The Great Outdoors

Dear Ayden,

Your mother and I had taken you outside quite a bit around our home in Clerfield, but we never realized just how much you love the outdoors until we took you to Bryce Canyon when you were just over five months old! The way you squealed and cooed as we walked around was by far the most rewarding experience we had while visiting the world-renowned park, and there were plenty of Asian people there who felt the same way. We had to fight to keep you away from prodding fingers and snapping cameras. Still, some got through, and you'll probably end up on billboards in Asia as the cutest little white baby in the world.

One of the fondest memories I have of you at this point in your life is walking back to the car with you in Bryce Canyon after seeing Mossy Cave. Uncle Austin and I did some pretty crazy things that day! We ran up a steep hill as fast as we could to check out some amazing rock formations, ran up to see the cave with everyone else, and hung out underneath a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the desert. It was really fun, and few things could compare to it - but walking back with you in my arms overshadowed all our crazy adventures, and that memory will always hold a special place in my heart.

Mom fed you that day up the trail to Mossy Cave, and then you took a little nap. When Uncle Austy and I were done being maniacs, I took you back, and we "thumpa thumpa thumped" down the trail together. I held you on my shoulder and chanted that phrase with every step, and you nearly burst with delight at the fun of it all! It was so cute, sweetie. I love showing the world to you.

The next week your mother and I took you and Meeko up Waterfall Canyon in Ogden. I carried you up in the sling, and Mom held Meeko's leash. As we prepared to go down though Mom told me she was scared that Meeko would pull her down the mountain, so we had to switch roles. I took Meeko, and we got your sling all strapped up to Mommy. She was so scared she was going to slip and drop you that she couldn't move and started crying. I got it all on camera too! I told her everything would be alright, and she was finally able to begin our descent. We made sure Mom didn't slip, and you had the time of your life going up and down that mountain! I don't know what it is, but bring outside just makes you happy. It gives me and Mom a lot of motivation to take you on adventures, which is perfect!

There is something so special about showing you the world, my darling. It makes me so happy to see you reach out and feel the leathery touch of leaves for the first time, or feel the tingling spray of a waterfall, but I am not focused on these marvels when you are with me; I'm focused on you, the most beautiful marvel of them all.

I love you, sweetheart, and I look forward to years of adventures with you.

May 31, 2014 Waterfall Canyon, Ogden, UT