"SWEET" LITTLE BABY!

THIS EVENING I asked Shelby if she would like a cookie. After a head nod and cute little "coo-kee" later, I handed Shelby a gingerbread cookie shaped in the traditional little person shape. Shelby then proceeded to not eat but set the gingerbread man in her little stroller and stroll her new friend around the living room, stopping only to lean down and give him a sweet little kiss on his sweet little gingerbread lips. SO CUTE!

START'EM YOUNG!

DESPITE EVERYTHING THIS year, Christmas was surprisingly great. We had a nice day with three Christmas'. The first at my aunt Carols house where Shelby and I both received a brand new fly rod and reel, mine an Orvis 3wt. and Shelbys a Cabellas 4wt., she even got her own little fishing vest complete with flies and line. My 90 year old Grandfather bless his heart, wanted to get her "set up" properly before he passes away(sigh). I just keep telling him he's crazy but I guess i am in denial, he is after all 90! But my Grandfather is an invincible superhero, a Berkley educated engineer, Arizona state archery champion, all knowing fly fisherman, photographer, perfectionist, only father i ever knew, and so so much more. He will never die; i know it.
Later that day, after a much needed nap for Shelby; Josh came over to pick her up and go to his families Christmas. I felt sick in my stomach knowing that Josh spent Christmas morning by himself. I hope next year he has someone new in his life and he wont have to do that again. I still very much care about his well being and happiness. Before Josh left with Shelby, we had a little Christmas of our own watching our beautiful daughter open her gifts from "Santa". The concept i hope that will be better understood next year. Much more fun! I hope everyone else had a wonderful Christmas and will have a safe and happy New Year.

PROUD COLORS OF SUMMER!

MY BEST FRIEND Summer graduated with honors from ASU this last Friday morning. Among Summer and Davids family I sat staring down at a sea of forty dollar maroon polyester gowns only to be worn once(previously discussed with Summer was an exchange program invented by us to give a graduating student the opportunity to sell back the gown for lets say 15 dollars and re-sell them for 25 dollars used; Sort of like the books, because it would only make sense!). The pride I held for my friend that day was enough for the both of us plus 1000. There are no impossibilities or unwelcomed conformation when it comes to Summer. She is an exquisite blend of power and grace. Taking turns for the last 15 plus years watching each other accomplish and conquer has been remarkable to say the least. It was Summers day Friday and I wouldn't have missed that opportunity to be her cheerleader for anything! Fare attenzione il mondo, viene qui Summer!