Chris came out to Utah this past weekend. It was really fun to see him, Cade, and Nathan. I had just talked to my dad a few days earlier where he mentioned how much Chris and I used to hang out together as kids. The funny thing, is I had just been thinking about that very same thing the day before.
Chris and I were the best of buddies growing up. I didn't hang out with Jared and Aaron nearly as much as I hung out with Chris even though he is 3 years younger than me. I loved being with Chris.
A few things we did together as kids: built forts, caught lizards, played pickle, swam in the pool, played marco polo, sat in the sauna, biked the neighborhood, collected junk from ravines in the neighborhood, swatted at bees, made trips to Thrifty for ice cream cones, called for rides back home so we didn't have to bike up the huge hill in Diamond Bar, boogie boarded at the beach, attended YMCA camps, played basketball and baseball, played pool, sang songs with the player piano, performed skits, imitated karate, shot bb guns, and went on a lot of long walks to explore. I wanted to post some pictures of us playing together as kids but I don't have any...so sad!
I feel bad looking back over the last 20+ years that we haven't stayed as close as I would have liked to. As I got into high school, I started going to my dad's house for less and less time. I had my friends and sports I was involved in. I started becoming less and less close to Chris; not that I didn't love him, just that we didn't spend as much time together anymore.
I feel bad that my kids know Chris mostly as #76 of the Steelers. Lindsay refused to sit next to "that guy" to eat her banana split. I told her "that guy" was Nathan, her cousin. She obviously didn't believe me, because she went to sit next to her cousin Jacob instead. I am so happy for Chris and all his success. His wife, Jaimee, is awesome. I only wish his family lived a little closer so we could spend more time together. We all have our fingers crossed, that eventually, Chris and his family may move out to Utah.
Some things I love about Chris:
1. His laugh! Dave and I were talking about being excited for Chris to come visit so we could here him laugh. His laugh is a deep hearty laugh, that makes me smile ear to ear every time I hear it.
2. He is scared of so many things you wouldn't think a 300 pound football player would be scared of...everything from mice to strange sounds in the house. One of my favorite memories of Chris is on our family vacation to Lake Powell nine years ago. A mouse, or some rodent had climbed aboard our houseboat, and Chris was squealing his head off while standing up on a chair. It was so funny!
3. He is sensitive to so many things! Chris is not afraid to let his emotions show.
4. I love talking to Chris. He is so personable and is so easy to talk to.
I love you Chris! I am going to work harder at building an adult relationship with my little "big" brother.
He is going to the Chile Concepcion South Mission, and reports to the MTC on January 28th. I think he is really excited to be able to speak Spanish!
I am so excited for Jon! He is going to be an awesome missionary. I am so grateful for his example to my kids! He always shows genuine interest in them and always takes time to give them attention and play with them. We love you Jon and are so excited for you!
