Older but Faithful

When my father was young, his family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park but they left him behind.  When I was young, my father would say, someday I would like to see Yellowstone since I never saw it as a child.  A month ago we made it happen.  We traveled to West Yellowstone together and spent 4 nights and four days together in a cabin in Big Sky, Montana.  We visited Yellowstone, saw bison, bald eagles, Old Faithful, elk and simply had an enjoyable time in this magnificent part of the world.  Here are some photos to prove we were there.

Mother is such an amazing story teller.  She loves to talk with you.  She is here with H talking to him about the wild things one can find in nature.  Prior to this moment she was surrounded by our children and their cousins, asking them questions and engaging them in delightful conversations.  She has a way of making you feel like there is no one more important than you when you are around her.

Dad, sporting a new cane.  He was such a trooper.  In spite of how slow he may now walk, he trekked with us into the depths of forest.  I was most impressed with his hike to the hot springs.  Each of us took a turn as his companion so he could perceived the differences in the terrain.  You see he suffers from a neuropathy of unclear origin that prevents him from feeling differences in the ground below.  On top of that he wears a shoe that has added height to compensate for a shorter leg compared to other.  What a treacherous combination but he pressed on.

 Dad always brings toys for the young ones.  Boon Doggle is the most popular item but here he is also sporting his famous balloon animals.  The children love this about him.

 Mother and one of her grandchildren.  Again, one of those moments captured when she is engaging these young ones in conversation, making them feel like they are number one.  Every time I would walk out the door as a child my mother would ask, "Who are you?"  "A Smith", I would reply.  This was her way of reminding me that I was not a quitter and that I was a go getter.

What a handsome couple.  Mom and Dad thank you for making the Yellowstone trip so special!  You are truly a remarkable couple.  You brighten the days of so many.  We always look forward to seeing you.  We love you and cannot wait until the next time we meet.

Turning 43

Turning 43

Mom in keeping true to the purpose of this blog, I dedicate this entry to you on your birthday.  June 6^th is a special day for me also.  It is Blast Day.  School in Southern California would get out in June.  I had friends who lived in Utah and they would be out of school in May.  It always bugged me that school went longer in California.  It never dawned on me that it was the same duration with a later start into September.  Mom likely felt the itch of summer approaching as well and so she would plan a Blast Day.  On her Birthday, she would write a note to the school that I would carry in my backpack and hand deliver to office.  It would read, “To whom is may concern, my son needs to be excused from school tomorrow, June 6^th, for family business.”  I would hand over the note and then think about June 6^th all the remaining time of June 5^th. 

A Blast day was when my mother took to me to some extravagant place for a fun day, just her and me.  We had plenty of choices in So Cal but I would always choose the Magic Kingdom.  I have written about this before in her blog but I cannot help but reminisce each time the 6^th of June comes.  We started early and would drive through Whittier to Beach Blvd.  We would take Beach to the 5 freeway and head South.  Then we would search with great anticipation, for the Mater Horn, the tallest ride in the Magic Kingdom.  If I spotted it she would say I would win.  I always won.  My favorite rides with her included the Tiki Room, Big Thunder, Bear Country Jamboree, Mater Horn and of course, Pirates of the Caribbean.  She loved them as well.  Without fail, after Pirates we would get a cinnamon fritter and share it together.  We would leave the park tired and then make the slow traffic filled way back to our home.  I cherished these moments.  She actually made Blast days often even if we would go to Del Taco for a few tacos and a shake and eat under our favorite tree on a minimum day.  It was the 6^th that meant most to me because out of all the places we could go my mother would choose a place that made me happy on her birthday.  I imagine she was happy when she saw her children having a good time.

Mom, you are absolutely one of the most amazing people I have ever known.  I am blessed for eternity to be related to you and to have been raised by you.  You amaze me that you are still working as hard as you do.  Your dedication to the gospel and love for the Savior and His prophets will always impress me.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday!  You deserve it and have a Blast!

Stevie