(Happy 70th Birthday, Joey!)/2

Joey & Crew (J. Crew?) in March 2007

To our dear older brother:

It's easy to reflect on all the good times we've had with Joey over the years. He is always the first with a pithy comment, idea for a game and an eye for the fun in every situation. I remember when we went and watched a Rocky movie at the Lord's house (no, not that Lord's house) and came home to a locked-up house. Joey tried to ease open the window to our parents' bathroom, broke it, and ended up cutting his wrist. Sometimes I don't think he knows his own strength. I was acutely aware of Joey's strength since I was typically at the other end of his fist. As I watch my sons fight with each other and hang out with each other, it reminds me of the times I spent with my big brother. I don't know if it was the closeness of our ages, but I always remember doing a lot of things together. Trips to Disneyland, camping, Angel's Landing, scout camps, church.

Now that we're all grown up (I can make fun of Joey's age because I'm half-way to 67), I cherish two particular adult-era memories. One is the camping trip to Zion that Joey organized before my wedding when we all climbed Angel's Landing, my favorite hike. The second memory occurred last year, when Asher and I traveled to Hutto for Ethan's baptism. I had so much fun reminiscing, playing games (Powergrid, anyone?), and enjoying Erin's great cooking (we still make Bengal barbecue skewers, though not as much as I'd like). Of course, I also enjoyed meeting and getting acquainted with your friends, Rudy and Amy. I wish y'all, including Rudy and Amy, would move back to Las Vegas.

Happy birthday, brother! We love you!