*my dad, is an awesome dad*

So it's my dad's birthday today. Here are a few random reminiscences...

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When I turned nine, I had a pretty crappy birthday. From what I remember, my day just wasn't going right. I think my cousins and sister weren't giving me all the attention I needed, (and you all know how I need my attention!)- because I don't remember being pleased with them. I don't remember what they did to make me mad, but I remember feeling mad. And then, to top it all off, my piece of strawberry cake with pink frosting fell on the ground. That was the clincher, it was MY party and I cried because I wanted to. All the details are fuzzy, but what I do remember is this... my dad coming up to me and scooping me in his arms and putting me on his lap. He probably gave my back a couple of hard pats, jiggled my arms and then proceeded try and talk me into having a better birthday. I remember him asking me if I wanted to come with him to his bishopric meeting instead of staying at the party...and I remember him laughing when I said "yes." I also remember loving him a lot that night.

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Another memory I have is when I was in college and he came up to UT for some reason or another and we went skiing together. Now as a preface to this story, the first time I ever went skiing was also with my dad-- at Sipapu Resort in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico. This is how my dad teaches people to ski. He takes them to the top of the mountain, then he skis about half way down and says "alright, come on down!" I won't get into details, but I didn't have a great introduction to skiing ... I did one run, and half of it wasn't on skis and the other half was walking down the mountain while little kids whizzed by. I got to know the lodge well the rest of the day. When I watched him on our first trip-- the one mentioned above-- Dad was pretty much an expert in my eyes... along with anyone who could stay up for more than 10 seconds. So about 4 years later I got the guts up to take a class at BYU and try again. This next skiing experience is post-byu ski class.
We went to the Alta resort and boy did I have fun with my dad!! He wore blue jeans like a true hippy. On this trip I took good old Daddio on a few black diamonds and got him back for that first trip, oh yes I did! He took it pretty well. But the reason I even mention this trip is because this was the first time that I saw my dad through adult eyes. I don't know how to explain it, but for the first time, we were equals-- he wasn't just my parent-- he was my friend, my mentor-- still my father, but somehow, that day I knew I was an adult with him.

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We lived in the Montclair house and Ryan, Erica, and I were playing in the living room. My mom and dad told us repeatedly to "GO TO BED!" but we were only half listening (if listening at all). So, having sharp hearing I heard the pounding of dad's steps coming from the family room. I ran as fast as I could to my bedroom and slipped into bed- leaving Erica and Ryan wondering what the heck I was doing. Well, they figured it out soon enough as dad came in the room. I could hear them getting spanked and crying, and it was all I could do to keep my breathing at an even pace. Pretty soon, my dad came into the room and saw me "asleep" in my bed. "My sweet little Alyssa girl" he says. I felt so awful. But don't worry, I got mine. As soon as the coast was clear Ryan came in and let me have it- probably worse than they got from dad.

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My dad has always been supportive of my sense of adventure. I would come across summer study abroad programs- like camping for 6 weeks, teaching English in Russia, traveling through Europe, going to Italy for Spring break... etc, and his answer was always, "go for it!" I love him for that!!! My eyes have been opened to other people, cultures, places... and it has given me the courage to explore even more. I don't think I ever would have had the courage to live abroad without him nurturing my sense of adventure.

My family on top of Mt. Eiger, Switzerland

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I was looking at this picture that mom posted on her blog--

It was strange to look at the picture and realize... I am there. That is my life. They were there once. Now I know how hard it is, but I know how fulfilling it is too. And now I can appreciate how much work you and mom went through for us. Funny how it comes full circle, isn't it?

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I really loved hearing you tell stories to Sam on the last trip out here. Sam loved all of grandpa's stories about when he was a little boy. I liked hearing them too, it made me feel like your little girl again. I also felt warm inside as I watched your relationship with Sam growing right before my eyes.

Sam and grandpa, some place in Massachusetts

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Dad, hope you had a great day today. I have had so many with you it's hard to tell about them all- especially when the number is always growing. To the youngest 56 year old I know-- I sure love you Daddio!

love,
Your sweet blue-eyed girl

Me and Dad, Outer Banks, North Carolina