Omaha

For Eli's second birthday, my parents suggested we meet in Omaha to celebrate.  They drove down from South Dakota, while we made the drive from Missouri.  We spent the daytime hours exploring the zoo, then enjoyed dinner at Valentino's Italian buffet.  The next morning found us lazily floating in the hotel pool.

This became a tradition of sorts, as we met the next couple of years to celebrate in the same way.  These days were incredibly special for Eli, and helped forge early bonds.  Of course, my wise parents knew these carefree weekends also benefited Jason and me.  We had already weathered Jason's first health crisis, and the financial stresses that inevitably followed.  These trips provided an escape for us.  How will I ever find enough words to thank my parents for all these little moments?

"You can find something truly important in an ordinary minute." -Mitch Albom