Addie tries out for Blue Man Group.

Childrens Musem with Hannah and Olivia

Thanks Heather for the chance to make some new friends, I look forward to playing with them again.

Spring is here!

Fall

Addie Mae and I had nasty colds this weekend. I could not stand missing out on the changing leaves and autumn sunshine, so Friday we took a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a walk. I love this time of year it's a sweet break from the oppresive heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter. I recommend that all of you take a minute to enjoy this magical time of year!

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."
-Emily Bronte

Improvised Gymnastics

Addie Mae has recently learned to somersault, it seems I could use some practice. Like most dads, I want nothing more than to impress my daughter on a daily basis, how else can I be sure to maintain my status as her number one man. To do so I thought I could put together a routine that would surely dazzle her mind, a somersault into handstand, using the wall as an anchor. I testify to the sound execution of my routine, the wall however could not absorb the magnificance of such a maneuver. However, I will say that Addie Mae was still quite impressed.

Lagoon

Lagoon Day with Heidi, Daniel and my friend Noa. The space cruiser was a little fast for my liking, but I held it together. After all the excitement I was a bit tuckered.

Lake Mary

This was our favortie hiking spot this summer. Not to long, sandy beaches, and fat chipmonks.

Utah State Fair

Deep fried Oreos covered in powdered sugar, cows, sheep, bunny rabbits, and a giant yellow slide!

A Bad Case of the Gimmie Gimmies

With Independence comes Frustration
"The desire to explore the unknown can give you a major headache," says Sarah Hilton, mother of 15 month old Adeline Mae Sparks, "It's thrilling to be a part of someones new found freedom, but the none-stop whining can take its toll."

Yes, Siree I'm walking!

A place to think

Sometime you need a place to think.
Addie Mae has taken to hanging out in the cupboard we keep our pots and pans in; it reminds me of the little brother in "Christmas Story".

Zoo Redemption

We made another trip to the Zoo today and I am glad to say it was much better than the last time. The animals for the most part were awake and we even caught the bird show which is really cool, a hawk flew right over the top of Shaun's head. WOW!

The Speedy Turtle

Shaun and I have taken the week off of work and we are trying to do something fun with Addie every day. Monday we took her to Liberty park and after feeding the geese we put our fears aside and let her ride the attractions. They may have been a little dated ( I think I have seen a photo of my father in the Speedy Turtle circa 1956) but it runs like a champ and Addie had the best time!

4th of Julys

Addie Mae on her first 4th.

This year Addie brought more intensity to the holiday.
My sweet little girl did not enjoy the fire works. The screaming crackle was a bit to much for her.

12 month update

Dad keeps throwing out this rhetoric. He’ll say things like, “talk minus action equals zero young lady,” or, “you got to give the people what they want.” I can hardly take these remarks as words of encouragement; I’m the type of person who favors a gentle nudging when it comes to doing something. If you haven’t guessed already I’m referring to this little blog here, and the fact that I promised bi-annual updates to my friends and family. I could pinch myself for pledging my time to such a thing. I would you know. Pinch myself. But being only a week past my first birthday I’m still lacking the skill to form a proper pincer.

It’s not that I didn’t want to write you all. It’s just that lately I haven’t been at the top of my game. First of all my schedule was thrown off by a weekend get away to Southern Utah. Despite my disdain for the car seat I did remarkably well. I only insist that one of my parents share the back seat with me at all times, to keep the boredom bug from biting. This requires more than just sitting: funny faces must be made, books must be read, and my entire toy collection must be kept in constant rotation. I know it’s a little selfish on my part, but it benefits all parties involved, trust me. On Saturday May 10^th we hiked to calf-creek falls, it was quite the undertaking for my parents. For me, I sat comfortably in a pack taking in the sights and sounds. The beauty of that country is truly awe-inspiring. If any of you have spent time with me you know what I’m talking about. If my eye spies something I find to be curious two things take place: my index finger extends toward the location, and a vociferous, ‘AWE’ jumps from my mouth.

IT WAS A GREAT TRIP!

In the weeks that followed our return to the city I had some trouble sleeping. I don’t really know why. I think I might have been a little stressed out by the idea of turning one. To have an actual numerical value assigned to my age. There is a lot of responsibility wrapped up in that milestone: the pressure to walk, learn to say a few words, handle a sippy cup. For about a week and half there I just couldn’t get comfortable. I tossed and turned waking up every couple hours for a bite to eat. My parents looked on the bright side, they hoped my new appetite might get me to the coveted 20 lb marker, at which point I could sit forward facing in my car seat, have a view of the open road, maybe allow mom to sit shotgun. But it was not to be. I weighed in last Friday at a mere 18.5 lbs; it seems I’m destined to stare at the synthetic grey upholstery of the back seat, as for my parents, they will continue conversing as though in the cockpit of a fighter-jet, dad keeping us on coarse while mom scopes the target. So goes life I guess.

Fortunate for us all my erratic sleep pattern seemed to right itself before my party. Oh what a grand affair it turned out to be. Thirty people showed up to shower me with smiles and gifts. Mom went above and beyond the call of duty. She made enough Brisket to feed an insurgency, and painstakingly decorated the most fantastic cupcakes. Thanks to the generosity of so many friends my library has expanded to include some very fine volumes, and I’m fairly confident I won’t have to buy any clothes until Kindergarten. Thanks to my Great Grandpa Hilton I’m rolling through the avenues in a pretty sweet ride, who knew the man had such great taste in cars. My mom gave me the best gift of all though, a summer membership to the Little Gym. If there was ever any doubt among you as to my future star status, I ask that you catch one of my workouts. I am a fast and eager learner, the first to accept any challenge the instructor gives to the class. You just might see me at the Summer Games of 2024.

In closing I am happy to be here with you all. I love learning about this world and look forward to exploring it with more evermore independence. God bless you all, and until next time, Addie Mae.

Addie Mae and Grandpa Hilton

The Zoo

We learned something new as parents last Friday... animals at the zoo are a bit sluggish during the hottest part of the day. The big cats are snoozing, the bears are moping in the shade, and the monkeys aren't monkeying around. It seems that only the Giraffe was excited to see us.
Sorry Addie we will do better next time.
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Addie Mae's First Birthday!

Thanks to everyone who made Addie Mae's first birthday so special.

Our trip to Torrey, Utah.

The Addie and Daddy Band

This is the much anticipated first release of the Addie and Daddy Band. They have plans for a West Coast tour this summer.....stay tuned for a schedule of dates and venues.