Lilee at 9 weeks

She's finally smiling...and it's not gas!

Arizona Cardinals

Each year I take my boys (and Hannah, sometimes) to the Arizona Cardinals' Training Camp. We usually take pictures with the players in the mornings, have the pictures printed off at lunch, then have the players autograph them as they're coming in for the afternoon practices. It's a blast. I'm so excited that the Cards have made it this far. Here are some of the pics from the past few years:

Here, QB Matt Leinart is throwing a pass to Matthew (notice Matthew's

outstretched arms on the left). I printed off this picture and Matt Leinart

signed it later in the day. He wrote: "Matt, nice catch. Matt #7."

Garrett is in the foreground with his trademark smile.

Here's WR Larry Fitzgerald signing a framed 8X10 for Hannah while Hunter waits to have his football card signed. Larry is always very cool about signing. You have to wait him out though. After practice is over, he takes 500 passes from the receivers' coach. He stands 10 feet away, with his back to the coach, and when the coach says "hike," the coach throws the ball, hard! Larry, with his feet firmly planted, simply rotates his upper body and catches the ball a half second before it hits him in the chest or face. This takes a while, so whoever is still around when this is all done gets great photo ops and autographs.

Here's Garrett and WR Anquan Boldin. While eating at the Buffalo Wild Wings near our hotel, the hostess seated these receivers next to us. While other people were going up to them to get autographs, Garrett called the waitress over and had her bring hot fudge sundaes to their table. One of them asked who sent the desserts. When she told them it was Garrett, they called him over to their table and talked to him for a while. Garrett paid for the desserts with tip money he made from selling corn on the side of the road near his dad's house in Thatcher. Garrett works at the corn stand every summer and makes great cash.

Larry Fitzgerald and my buddy, TJ, waiting for our cars after a Suns game. Larry is very laid back and, again, always so cool to take pictures and sign autographs. If you can't tell, he's my favorite player on the team and in the NFL. The man leaps out of the sky to catch the uncatchable ball. He's a freak of nature and worth every penny they pay him.

While on the subject of the NFL, here's Matthew running alongside his NFL hero, former Cowboys QB Troy Aikman. Here, Troy asked, "How's it goin', kid?" Matthew was speechless. Notice that sweet Super Bowl ring on his finger.

Summer & Lilee

Our friend, Melanie, took this picture of Summer and Lilee a few days ago. I love this picture! My sweet wife puts up with all my antics and supports me in all my ventures. She is such a wonderful wife and terrific mother. Lilee has completed our family; she's what we've been missing for years.

Lilee's Blessing Dress and Shoes

Our friend, Tiffani, made these shoes...

and this beautiful dress. Notice all of the hand-stitched areas on the collar and the sleeves. She is amazing! We've secured her to make Hannah's, Rylee's, and Lilee's prom dresses, as modest ones are extinct. Tiffani, you outdid yourself on this pretty dress.

Lilee's Blessed Day

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to bless my sweet daughter, Lilee. It was a special day that brought old friends and family together for several hours of storytelling, visiting and the consumption of groceries. We had the luncheon right after sacrament, so the people in our ward were left hungry and cold. Sorry, but we had many family members who wanted to eat, visit and get back on the road. In Lilee's circle were: her grandfathers, Ric and Butch; her maternal great-grandfather, Ron; her uncles, Blue and James; her home teacher, Greg; her bishop, Bishop Rolfe; the 2nd counselor in the stake presidency, my doctor and family friend, President Nally; my dentist and dear childhood friend, Eric; and our friend, Jeff. Jeff's wife, Melanie, took some beautiful pictures of Lilee in her blessing dress, a dress made by our friend, Tiffani. Tiffani is extremely talented; she can make anything so quickly, and make it look like it was purchased in a shop in Milan. Lots of family and friends came for the blessing. It was great to see them all. Lilee is a very special girl. She came to earth in a time when the world is seemingly replete with iniquity. Yet, she came to gospel-loving home, where she'll be taught to love the scriptures and her Savior. She has already blessed our home immensely. My wife is a saint. If you know me, you know that she must be quite patient. She is so amazing. She's an incredible cook, wife, mother, sibling, aunt and friend. Most importantly, she laughs at my stupid jokes, though she has heard them 150 times. She'll be translated soon. Lilee must have been pretty special to be sent to Summer. Conversely, Lilee must have knocked over an old lady in the pre-existence to be sent to me. Our friend, Melanie, took the picture of Lilee in the antique suitcase.