My Favorite Eric Story

Eric's best friend growing up was his dog, Fruiter. Fruiter was Eric's dog even before Eric was ever born. They grew up together. He slept with him every night, sometimes taking the blame for a wet bed every now and then. He'd sit in the back of the Cruiser cozied up with Eric and Red Wall on family vacations. He went down to the KOA with Eric to get penny candy. Played with him in the dirt hills. To show his love, he'd bring home dinner for the family, a roast that was thawing on someone's porch, and they would actually eat it. Eric and Fruiter were always together.

Then when Eric was about 13, Fruiter started getting sick with cancer. He was such a good dog that when he was really sick, and throwing up, he'd go in the bathtub to do it. He just got sicker and sicker until he eventually had to be put down. Eric was devastated.

Hoping to console him, Eric's dad made a pine box and said they could go bury Fruiter in a special spot on their property up in the Uintahs. They trekked through the mountains trying to find the perfect spot. Eric's dad, carrying no less than 30 pounds up these mountains, suggested plenty of spots to Eric. But none of them were just the right spot for Fruiter.

A few hours and several up-hill miles later, Eric found the perfect spot. Right next to a tree and a creek the best resting place for Fruiter that Eric could find. Eric's dad tirelessly dug through the rocks and roots and they said their last good-byes.

Down went Fruiter, the dirt piles over his humble pine box.
Eric sniffles, "Dad?"
Eric's dad turns, shovel in hand sweat dripping down the dry Utah sun beating down.
"Yeah, Eric?"
"Can I say good-bye to him one last time?"

So Eric's dad digs Fruiter back up, lifts the lid and then Eric says his very last good-bye.

Stewart Falls

For Memorial Day we went on a little hike to Stewart Falls. It was a super nice trail to take Lily on because it was mostly in the shade and very easy hiking. Lily was such a good sport and it doesn't hurt that she loves to be outside.

Lily loved to observe all the new plants and flowers.




She got a little nervous when mom wanted to carry her.


So dad got to carry her again.


We finally made it!


The whole trip must have been really tiring since she slept the whole way back to the car.

I Just Can't Get Enough

Eight down....three more to go....

and no, that is not including high school.


Eric, after eight years of undergraduate schooling has finally received his Bachelor's degree. Now, I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. It wasn't eight years of trial and error. Eric did awesome in school. In fact, he graduated Summa Cum Laude! I was just beaming with pride!

He is now ready to study for the GRE and then applying to CRNA schools!

My new "hobbie"/ blog

I always wanted to do a blog on restaurants in Utah. Eric and I eat out a lot and I feel I can give some good recommendations. So I started with just a few restaurants for now and whenever I get a chance, or if we ever go to a new place I'll post about it. Any excuse to eat out more is always welcome! Check it out here.

Virginia is for Mothers

Lily and I went to Virginia for a week to visit the Grams. She hasn't seen her since she was four weeks old, so she has been just itching to see Lily. I was super nervous to take her on the airplane though. Lily is really good natured and isn't too fussy, but I just had these nightmares of her screaming on the airplane and dirty looks from all the passengers. But of course, she was an absolute angel. She (like her mother) can't seem to stay awake on moving vehicles.

Although we missed Eric a lot, we had a lot of fun. We went to Jamestown.


Had picnics on the beach.


Read books with Jared.


Played with Nathan.


Got magically rocked to sleep by Sarah.


And got LOTS of Grandma time.


Thanks Mom for the great trip!!

When Mommy's Away...

Eric watches Lily while I go to work three days a week. He's supposed to try and get homework done on those days, but all they ever do is play all day. I'm sure they are Lily's favorite days of the week because when I'm home with her I have to work! How would it be Eric? How would it be? -that is totally a joke to Eric since he currently is working 40 hours a week, full time school, YM President, and pretty much does all the housework...

Anyway, Eric and Lily had fun yesterday as you can see: