Seminary Graduation

Last Thursday night (May 28), Coulton graduated from 4 years of seminary. We're all very proud of him. As a graduation gift, we bought him a new suit (actually, it's the first suit he's ever owned). I think he looks great in this photo with Bishop Lewis. At times, I thought he was more excited about getting a suit than just about any other gift he's ever been given! Coulton has really enjoyed living in this ward, and has loads of great friends both in this neighborhood, and in our previous 'hood.

Coulton Graduating?

I know. For a lot of you, it's news that Coulton is graduating. It's not that I didn't think he could, it just doesn't seem possible that the time has arrived so quickly. It doesn't seem possible. Anyway, I'm a proud dad. I mean, it's nice that he's graduating and all... that's only part of the reason I'm proud. The main reason I'm proud is because he has turned out to be such a gentle, kind, and principled young man. He has so many young friends who all look up to him and enjoy being in his company. I like his quote in the yearbook when they asked him about the football season. He commented that it had been a tough year for the team, but he still had learned a lot. I'm sure he has learned a lot - much of which will stand him in good stead as he continues his journey in life. In the words of his friend, Steve Barron, Coulton's a 'stud'! I think that's good?!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

A lot has happened since I last posted. First, I need to say Happy Birthday to my mom! She turned 77 on May 23. I really love this picture of her with Natalie. She has always been so supportive of everything we've done, and we all think she's pretty special. Over the years she's given us plenty of guidance (sometimes we called them lectures), and it turns out that she always knew what she was talking about! I'm grateful to have such a wonderful mom. She has blessed our lives in so many ways. Happy belated birthday mom - and many, many more!

Jace David joins Team Willes

Here's or newest addition to team Willes. Kelly and Nicole had Jace early Wednesday, April 22. He weighed 6 lbs 4 oz, and mom (and dad) are doing great. Grandpa is really glad to have the 4th member of the hockey team in place.

I wanted to post this picture too. For some reason, I can see my dad in Coulton's face. Anyone else agree...? disagree?

Senior Pictures

Coulton and his mom got up early Saturday morning and drove down to Layton so our resident photographer (and son-in law) Kelly could take some senior pictures. We opted not to spend money on a studio picture, since Kelly does such a much better job (and his prices are hard to beat!) The only problem is that when we try to get them printed at Walmart, they make us sign a paper saying we own the pictures. You can probably see why. They look better than anything you can get at a studio. Coulton graduates from high school next month. Hard to believe.

In the meantime, if you want a great sandwich, have him make you one when he's working at the Old Grist Mill in Brigham. He's become quite the sandwich chef!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

The heavy spring snow brought down a tree in my backyard. The next Saturday afternoon, here came my dad with his chain saw (he lives in Pocatello - not exactly down the block!) Anyway, my mom and dad came down and made short work of the task. I did a little work, but my dad did the most. By the time we were done, the tree was in pieces, my dad was putting away the chain saw, and I was huffing and puffing from my meager efforts.

That's my dad. He's the leader of the band. After years of teaching high school band, he's retired now - not in the real sense, only figuratively. He doesn't get paid for the work he does now, but you'll rarely catch him sitting down.

All my life I have tried to keep up with him. I have a memory as a young boy. I was running along side him as he chased his marching band down the street, whistling every now and again to draw attention to a crooked line or someone out of step. Parades in Blackfoot, Pocatello, Ogden. I can even remember going to lunch with all the dignitaries, including Cal Rampton, then Governor of Utah, at the Weber State Homecoming. It made me feel important, because I was with someone special - my dad.

Having your dad for a band teacher for three years in high school was also a lot of fun - once I got over the awkwardness of what to call him when I had a question in class. "Hey dad" seemed a bit too familiar, so it usually came out as "Hey...?" I always enjoyed playing under his direction - pit orchestras, stage band, pepband, bagpipes. And when the concert was over, I always wanted to hang around him so I could hear people tell him how great it was.

It's hard to calculate the impact he has had on the community. Countless city band concerts, musicals, fund raisers... I have posted one of his city band Sousa marches with this post. It was the concert in which I was mysteriously selected as a guest conductor (I think my kids stuffed the ballot box). I don't care how I got there, I was just honored to conduct my dad's band.

It's not hard to calculate the impact he has had on our lives. I have met so many people who know him, and have been touched by him in one way or another. Maybe he was their bishop. Maybe he conducted an orchestra, choir, band, or musical in which they participated. Maybe he helped them move, or helped pour cement for a new sidewalk. Maybe he hauled materials all the way to California to make a playhouse, and then spent a week building it for a beloved granddaughter. Or maybe he took time out of his day to give advice on trumpets to one of my NASA counterparts, whose son ended up playing for 4 years with the Alabama Crimson Tide marching band. Maybe he gifted pianos to some married granddaughters, which made it possible for them to teach at home and be with their young families. Or maybe he just brightened your day by showing up unannounced to help you chop up a fallen tree.

So here's wishing my dad a happy birthday. I can't put into words how much I love this guy. Not just because he's the leader of the band, but because he's my dad.