We love you Geoffrey!!

On the weekend of your second birthday, Dad and I took a little trip to the coast with you. We had the small Shasta trailer that we hauled behind our International Suburban. Grandpa George had a spot at Newport where he and Grandma Mildred stayed while Grandpa went salmon fishing. One day Grandpa took us out in his little boat to catch herring for bait. While he and Dad went fishing, I took you for walks in your wagon to visit Grandma, and to the Marine Science Center to see the starfish and other sea creatures. You were so much fun. You loved the water and being at the beach. The day of your birthday, you took a nap while I decorated the trailer with balloons and made you a cake. You had gotten a cold of some sort, and had a little fever. I still wanted you to have a little party with Dad and me (and your little sister to be!). When you woke up, you were so excited and shouted out "Balloons! Balloons!" You got a little truck for your present. You liked it a lot, but you were too sick to play for long, so after a brief party you went back to sleep. That weekend we watched the fireworks over the water from where we were parked near the base of the Newport bridge. In those days, it was just a little unofficial campspot near a fishing and diving store.

Now that you are a daddy too, enjoy every special moment! I wish I could be with you today, but I know that little Caleb and lovely Jennie will be there to love you and make it a happy time. Caleb wanted to start early, didn't he! ( I caught Geoffrey on skype at 4:30 AM!!) Have a sweet birthday!