Zion's Park Is Beautiful

Yesterday, we took a hike that was absolutely breathtaking. It was fun to have our children with us. One of the really fun parts for me was the ages of our children. They all were able to do the hike under their own power. I watched with amazement at how big everyone has gotten. I can't believe how the time has flown by. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful woman, like Becky, who stands by my side as we thoroughly enjoy this life, together. We also are grateful to be here with Becky's parents and here brother's family. I am overwhelmed at the beauty of this part of the world, Zion's National Park. We drove through Toquerville, Utah. That is where my dad was born and spent the first years of his life. I am richly blessed and I recognize that each day. There are dreams that I have in my life. One of those is the opportunity to spend time with my family. It never gets old. I love to watch their own distinct personalities and gifts that they have. I marvel at their independence and the desire they have to explore. Several years ago, during a conversation with my mom, I expressed the fact that we didn't have a shy kid. She shared with me that her and my dad had long shared the opinion that it was easier to 'reign in' a child's personality rather than have to pry them out of a corner because they were too shy. I feel a great deal of gratitude that our children are confident and eager to explore life and all that it has to offer. Today, we are excited to spend the day, further exploring the majesty of this beautiful place.

The Best Things In Life Aren't Things.

About three years ago, I sat and listened to a discussion where people compared with each other, all of the things that they had as a kid.  The longer the discussion went on the more I realized how great of a childhood I really did have.  I am not saying that to have things is necessarily a bad thing.  What I hope to convey is that the time we spend together, and the memories we make are the things that matter the most.  
Our family spent a lot of time playing at the parks nearby our home.  We could bring a basketball, a football, a frisbee, and the baseball and baseball gloves to make up a night of absolute enjoyment.
I could go on and on about those fun times we shared as a family.  Those are truly the greatest memories of my childhood.
My parents made sure that life was fun for us all and they particularly enjoyed the times when we were all together.  There has never been a doubt of their love for us!
Becky and I lead a very simple life.  There isn't much to brag about when it comes to monetary success.  We have what we need and that seems perfectly sufficient.  What we do have is a lot of fun.  We spend much of our lives laughing hysterically, mostly at ourselves.  We love to be together, as a family, no matter what we are doing.
A fond memory that comes to my mind is the time we spent swimming and playing in the water at Jordanelle Reservoir.  Becky called me at work, one afternoon, and asked me if I was interested in meeting her and the kids at Jordanelle.  You have to know that I don't need a very good excuse to have to leave work early and spend time with the people I cherish the most.  I met them about an hour later.  Becky packed a picnic dinner for us and with the floating, blow-up toys and a football, we were set for the entire evening, being together and making a memory that would last a lifetime.
I find great pleasure in building strong family bonds.  I believe that these memories that we have made, and will continue to make, are the very best things in life.