Paradise

Anatomy of a perfect day, 11 year old style. . . You get to sluff school ( your mom is a sucker for a big smile and those baby blues) and you go fly fishing with your Mom and your Grandpa. You spend the whole day in waders and you get to eat lots of junk food. You get to hear all about Grandpa when he was a kid. On the last cast of the day you and grandpa hook the biggest fish of your life ( with a little help) and, after 25 minutes of fighting and gentle coaxing, YOU LAND IT!

That is the face of a very happy little boy. He worked hard for this one!

Anatomy of a perfect day, Mom style. . . You get to leave the little kids home (because you have the coolest Mom in the world and she volunteer's to keep them the whole day) and spend the whole day fly fishing with your dad and your oldest son. You get to turn off your cell phone, drive through 3 canyons, spend the whole day outside, and see over 15 birds of prey in one spot. You get to catch lots of fish, listen to pheasants, watch a red tail hawk ride a thermal with your son (who happens to be as excited about it as you are) and best off all, you get to have this view, and snap this picture. My parents are the greatest. Look at Hyatt soaking it all in.

Spooky.

Happy Birthday Hyatt!

I can't believe he is 11. It really feels like about 3 years ago that we brought him home and wondered how in the world we were ever going to be able to take care of a baby. This kid is the greatest. It is so fun to have him around. He has turned into such an amazing guy. He is brilliant, speaks two languages and is a straight "A" student. He is funny, totally sarcastic and mean. He is a great big brother, he helps with everything, and now even babysits. He is so good looking that I am slightly worried. He is a well rounded kid, a great athlete, and a talented outdoors man. He is just the perfect kid, if I do say so myself. Now, someone remind me that I said all of this when he turns 16.
I love this picture because it shows something very special about Hyatt. He is very gracious. Look at his little face. The only thing he wanted for his birthday this year was a long board. That's it. If you will look at the presents on the counter you can see that there is nothing that looks like a long board. He has that cute look that says " Well, they didn't come through this year, but I love them anyway, and I will try to smile and be thankful." He is genuinely like this all the time.

This is the face he made when Matt told him there was one more thing we forgot in the garage.

And this is the face he made when he remembered that his Dad ALWAYS hooks him up.

Happy Birthday Hyatt, we love you!!!