I miss you Dad!

Dear Dad,
What a year!  You will never believe what happened!  We had a baby girl.  Her name is Rachel Elizabeth.  She is really pretty, is starting to have red hair and a lot of people say she looks like you.  I think she is amazing.  She rolled over for the first time last week and she is only (a little over) two months old.  Did you and God have a talk about sending her our way because the timing of when she came along/when you moved on seems rather interesting?

Isaac is so wonderful.  He is getting really big!!  He continues to laugh and be very happy.  He laughs so hard he sometimes falls over.  One time, he laughed so hard he dislocated his elbow.  It's a long story, but it had a happy ending.  He likes to run with me.  When I get home from work he comes up to me and moves his arm like he is running to suggest that we go for a run.  We feel so fortunate to have him as our son. 

A memory I will never forget is when Amanda and I were driving through the Kazakh country side (on our third trip), the sun was going down and you and I were reminiscing on our cell phones about how wonderful of a little boy he is.  We were finally going to be able to bring him home and it was so nice to be able to share with you what we were seeing.  What an amazing journey!

I am reading a book about how to be a better parent.  One of the suggestions is to have fun with your kids.  I think we have that covered.  We are trying to do a lot of fun things like go to the park, ride the four wheelers/tractors, play outside, throw balls, hike on the trails around here and go camping.  I am finding ourselves doing a lot of the same things you and Mom did with us growing up.  We had a great childhood.  We are hoping to get a boat and camper some time in the future.  We might also try a few vacations somewhere warm this winter.

Amanda is a great Mommy!  Just like you said, Dad, she continues to amaze me.  She works very hard to help our kids grow, know they are loved and help them be as good and healthy as they can.  We have a lot of fun too.  We are just in a state of bliss right now.  After seven years of drought, it's hard to believe we are where we are.  You would be so happy to see Isaac and Rachel right now.

Mom is doing well.  She is making it.  She helps us a lot.  She is keeping the house in order.  We are trying to help out with that too.  I appreciate how you always worked hard to help take care of her.  Don't worry, she will be fine...and she misses you.

Toni, Scott and the girls are really making things happen!  They are taking life by the horns and are going for it!  They are so busy with sports and plays.  The girls are very talented and loving.  They love Isaac and Rachel and we get together often to play (Mom included).  We have done several hikes at Beech Creek.  You should see what's happening with their business.  They are working hard and things are moving in the right direction.

I have had a chance to spend time with many of your brothers and sisters this past year.  It's so nice to see them.  Now, when I talk with them I think of you.  I never realized this, but each of them have at least one or two of your characteristics.  It's so funny because I kind of feel like you are here when I am with them.  They are all doing well and have been very supportive.

I should probably move on here.  All I can say is thanks.  I keep thinking about how you always worked so hard to "make it better" for us.  You always wanted to give us relationships, opportunities and things you never had growing up.  You tried to make progress and help us do the same.   Now, we are trying to pass that on for our kids.  We will carry the torch.

Love ya Dad,

Andy

P.S. I haven't seen any coyotes while running lately.