Another year older

Old Man Sweat added another year onto his age this month.  

But he hasn't really been living up to his moniker.

In fact, it was one of the youngest-feeling years he's had in a while:

*no visits to the ER

*no surgeries

*promotion at work

*completing his fifth year as bishop, which he loves

*cheered as the Lakers won another NBA title

*showed off his dance moves with Whit at the talent show

*felt manly at the hunt and fish day with Brandon

*stays in touch with his soft side as he hugs and snuggles with Caroline

*had a blast river rafting with me for our anniversary

Wow, that WAS a great year.

We celebrated with a low-key family dinner here at home.  He took it easy on me and requested Hawaiian haystacks.  I didn't even have to marinate a steak?  I love that guy.

 We enjoyed his yummy chocolate cake for dessert.

I scarfed mine down because I was SOOO excited for him to open his gift:

A photograph of La Portada.

This is a landmark off the coast of northern Chile that is a symbol of Andrew's mission.  I knew it meant a lot to him and tried to find a painting or photograph of it a few years ago.  I figured the internet would make it easy.  But I was wrong.  I couldn't find what I wanted and gave up.  This year I decided to try again and came across this gorgeous photograph by Juan Contreras.  I e-mailed Juan to inquire about purchasing a copy.  When he learned that Andrew had served his mission there he said, "Please accept this as a gift from me.  I think if your husband served the Church then he has already paid."  Isn't that awesome?  I was so grateful for his generosity.  

Now the beautiful photo hangs above our mantle.

It makes me happy.

Oh, and I think the birthday boy likes it, too.