Half Century Celebration!!

Because he was turning 50... he wanted to start the day out riding 50!

Mark & Jake left early in the morning to ride up Emigration-Strawberry Canyon in Southeast Idaho.

It was a glorious ride even though it was quite an incline...3700 feet. 

They had a wonderful time.  The canyon was gorgeous and the morning was beautiful!

Looking very happy!

 

The Thursday before his birthday he found a surprise in one of his exam rooms! 

Janell had flown down to surprise him for his birthday!  It was so wonderful! 

Her other motivation to come down and visit was to spend some time with Emily before she leaves.

We went down to the Farmer's Market and enjoyed looking around and finding some fresh greens for the birthday dinner. These two girls are both unique and beautiful, just like all of our children.  For being so far apart in age (about 12 years)...they are also very much alike in many ways.  We certainly love our children.

 Molly was fast friends with her auntie.

How could you not be?

 Soon it was time for the birthday dinner.  His short order was ~ everyone make something yummy!
Davis (who was MIA in the photos, wasn't feeling well :( made awesome baked beans.  Camber slid through the door from work just in time to use the watermelon baller, Lindsey threw together giant stuffed mushrooms, Janell made our favorite salsa, I marinated chicken to grill for the sandwiches (and homemade granola earlier in the day) and Emily topped it all off with an incredible Chocolate Malt Ice Cream Cake!  We eat very well around this place.

Molly's part was to demostrate how to eat corn on the cob...see her eyeing Papa's?

 Wait for mom to put the handles in and then lean in for a really good grip.

 Smoosh the cob against your face as tight as you can so butter and salt are well applied.

 Take a break for some refreshing icewater and go at it again!

 It is delicious!
Hurray for summer!!

 Happy Birthday to special man we dearly love!!

Hope all your dreams come true.

You certainly help ours become realities :)

The cake was perfectly wonderful, Em!!