Happy Birthday to Aaron

Aaron is 25 today! Can you believe it??? It seems just like yesterday that I was pushing him into this world!! I remember the night before he was born so well. We had taken Emily and Levi to Pocatello to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Ekstrom for a few days (we were living in Franklin Idaho by then) and on the way home the contractions started. We arrived home and got everything ready and settled down to time the contractions. Scott pulled out a yellow legal pad and started writing down the time with every contraction. We started playing Yahtzee to pass the time and we actually played all night long. I don't know how many games we played, but the legal pad had 3 or 4 columns of times on it by morning. We called the doctor's office first thing and he had us come in to the office so that he could check me out. We did and we waited for a couple of hours for them to "squeeze" me in. The doctor saw me sitting out in the waiting room and really blew up at the office staff for keeping me out there. He checked me and sent me directly to the hospital where Aaron was delivered a couple more hours later!

Aaron come into the world full of enthusiasm and energy and has kept that up his whole life. As a young boy he was always busy, always up for a game or ready for an adventure. He was usually the first one to try something new or to come up with an idea for a new game. He was (and is) a joy to be around and usually kept us laughing at his antics or stories!! He has always been a hard worker and was usually the first one to get his jobs done, many times lending a hand to the slow poke. He has always been very determined and focused on his goals.

Today, Aaron is still that young boy, only bigger. He is full of energy and is busy and organized and works hard. His enthusiasm is contagious and you can't help but feel energized and uplifted when you are working by his side. He is a thoughtful and caring son and brother and is a loving husband and father. The energy and determination that he had as a young boy have propelled Aaron forward and his ability to set and achieve goals is one key to his success. Aaron can see what needs to be done and isn't afraid to work hard to accomplish it!

I am so proud of Aaron for the man he has become. It has been a privilege to watch him grow from a cuddly little toddler to a handsome, strong, loving man. How I love you, Aaron!