Annual Battle of the Century

While visiting my parents, I noticed a Born Loser comic taped to my parents' door. The comic boy was playing catch by himself. My brother had written, "To Dad, Sincerely, Ammon." Dad finally decided it was time for their "Annual Battle of the Century." With several inches of snow (December in Utah) they decided catch wouldn't be doable, so they attempted hitting snowballs with a bat until moving on to a white flying disc-because, you know, that's easy to spot in the snow. Dad and Ammon both love to joke and tease, but seeing them play and laugh together portrayed the heart of Christmas. Their own "Cat's in the Cradle" moment.

They only hit Dad's observatory a few times.

Ammon has skills.

They don't watch dish tv from 1980. Dad uses it for radio astronomy.

Dad "nudged" Ammon into the snow.

Strawberry Valentine

Zak put in his notice two weeks ago, so Valentine's Day was his last day as an employee before venturing out on his own as a full-time web designer. V and I ate lunch with him yesterday, and today we surprised him with some strawberry "roses" surrounded by a host of valentine cards. We got some beautiful homemade cards from Aunt Niki, and V got "My First Valentine" pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.

This will be a fresh start, and Zak has prepared so much for this opportunity. We're so proud of him.