Teacher

Those of you who know Dad know that he has always been a teacher. He always loves to give someone a better insight into things that he is familiar with and enjoys.

For example, Dad, being a pioneer in the computer industry, really enjoyed teaching people about how computers operate. He went to the trouble of doing a mockup of a computer. It was a very simple arrangement that was just a black, rectangular box made out of plywood. He took it around to the every one of his kids' classrooms (and obviously there were plenty of those classrooms around) and would do a presentation. He talked to the kids about how a binary counting system worked and how the computer functioned on a binary, on/off principle. It was really very simplistic. He had two sets of four lights and the lights were just a string of Christmas lights. He drilled a hole in the face of the box and stuck the Christmas light through. It was also wired up so that he could switch each light on and off independently. As he switched the lights on and off he would teach the kids how to count in the binary system. I'm sure that that's the first place that I ever learned about the binary system and found it to be something that I've always remembered because my dad is such a great teacher.

I also remember times when dad, to earn a few extra dollars and to do something he likes, went and taught at LDS Business College and some of the other business schools in Salt Lake. He would teach one night or two nights a week. He taught computer programming to kids who were learning how to operate computers. He would always bring home a big stack of mimeograph handouts and we the kids were his collating machine. We'd start at the first stack and move our way down picking up one sheet out of each stack and then stapling them together. I remember a number of times working around a big table dad bought that used to sit down the basement. We would just work our way around the table, taking a sheet off of each stack of mimeographed copies, collating them and stapling them together so that he could use them at his class that evening at the business college.

--Mike

Power of Prayer

Being a man who loves the outdoors, my dad decided that he and I were going to have a backwoods adventure. Every year, we went on vacation to Yellowstone National Park. One year when I was about 11 or 12, Dad decided that we should go fishing at one at the wilderness lakes in the backwoods at Yellowstone. It was going to require a hike of several miles and when we got there we were going to fish and see what we could catch. Fishing was always free at Yellowstone so you didn't even need a fishing license and we had decided that we were going to set out on a fun adventure.

Dad decided that we could make a raft that we could lash together and float it out onto the lake which we did. We never got too far away from shore but nevertheless it just put us a little farther out into the lake where we could do a little bit more fishing. I remember the fishing particularly because I caught a 19 or 20 inch lake trout. It was the biggest fish that I ever caught. I was so excited that I had pulled in such a great big fish. In fact, it was so big that the creel that we had to keep the fish in was torn as a result of the fish being so big.

Anyway, we finished fishing and started to walk back to the road where we had planned to meet mom and the other kids. We must have gotten turned around somehow and found our way not arriving at the destination that we had hoped to. We walked quite a ways and it just started getting dark.

As luck would have it, not only did the sun set but the clouds moved in and the rain started. We were out in the middle of nowhere, soaked to the skin, and in fact we lost the trail. The trail led into a meadow that was overgrown with grass and we were couldn’t follow the trail in the darkness.

We had no compass and it was so dark we couldn’t see the map and didn’t think to bring any light because we had not planned to be out that long. Our only hope was prayer. Dad said we should kneel down wet and cold in the middle of the woods in Yellowstone National Park and pray that we would be guided to a location where we could find safety. We did that and when we were done, it appeared to us that we could see lights on the horizon. We walked through the woods toward that light and somehow or another we stumbled across what was a right-of-way for an old power line. We could not see the wires of the power line but we could see that the trees along the right of way had been cut down shorter than the rest of the naturally growing trees. In fact, it was so dark, that we could not see our hands held in front of our faces. We had to hold onto the end of each other's fishing rod to be able to stay together.

Having come across this right-of-way, Dad said he we sure that this would lead us to something civilized. We followed it for awhile until we saw headlights of cars through the trees. I set out at a sprint attempting to get to the roadway and flag down a car. Here I was an 11‑year-old boy soaked to the skin standing out in the middle of nowhere flagging cars that were driving on the roadway and I distinctly remember to my chagrin that at least two or three cars passed me by and didn't even pull over. I was baffled and I still am. Nevertheless, eventually someone pulled in. I had twisted my ankle in the process of trying to scurry to the road. They loaded us into their car and took us to where we were supposed to meet our ride.

I grateful for that time I got to spend with Dad. I know that our Heavenly Father watched over us that night to get us home safely and it is through instances like this that my Dad taught me the power of prayer.

--Mike

Riding in style

I love getting together in the summer for the monthly family yard clean-up parties at grandpa and grandma's house. They always provide the best dinner---Pizza! My favorite part of the clean-up is riding with grandpa on his sit down lawn mower. We get to supervise and make sure everyone is working hard. Sometimes he even drives me home so I can have a longer ride.

Thanks grandpa--you're the best!

--Jared

Taxi Service

Sometimes, my mom and dad can't come pick me up from certain places. I know I can always call Grandpa to come pick me up. He tells me, "I'll always be able to come pick you up, wherever." This means a lot to me. Thanks Grandpa! I love you!

--Mikell

Test Drive

When grandpa needed more help getting around, he got a new fancy "Jazzy". I thought it looked like a lot of fun and wanted to give it a "test drive." Grandpa gave me permission to try it out. Jared and I were excited! I figured out how to drive it but forgot to figure out how to STOP it. So, we went as fast as we could right through grandpa and grandma's closet door. My mom and dad had to buy a new door and paint it. Grandpa decided it might be safer to leave the Jazzy out in the garage!

Happy 80th Birthday Grandpa, I love you!

--Raquel

It is About the Bike

John F. Kennedy said: Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. That statement could not be more true for Claude! Claude has spent many years being an athlete. From football player in his younger years, to marathon runner in his middle years, to a biker in his later years.

Claude has a true love of bike riding. Like the postman, he rode in rain, sleet, snow, or sun. There was no weather condition too extreme! I think Multiple Sclorosis stole a lot of Claude's physical ability, but he was still able to ride his bike. I know he felt free from physical limitations when he was on his bike.

I would catch Claude riding all over Davis County. There were many times I would be far away going to a doctor's or dentist appointment and would spot Claude out on his bike. Many neighbors would also comment how far away Claude would go on one of his rides. It always amazed me at his strong will to not let his MS get him down.

I think giving up riding his bicycle outside was a sad day for Claude. He stuck with it much longer than it was probably physically safe (as I would pick him up after he had fallen in the middle of the road). When I picture Claude in my mind, he is always on his bike and he is smiling!

--Jodi

Christmas at Grandma's

Before Grandma and Grandpa Syme came to live with us, we use to sleep over at their house on Christmas Eve. I remember one year when Grandpa and Grandma lived in Clearfield we all got new bikes. That year there was no snow on the ground so we asked if we could ride our new bikes. I remember that it was my first bike, so I had to learn how to ride it. I don't remember it being cold but I'm sure it was very cold, yet Dad stayed outside with us and helped me learn how to ride my bike. --Michelle

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

I like to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house to visit. I look out the kitchen window with Grandpa to see which horses are out. We have names for the horses. One thing Grandpa likes to ask me is "Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" I love Grandpa.
--Jenna

Unconditional Love

Everyone has been hounding me to do a "memory" for Dad's 80th birthday. These stories are fun. But, if I am posting something for the world to see about my parents. They should know that the clearest "memory" I have of Dad and Mom, is that they always loved me unconditionally. They are outstanding examples of faith, service, and sacrifice. Thank you for your endless patience with a son who was at times stubborn or disobedient. You are tremendous parents, and you have set a great example for your children to follow in raising our families. I hope you have a great birthday. I love you very much.
--Brian

Fishing Trip Gone Bad

I don't recall exactly how old I was, but I was probably about six years old. My Dad was going on a fishing trip with Mike and Dave. Matt and I wanted to go too, but they said we were too young. We had an old station wagon. There was a seat in the very back that folded down. At some point before they loaded the car, Matt and I hid in the back of the car, and folded the seat down on top of us. Part of the floorboard had rusted out so we could get oxygen, although looking back we were fortunate we didn't asphyxiate from carbon monoxide. We tried to be as quiet as possible, so we could arrive at the lake undiscovered. Laying there in the dark, hot compartment with nothing to keep us entertained, we both quickly fell asleep. It was summer, and our two bodies cramped together began to sweat. Once we left the paved roads dust from the dirt roads started to funnel up through our oxygen hole. I woke up first, then I woke Matt. They heard us talking, and pull to the side of the road. The dust clung to our sweaty bodies, and when they pulled us out we were caked in mud. We quickly wash off in the lake, and headed back home because Dad knew Mom would be worried sick.
--Brian

Yard Work and Tuna Sandwiches

Happy Birthday Grandpa, I don’t really have one specific memory of you. My memory is all the times I’ve been over to your house to do yard work. I think I’ve been doing it since I was eleven or twelve. We’ve spent a lot of time together fixing sprinkler’s, mowing the lawn, pruning, trimming, spraying the weeds, digging trenches, and a lot of other odds and ends. At lunch Grandma always had a tuna fish sandwich ready for us and some Sour Cream and Onion Chips. A couple of years ago I was sure that I was fixing the same sprinklers every year, and I was starting to get a little suspicious. Grandpa, I thought you were going out and breaking the sprinklers so you could have an excuse for me to come over.
--Trevor

Magnify Priesthood

Of the memories I have of Grandpa Mills the best ones usually revolve around sacred ordinances. I remember Grandpa attending my baptism, when I was given the priesthood, received my endowments and finally when I was married. He has always been there for me and been there during those sacred times. He has also been a good example to me of a worthy priesthood holder.

When I was given the priesthood he told me to always magnify my priesthood. He explained that a magnifying glass can make things bigger, focus in on objects and even be used to burn ants! He told me that magnifying the priesthood meant to focus in on our Savior and the power that he has given us as priesthood holders to help his children. I feel like he has done that throughout his life. Thank you Grandpa for your great example and your love that you show to me and my wife. We both love you so much.
--Joshua

Priesthood Session

I know Dad loves the Lord. I also know he has a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. When I was a teenager we use to go into the tabernacle for the Priesthood Session of Conference. I remember I didn’t really like going, but he would take us out for ice cream after. He was showing his love for the Savior and his love for me.
--David

Great Man

He is a great man and has taught me how to be a man. The way he lives his life is an example to the world. He has had some trials and stumbling blocks placed in his path, and has overcome them. What an example he is! This is a man who loves his family, he not only says it but he shows it.

This was exemplified when he had all 8 children living at home and he was still willing to move Grandma and Grandpa Syme into his home to love and take care of them. Dad, I am glad you welcomed Teri into the family and treated her like your own daughter. I love the way you interact with Joshua, Elise and Mikayla and have always shown them you love them. You continue to be an example to me by the way you have welcomed Jaimie-lyn and Andrew into our family.

I am glad you have the Bob Hope gene and gave it to us. As kids it has always been fun. I love you.
--David

Work Hard

Dad taught us to work hard as we grew up I remember going down to the stockyard and getting loads of manure to spread on the garden and lawn. We weeded and watered the garden and took care of the yard. We worked around the house. We all had chores. I remember helping finish the basement. We changed the oil in our cars and anything else that we could do. My Dad used to tell me I was good with my hands.

We had a side business putting in mow strips for people. We dug the small trenches around the flower beds and set the molds, mixed the cement and poured it and finished the tops and edges. I don’t think we made any money, but I remember the work.
--David

Exercise

Dad was a great athlete. He was the state champ in wrestling, played football in college, ran marathons and rode his bike. To this day, he still gets on his bike and rides but now that bike is in his bedroom. He is a great example of hard work and taking care of the body that you have.

One time when I was in high school, Dad came to wrestling practice. I thought that since I was in shape and practicing every day that I would be able to do anything, use any move, and pin him with ease. But to my surprise he was so strong and my thought of a quick pin were short lived. I don’t remember how it all turned, but I am sure I didn’t get the pin that I thought that I would.

Once Dad asked me to help him coach Matt’s football team. I was married and it was fun to spend time with him. Teri and I still talk about when we went down to the Sun Bowl in St. George with this team and how much fun we had.
--David

Hunting

This is a picture of the field we hunted in before the houses were built.

We went hunting every year. We hunted deer, pheasants and rabbits. Dad would make use of me and Mike by having us walk through the brush to push the animals out of cover so that he would have a good shot. Mike and I walked the brush until we got old enough to carry guns and then we made Brian and Matt go through the brush for us.

Sometimes we would go pheasant hunting on the road between Farmington and Kaysville. It just so happens that we walked through the fields where my house now sits. Now, when the topic of hunting comes up with people in my neighborhood, I always like to tell them that Dad and I used to hunt right here where our houses are.

On some of these trips, Dad would let us drive his old green truck. I remember the first time I got to drive. The truck was a standard transmission, so I was suppose to shift. However, I drove the truck in the same gear until we came to a stop sign. I pushed on the brake and the truck died because I didn’t push in the clutch. I didn't realize how kind Dad was being at the time when he told me I did a good job.
--David

Vacations

Our road trips were an adventure. I remember all of us piling in the old blue pickup with the camper shell on the back and pulling that pop-up trailer. Four of us in the cab and everyone else in the camper. If we had the same seat belt laws back then as we do now those trips would never have happened.

We all know that Dad loves our Savior and on our vacations we would go to church. It didn’t matter if we had forgotten our Sunday shoes, pants or any other piece of clothing we still went.
--David

Fish Stories

This is Uncle Sylvester feeding the bears in Yellowstone. Uncle Gardiner is on the car.



On our vacations we would go to Yellowstone and camp or sometimes stay in the cabins. I remember seeing the bears come into the cabin area and we would try to feed them. We would go fishing and hiking all of the things that little boys love to do. I remember sitting in our car on one vacation to Yellowstone at a trail head one rainy night waiting for Mike and Dad to come back from fishing and how worried mom was.

I also remember one time that we rented a boat and went out on Yellowstone lake fishing. When it was time for us to leave Mike and I didn’t want to reel our lines in and just before we took off Mike thought that he had a fish on his line so he started to reel it in. As he was reeling in his line he decided that he didn’t have a fish on his line so he left it out and Dad started back to the dock. We sped back to the dock with Mike’s and my line out the back getting dragged behind the boat and when we got back and had to finally reeled them in Mike had a fish on his line that we dragged all the way across the lake.
--David

Trip of a Lifetime

One of my all time favorite memories was when we celebrated Claude and Joyce's 50th wedding anniversary by going on a cruise to Alaska. Claude wanted to celebrate big, and this trip was planned at his suggestion. This cruise had it all--rest and relaxation, fun company, and many interesting sites to see.

Some of the highlights of the trip were:
*Spending quality time with Claude and Joyce
*The 2 hour (or was it 6 hours ha ha) bus ride where we all were delirious by the end!
*Laughing and talking about family memories over fancy dinners!
*Who could forget, eating 6 meals a day at the Windjammer?
*The Skagway train ride- I think that was Claude's favorite excursion
* Just the fact that all of us were able to enjoy each other's company without any distractions.

I love looking at these pictures, it brings a smile to my face and these fun memories will last a lifetime! Matt and I loved the cruise so much....it spurred us on to go 2 more times!! Thanks Claude, you're the best.

--Jodi

Don't Lose Your Shorts

After all these years I am saddened to find out that the only family picture we have that shows us river rafting is the one above. I remember many fun times with Dad at the Snake or Green Rivers. I remember camping with him and then getting up the next day to hit the river hard. We would run the river multiple times a day. From first light until it got dark. It was always a thrill.

One really memorable trip with Dad was the time we went to the Snake River for a family reunion with Dad's brothers and their families. During one run down the river, everyone on the raft was daydreaming and enjoying the water, sun, and scenery when we realized we were too late to maneuver around a shallow rock in the river. Behind the shallow rock was a large drop off with a lot of back flowing water. Because we were not paying attention, we tried to paddle the boat at the last minute and just ended up making the situation worse. We went over the rock sideways and the raft got stuck in the back flowing current. The raft started to fill with water and eventually collapsed in the middle dumping us all in the river. The moments of panic went a little longer than normal as we tried to account for all the bodies we had before entering the rapid. My Dad took longer than everyone else to emerge. Most of us came up somewhere near the over-turned raft. Instead, the river pulled Dad down and spit him out about 75-100 feet below where we entered. By the time Dad came up the rest of us had already started to swim to shore so we could turn the raft back over and then start down the river again. When we turned the raft over, we paddled down the river to meet my Dad. For some reason my father was still sitting in the 50 degree river. Most people would not be able to sit in 50 degree water for too long. The water was good for cooling off but you would have hypothermia if you stayed in it too long. As we got closer we found out why my Dad was still in the water. He had lost his swim suit. When he fell in the water the current was pulling his suit one direction and the life jacket the other. Thankfully, my Dad valued his life more than his dignity and he held onto the life vest. It all worked out in the end as one of my sister-in-law's had a pair of shorts over her swim suit. My Dad borrowed her shorts and we were back on our way. But there wasn't any more daydreaming on that trip.
-- Matt

A Magnificent Example

Last year for English, I had to write a paper about someone in my life that has had trials. I didn't know who I should write about. Then my mom started telling me about Grandpa's childhood. I was really interested, so I decided to go ask Grandpa some questions. He told me lots of stories that were funny, but he also told me some pretty sad stories. The story that stood out to me was the story when he accidentally threw his chocolate bar into the fire. Despite all of hardships Grandpa had to go through, he is AMAZING! He doesn't let his past weigh him down. He was such an example of enduring and working to get what you want, and I look up to him. I love Grandpa!

--Mikell

Goodies

I get to go visit Grandpa and Grandma once a week. We usually eat lunch while we are there. I like to go to their house. They always have chips and pop. Whenever I have potato chips or cheetos, Grandpa will ask me if I have a bag of goodies. I think that is funny.
--Chalise

When the Saints play

I know my Grandpa likes football. When I played football last year, he held special practices for me and Jared to get extra practice. Grandpa likes to watch football games too. He always tells me that we can only watch football on Sunday if the Saints are playing. So according to Grandpa the Saints must play every Sunday.
--Brandon

Life Lessons

Claude is a great man with true integrity. I have known Claude for 23 years and I have had the privilege of learning many life lessons from him. The top three lessons I have learned are:
1. Family is paramount. Claude values his family and works hard to keep relationships close. Examples of this are the monthly family dinners, Labor Day vacations, Wolf Creek, weeding parties etc. He has provided many family traditions that are so meaningful. As I look back on all the activities we have done as a family, I am grateful for the fun memories.
2. Be generous with praise. If you want to build up your self-esteem, go hang around Claude. He is quick to tell you he loves you and other nice compliments. Some of my favorite compliments he has given me are..."you're a great mother," or "you're a wonderful cook." With tears in his eyes as he says it, you know the compliment is genuine and heartfelt.
3. Look on the bright side of things. Claude knows all too well that life can be difficult. The death of his father at a young age, and being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his 40's are a couple of examples. Although Claude has had many difficult situations in his life, he doesn't let it get him down. He always has a smile on his face and spends his time focusing on the positive aspects of his life, even though it would be so easy to complain about hardships. I have always admired that Claude chooses to dwell on all the lessons he has learned in his life and the blessings he has received.
I have always considered myself lucky to be able to call Claude my father-in-law!
Happy Birthday, I love you!
--Jodi

Work Ethic

My strongest memory of Grandpa is his work ethic. I remember being woken up in the dark to have family prayer so Grandpa could get to work. What a great example!
--Bethany

Little Green Trees

One of my memories of Grandpa is whenever I eat broccoli with Grandpa, he tells me they are little green trees.
--Lauren

Pass the Bloomin' Onion Please

Grandpa Mills is a great man. Grandpa has always gone out of his way to make sure that I felt a part of the family. He made sure that I was included in the family dinners, and I think I have said the prayer at those more than any other married granchild. :) One of the best times of the year is Priesthood session. We always get together to listen to the session, and then go out for steak. I have very fond memories of the great discussions I have had with Grandpa over a steak dinner. One of the best memories is when Grandpa asked the table next to us if he could have the rest of their Bloomin' Onion because his grandsons were hungry! Here is to many more good memories! Happy Birthday Grandpa, we love you!!
--Andrew

Personal Interviews

On fast Sunday each month we would each get to go in and talk to Dad about our goals for the coming week. Dad had a huge folding table set up as his desk in his bedroom and I’d sit on the bed and he’d sit behind his table and we had a private moment in a house filled to capacity. We’d talk about goals and school and what was going on in my little life. It was special because I got time alone with Dad.
--Marilyn

Golf Caddy

A strong memory I have is when Dad played golf in Mountain Fuel golf tournaments occasionally. He would let one of us kids be his caddy and we would walk the entire course with him. After the tournament was over, he would walk over to the practice green and he would let me putt for a little while. I think I was 11, and he stopped golfing later on. It meant a lot to me to be his caddy.
--Marilyn

Coach Mills

My father was a great football coach. He coached football for the right reasons. He was not in it for himself, he already had enough self-esteem. He coached for the boys. He used the moments he had coaching football to teach me and many other boys some valuable lessons in life. The lessons he taught were 1) commitment -- you had to be at practice every day 2) this is a team game -- people are counting on you so you need to perform 3) don't quit -- get up when you have been knocked on your butt, even if you are tired 4) effort matters -- when you extend more effort you get to celebrate more often 5) fundamentals -- learn the basics really well and it will form a good foundation for the future 6) no nepotism -- I was not shown any favoritism for being the coach's son -- I didn't get the glory positions of QB or running back -- I played center and some nose guard.

One of the the most important football lesson my father taught me is that everyone is important. My Dad was not the type to yell and scream, and play only the "good" players. Long before there was a 10 play rule in little league football my Dad instituted one of his own because of an early mistake in his coaching career. That mistake was not playing one player but only a couple of plays in a game. I remember my father breaking down in tears as he apologized to that player upon realizing his mistake after the game. He promptly came home and phoned the player's parents and apologized to them too. He promised it would not happen again and before it became a league rule my Dad made it a rule of his own.

I remember the good times of stopping by for a Slurpee after a hot practice with pads in August. Or riding home in the back of the truck to cool off on the way home. I have many good memories of the time on my Dad's teams.

The learning continued even after I quit playing. My Dad loved football so much that he continued to coach even when he did not have any sons playing. Brian and I each had the opportunity to be an assistant coach with my Dad for one season. What a great opportunity that was to continue the bonding between father and son.

I know I am not the only one who thought my Dad was a great coach. Whenever I run into any former teammates they always ask about Dad and they always tell how they still think of him after all these years.

Besides being a success in using football to teach lessons my Dad was also a success with his win-loss record. Winning was not the most important thing to my father but we did win many games. I know we had several seasons where we lost only 1 or 2 games. I also know that we won one mini bowl and took second place in another mini bowl.


Nice pants Dad.

--Matt

Yodeling

My dad would try to teach us to yodel at odd moments. He and I would sit on the ski lift and he would break out yodeling. We’d be on family trips and make roadside stops so everyone could stretch, and the yodeling would begin. Then he would get that big grin on his face knowing he had been silly. It was fun. It was comforting.
--Marilyn

Lunch with Dad

In the summertime I got to ride by myself on the bus to Salt Lake City and stop at Dad’s office building, get a visitor badge, go up the elevator, and visit Dad in his office. Then we would go to lunch. He took me to a nice restaurant with tablecloths.
--Marilyn

Career Day

Dad built a plywood box, painted it red, put switches on the inside, Christmas lights on the outside, wired them together so the lights would simulate how a computer worked and then brought it into my classroom to demonstrate for Career Day. I remember watching him build the box, and I remember him coming to the class talking about computers. I thought it was great and I was very proud of what he did. There used to be the old data punched cards used to feed into big computers, and he’d bring home tons of the used computer data cards and we made up dozens of games with them.
--Marilyn

Historical Markers

During family trips Dad would pull over at every single historical marker. He pulled in and Mom read the sign or the memorial or whatever. We would all just sit in the car and listen while she read. When she finished, Dad would pull out to the main road and we would continue on until the next historical marker.
--Marilyn

Football

Dad coached my brothers in football. I remember going to practice with him when Brian and Matthew were in Pee Wee football and Dad was the coach. I would be allowed to use Dad’s 8mm camera and take game film for him. I remember watching football games with him on Sundays. I remember going with him to football games at the high school when my brothers were on the high school team, and talking with Dad about the game. I love to talk to Dad about the game of football, and I have a lot of great memories about football and Dad.
--Marilyn

Tomatoes and Zucchini

I remember my dad cooking tomatoes and zucchini in the summertime. It was his special treat. He picked the ripe tomatoes and zucchini that he grew himself in the back yard, and he would chop them up and fry them up with spices. He’d mush the tomatoes up so they would get really soft as they cooked, and slice zucchini into the pan. Or, he would make plates of tomatoes for us, and later Mom would can them, too.
--Marilyn

Yellowstone

Some of my favorite memories from childhood are family vacations. Mom and Dad always made sure that we went on vacation every year, because they felt that it helped us grow closer as a family. One of Dad's favorite places to go on vacation was to Yellowstone. I remember we would take our trailer and go camping. We would go see the gysers and the stink pots (as we called them). We would hike to the waterfalls. I thought that Dad knew everything; because whenever we asked a question, he always knew the answers. Dad loved the beauty of nature. As the family got older our trips to Yellowstone diminished because Dad was not as mobile--Dave often quipped that Lisa and I "were spoiled because we didn't have to go to Yellowstone every year for family vacation." Despite Dad's lack of mobility he still enjoyed going to Yellowstone when we did go--he loved to drive through Yellowstone.

--Michelle

Football with Grandpa

A few years ago Grandpa decided that he would take all the boys to a Utah Blaze game. Grandpa made the night really special by treating me to my favorite restaurant -- Crown Burger. I had a great time with Grandpa, my dad, and all my boy cousins. We yelled really loud and I think our cheering helped the Blaze to win. Happy birthday Grandpa, I love you.
--Jared