Mike!

 

This is Tia and Mike on their trip to Alaska.
I got the picture off of Tia's Facebook page.

Today is Mike's birthday.  He married Tia a little over five years ago.  Since then he went to basic training and AIT for the Army and has been in the reserves.  He also became a Provo policeman.  For a while he helped coach high school lacrosse and worked a side job catching shoplifters at Dillards.  Then he became a Dad!  YAY!  

Mike is busy and works hours that make it hard for him to visit as much as we'd like, but he has always been a willing helper when we have needed him.  He drove from Provo last year just to help take big trees out of the truck, and then he drove right home again.  That's almost an hour of travel for not much time working -- but we are super grateful!  He even hosted and cooked for his own birthday dinner last year!  This year I decided he could have a break from cooking and hosting so I made some food instead and he and Tia and Brigham came over for dinner.

My favorite things about Mike are the things he does for Tia and Brigham.  He works really to make their yard both beautiful and beneficial.  They have berries and vegetables and chickens who lay eggs and like to escape.  They have at least one fruit tree and a nice patio that he put in and where we have had some very tasty family dinners.  He has also done a LOT of work in their house since they bought it.

Mike hadn't ever really been around babies until Brigham was born, but he jumped right in and learned how to take care of babies and then toddlers.  Mike likes spending time with Brigham and Tia, and I am glad.  I like the stories from Tia about Brigham trying to "tell on her" by yelling for Daddy.  Brigham is one cute boy! (I know -- this is supposed to be about Mike).

Today Mike took the day off for his birthday and I hope that he enjoys whatever he has decided to spend his time on.  We love Mike and are glad to have him as a part of our family.