.  Let's have a great Valentine's Day!   I love you!

Whoa!? Birthday what!? The case for celebrating the Birthee.

Okay.  So birthdays are on my mind right now.  Recently my wife and I were talking about the birthday party for our daughter who is turning 5.  She was telling me ideas for what she thought would be fun activities at the party.  She started browsing some websites to get some ideas...and all I have to say is that there are some ridiculous parents out there.  I mean really cakes shaped like castles; food and decorations that look better than the stuff at most weddings; activities so elaborate that they need their own special equipment?

Now maybe I am just overreacting here.  Maybe this all good for kids.  Maybe watching their parents grant every wish and more; being at their beck and call is a good thing.  However, I would submit that first, this all misses the point, and second, it only teaches our kids that parents are servants and they are the masters. 

I am not trying to say this in Stalinesque we-must-silence-all-dissenters sort of way.  What I am saying is--why are we essentially celebrating Disney characters and comic book heroes on our kids' birthdays.  Should we not be celebrating the life of the birthee?  I mean, really the day that is our kids' day turns into a day all about the food, decorations and activities.  How backwards and dumb is that.  Why are we not celebrating real tangible people that are great and special.  Instead, the birthday celebration becomes all about the stuff and the theme.  On your anniversary you don't make it a 49ers or Pottery Barn anniversary? (If you do, then your issues are probably deep and you likely need help).  You celebrate the fact that you and your spouse have been able to build enough love in your marriage that you are still happy to be around each other.  All the themes, characters, and stuff are just red herrings (just ask Jesus) and just like in a legal argument, these are meant to distract from, and minimize the real point, which is--we are celebrating the life of one our beloved children.

Finally, our kids don't need more friends--they need loving parents who are going to give them guidance and support as they make their way in this world.  Not sure it helps a young person to basically be granted everything they want.  See Veruca Salt..and oh, yeah, Justin Bieber.  I am not saying it is not bad to offer our kids opportunities and spend some money on them, but all things in moderation.  I mean what message do we send our kids when we put such emphasis on pleasure and happiness coming from the next purchase?  I think we have seen this story before and it does not end well.  

All the Disney characters already have giant multi-million dollar monuments to them--let's let our kids have their day in the sun without someone or something else stealing the show.    

Happy Birthday You Wonderful Little Light You!!

Dear Laney:

Happy Birthday to you, you sweet little kid.  I am so proud to be your father and proud to see what you are becoming.  It was five years ago that you were born and Mom, Joaquin and I welcomed you into the family.  I remember being excited and apprehensive about having a little girl.  This is because I grew up with four older sisters and remember the fun times as well as the difficult times that often visit cute sweet girls during their young lives.  We will always be there for you and expect the best for you and from you.

Remember that life is about people and not things.  Your Mom will teach you this if you watch closely.  Your brother will teach you how to love all things and how to have fun.  You have a special gift for making people feel good about themselves and encouraging others in their struggles.  Keep it up.  You are a beautiful and sweet daughter.  I love you very much.

Family Night Basketball

Last night Utah played Washington up at the Huntsman Center.  We have season tickets to the football games, but I am a basketball guy at heart.  Basketball has great memories for me in all stages of my life.  Joaquin wants to play football, which is fine, but I would rather not deal with the thought of head injuries.  So I will try to get him to pick up the basketball more often.  Shooting hoops outside in the front yard is one of my favorite activities.

Utah won 78-69.  Here are a few shoots of the action courtesy of the Deseret News.