Mother's Day - From Greg

So this year I wanted to do something different. I wanted to publicly tell the mothers in my life (I have 3 of them), how much they mean to me. You all have been amazing examples to me of what it means to be selfless and giving individuals. I love you all and appreciate all your sacrifices on my behalf.  But I especially want to tell the world how much Emery means to me. I don't tell her nearly enough how grateful I am for her. I usually keep my feelings pretty close to the vest, but not this year. Em the last 11 years have been amazing. Life often proves to be a roller-coaster ride, and our time together has definitely seen it's highs and lows, but there is no one I'd rather be strapped in next to than you. Anyone that knows my wife, knows that she is pretty much amazing at everything she tries her hand at, but for me the thing I'm most grateful for is the kind of mother she has become. I feel extremely blessed because the only thing that really matters to me is my family, and my kids have the best mother a child could ask for. I love you Em, happy Mother's Day!

An Anniversary Surprise

Shortly after the Rogers' Family Christmas Cabin 2011 came to an end, my siblings and I started plotting a surprise trip to Tahoe for our parents' 40th anniversary.  I remember having several conversations over our shared Christmas vacation about the best kinds of gifts, and the recurring theme from my parents was that time shared with people they love is always more valuable than tangible gifts.  And so it began...

Last Friday, all my siblings (except Sam, who was spending time with his kids out of state) and a few spouses met up for the surprise - without our children.  Our plan of attack changed about 8 times in the final 30 minutes before the reveal, and in the end, we just sat on the couch in the family room and waited for them to come home.  When they entered, unexpecting, there was shock, and then marvel.

We spent less than 48 hours together, but I have to admit that the time we worried would pass by too quickly was savored and milked for every moment.  We ate marvelously and walked a lot.  Then we ate some more and went on a hike.  We stayed up late playing games to stay awake, being rowdy and acting like our own children. 

It wasn't until Sunday afternoon, after I had returned home and hugged my boys, that I realized why the weekend was so magical.  There was no whining.  Not ever.  We basked in and savored each other's company. We celebrated my parents.  It was one of the best weekends ever. 

Mission:  Accomplished.