Can you say that about a boy? Collin turned 16 today. He is a sweet boy. I can't believe that he has been around that long. The day before he was born I spoke in Sacrament Meeting. We had just moved to a new ward and so I told them I was due to have a baby in a couple weeks. Afterward, several of the older ladies came up and said, "Oh honey, you won't have that baby for at least a month." That statement and the fear of speaking must have caused too much stress because that next morning he arrived.I remember bringing him home from the hospital, holding him in my arms, and wondering, "What do I do now?" Well, we seemed to have figured it out ok, doing well at some things and not so well at others. But together we are figuring it out. He is a great kid! In his honor I've decided to write "16 Great Things About Collin."
1. Full of energy - zoom, zoom, zoom. He doesn't stayed bored for too long.
2. Has never needed a lot of sleep - not so bad now but at 1 and 3 years old this was difficult.
3. Always wakes up cheery - no matter how little sleep he has had.
4. Champion of the underdog.
5 Smart - but doesn't want too many people to know it.
6. Very dependable - and I love that he has his driver's license and can be counted on to help.
7. Star saxophonist - if you haven't heard him you should. The tongue slap is way cool!
8. Positive influence - high school vice-principal is always assuring me of this. Whew!
9. Funny - I think he's funny. His sisters think he's weird.
10. Adventurous - i.e. scuba diving, kayaking, white-water rafting.
11. Great conversationalist - he always has something to talk about and will with anyone.
12. Hard worker.
13. Loves his grandparents - and so respectful of them.
14. Has a strong testimony of the Gospel.
15. An amazing and broad imagination - remember when I thought he didn't have one at all, Trent?
16. A shoulder of support for anyone who needs it.
So, happy birthday Buddy. We sure love you and are grateful to have you in our lives. Thanks for all you do to make our family happy and fun.
Collin is always good for a great conversation. He is either trying to rid the world of zombies (and preparing for the battle) or explaining the origins of philosphy in molecular physics (whatever that is). He is funny. If his ipod isn't in his ears, he is talking. Sure love that boy.
Adri and Katy hate their pictures taken and so I have to take it whenever I get the chance - no matter what the face is. Katy is so funny. She is always making us laugh. Adri is much more serious and quiet. Do you think they look alike? I realized today that many of their friends can't tell them apart and adults rarely can. They are absolutely delightful and beautiful. McKenna, though not pictured, was off doing the "pony dance" down the trail. We love her too.
We got delayed by a couple lifeflight helicopters that landed at the intersection. We enjoyed a nice picnic on the road while the accident was cleared. After an hour and a half wait, we were back on the road.
Our last stop was near Mount Washburn where there is still 6 feet of snow next to the road. The view was absolutely spectacular. The snow made us appreciate the green grass that needs to be mowed and the garden that will need to be weeded.