Rigdon's 1st Birthday

Our little son turned 1 last week. I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. We just love our little buddy so much and think he's the funnest boy on the planet (even if he won't smile for photo shoots).

I woke him up early and made him hang out with me for a few minutes before I left for work. He wasn't too happy, but I was. This was also going to be his "last bottle". So far Riggs is winning that battle.

Riggs loves to swim, so we had a little pool party with some friends on his birthday. Here are a few pics of him downing his awesome basketball cake that his mom made for him.

Riggs hangin' with the crew.

Please take a look at Garrick's face (left photo).....that's why this picture made the post

Rigdon has also grown very fond of being thrown while in the pool. His dad is also fond of that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

The First "Official" Family Photos

So, next to birthing a child, trying to take a family picture was one of the hardest things I've done in the past year:) Riggs did not cooperate at ALL. He knew what we were trying to do and was set to destroy my plans...after all I've done for him...hmmph! Nonetheless, after our dream of a friend Annie took 700 photos we found about 10 where he was somewhat smiling, and even fewer of him looking at the camera. All in all though, my goal was to actually have a few pictures with all three of us in it, and that was accomplished. For having a very uncooperative subject, Annie really worked her magic to get the pictures below (did I mention she's 9 months pregnant?). Thanks Annie!

This is our true family photo. I've titled it "The Brow."


This was heading to the car post-photos. Yes, Trevor was dripping in sweat, I wanted to die, oh, and so did Riggs.

You know you're in Florida when you have to bring a sweat towel to family photos. Literally dripping in sweat, all of us.

An Open Letter to My Wife on Our Anniversary

Dear Spouse,

People often call their missions the "best 2 years of their life." I hope the ones that say that aren't married. The past 3 years have been, without question, the best 3 years of my life. They've been fun, sun, laughter, and love filled.......and all because of my sweet wife.

In the past year, here are a few things that have made me especially grateful to be married to Lesley Jean.......

Motherhood
You are a terrific mother. So kind and patient and diligent in teaching our son. You amaze me daily with him. Nothing makes me happier than to see how much Riggs loves his mom. And how much Riggs' mom loves him back.

Switching "Companies"
Retiring from the working world and the success you were having, and would have continued to have, is not an easy thing. But I am so infinitely grateful that you wanted to do so, and have embraced it with open arms. I can't express how blessed we are to have a CEO like yourself running the most important 3-person corporation in the history of the world. I'm glad we headhunted you away from 3M.


Your Bravery
In the past year we have moved away from jobs, friends, and a place where we were comfortable. You have been so willing to adapt and change and embrace the adventure of Florida. Making new friends, learning a new place, and leaving family isn't easy.....but you haven't complained, haven't grumbled, and have just taken it as the next chapter in our story and started writing. Thank you.

Fun, Fun, Fun
Being married to you is so much fun. I laugh every day. We do fun things. Whether it's at amusement parks, playing with Riggs, floating down a river, playing tennis, or just sitting around the house together......everything with you is fun. You're the funniest person I know. From your jokes, to your laughter at your own jokes, to your accents, to your tired laugh, you're just funny and fun and I love it.

Wife, you're the best. I'm so glad you mustered the courage to call me back way back when. You've made these last 3 years the best 3 years of my life. And I can't wait to spend many many many more "best years" with you as our family and love grows. I love you.

Love,

Your Husband


(P.S. Here are a few other pictures I thought might make you smile)