Little Eric

A couple weeks ago Eric and I got to go to Tooele for a really special weekend. Our friend's Cole and Natalie adopted the cutest little baby boy you've ever seen and were finally able to make the adoption final . It was a long time coming for them with a lot of heart breaks along the way but the outcome was well worth the wait. After one adoption that fell through last November, we were thrilled when Cole called us in April and said that they were proud parents of a new baby boy named Eric. The next weekend we were in Utah to see the little guy for the first time. He was born premature and was so tiny we were afraid to hold him. Now he is the cutest thing ever and has a million dollar smile. It was so special to be able to witness them all being sealed together as an eternal family and bless Eric in church. Thanks Cole and Natalie for letting us be a part of your life--we are so happy for you!

Little Eric was all smiles (and drool) from the minute we got there.

Best buddies -- Eric and Cole

One happy family--little Eric, Natalie & Cole

On our way to Utah we kept hearing of this massive storm that was going to dump several feet of snow on us. Well as it turned out, Wyoming was where it decided to dump and we enjoyed pretty good weather aside from a little bit of rain. It made for some cool pictures though.

Small and Simple things...

Sometimes you have an experience in life that totally changes you. I have been pretty fortunate to have a recurring string of events like that. Good friends are truly something special and I am thankful for my friends Cole and Natalie. In February it will be 15 years ago that Cole accepted an invitation to go to a dance at the institute. And that was the start of the string of sprititual events that I am talking about.

Everyone seems to think that the person you introduce the gospel to changes and becomes better... in a way that is true. Actually what happens is the person who introduces the gospel has just as great a change in their life. Cole was already a great person, he didn't need me to bring him the gospel to validate that. He was already the nicest guy around, and really had the qualities of a great person long before he was a member of the church. He can attribute that to his great parents and their willingness to teach him the principles of being a good person from a young age. So my friend Cole who really had no idea that he was teaching me, quietly taught me ALL of the principles and ordinances of the gospel. My life was the one that changed because he taught me and still teaches me HOW it all works.

Every step of the way to Christ I have been there with Cole and he is such a strong example to me, leading me and teaching me of Christ and His importance in my life. Thank you Cole. God sure knew what he was doing when he lead you to the gospel. It was a 2 for 1 deal, Cole's life and mine, and that has impacted many lives since, making it one of the best choices of my life. I cannot take credit for any of it. I can only express my gratitude to God and Cole for taking my hand and leading me on a spiritual journey that will be even greater I suspect once this mortal life is complete.

You never know when it will happen to you. I know that. Thank you Cole and Natalie for the tribute in your son. He will know all the principles that will bring him happiness by looking at Cole for his example.

My Big Dog

Funny thing about this picture is you know exactly who is in charge. Dad thinks he is, but who actually ends up getting the sandwich? Ha Ha! It's probably happened on many horse rides and some of us actually remember Sam and his sandwich snatching ablities. Brio, the son of Sam, all though much gentler and extremely more subtle still manages to obtain the sandwich, where Sam wouldn't even let dad get a bite on some occasions!

This was just a particularly great ride. I had to capture some pictures of Brio doing what he does because he is 9 and I really want to enjoy every moment with him.