Celebrate Good Times

So I celebrated my 35th birthday this week. It's so weird to put that age to myself. I don't feel that age, but then I don't know what 35 should feel like.

In most places (outside of Utah, of course) 35 is the prime age to be. Everybody strives for this age. I suppose it's similar to how we all feel when we reach 21 years old. We all wanted to be there.
For my birthday, Eric took me to a wonderful lunch at the Market Street Grill. The fresh Atlantic Salmon (wild, not farmed) was FANTASTIC. I forgot to take a picture of the salmon (if you really want to see one, run to the store and check out the seafood area). I did get a picture of the dessert, though. Yum.

Later in the evening, Eric and I joined Richard and his kids at my mom's house for hamburgers. I love those kids!! We had so much fun. We played in the front yard with Dante.
(Collin was sick, which made me cry)

Dante is getting a bit old, which is sad to watch. He still loves the kids, though.


Elise posed a very serious look - which I thought suited her perfectly. I thought is turned out nice.


Cute Andrew is such a poser! I love his smile and playful personality.


I loved the way this shot came out of Marcus. He was just sitting there watching me and I captured his expression.


And then there was poor Collin asleep in the car. He has to have one of the sweetest dispositions of any kid his age.

Marcus' First Birthday

Marcus was born on March 19, 2007 - he entered with world with a few health problems as a preemie. There were a few tense days for him as he clung to life and we as a family held steadfast to our faith and prayers.

He was transferred to the University of Utah's NBICU a few hours after he was born and there remained for nearly two weeks. Richard and Cynthia can still barely talk about it and the few thoughts or mentionings bring tears - we choose to stear our conversations away to the happier days that followed as Marcus gained his health.

Now, a year later, he is as healthy and active as any toddler. We celebrated his first birthday on the 20th. He dove into the frosting of the cake without an ounce of hesitation.



After transferring much of the frosting to his face and chest, Marcus was tired and sugar-loaded and needed a bath. He loves the water and played and giggled.



This was all very exciting by itself, but then Richard showed up with the new boat and the kids were beside themselves - climbing all over, pretending to drive, showing off. Richard was like a kid on Christmas morning - beaming at his favorite present. (And now we're forced to lose a few pounds so we can get up waterskiing rather than become an anchor, sinking straight to the bottom.)

Elise, Collin and Andrew

Happy Birthday to Marcus!!

Mom (Abuela), Marcus and me