Happy Birthday, President Reagan!

I've been terrible at updating my blog again. I didn't even get around to wishing President Reagan a happy birthday yesterday, which is very unlike me. Instead of writing my own note today, I'm going to steal a post from my brother-in-law, Garrett Hall. He wrote a wonderful, short tribute to Reagan yesterday. I loved his post so much; I felt like his words and feelings were my very own, just what I'd have said from my heart.

So here's Garrett:

http://lawdawghall.blogspot.com/2012/02/ronald-reagan-president-of-my-childhood.html

Illogical Politics

Conservative political commentary. Taking the fight to liberals using Logic & Reason.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Ronald Reagan: President of My Childhood

Ronald Reagan was the President of my childhood. I was still quite young when he was President, but I fondly link him to those early, impressionable days. I didn't understand policy back then, but I could discern between authenticity and phoniness. Reagan passed the test. We had a picture of him in our home and I think I assumed that in some way he was a family member. I still kind of feel that way.

Perhaps my most poignant memory of Reagan was praying for him each night. My family prayed for him and I remember praying for him individually. I continued this practice through Bush I, but stopped in the Clinton years; partly because I was then a cynical teenager and partly because I didn't know if my prayers would matter on him. I admit; not a great attitude and now I encourage my children to pray for Obama and the Country as a whole. If nothing else, it teaches them about agency - one of God's greatest gifts.

My true appreciation for Reagan's policies has developed over the last decade. Most importantly, I relish his belief in the power of the individual! As I read and watch videos of speeches I am touched by his love for this Country and his distain for evil. He was a gentleman, but he wasn't timid. He had fight, but it didn't seem mean or malicious. He had a light-hearted manner that I find remarkable given the things he dealt with.

In the end, Ronald Reagan will always be the President of my childhood. And he will always feel like Grandpa Ronnie to me. I won't ever look for the "next" Ronald Reagan, because I don't believe there are men like him anymore, but I certainly hope there are many men & women who adopt his belief in the individual, his integrity and authenticity.

This is one of my favorite Reagan videos, which shows his great gift of humor:

Christmas Party

We went to our church's Christmas party the other night and had a blast. Here's some photos taken there. I love Reagan in the Little Orphan Annie wig, even though she wouldn't look at the camera. Also, Ben and I never seem to be able to take a cute picture together so I was thrilled that the below one turned out. I love it and I love my Ben.

Thanksgiving with the Family

For Thanksgiving this year we were lucky that we got to spend a little time out in UT with both my Dad and Ben's family. Before we headed up to Park City to be with Ben's family for Thanksgiving, we stopped at my Dad's house where Reagan fell in love with Tiger the Dog. Even though she'd gotten up at the crack of dawn, just gotten off a three and a half hour flight, hadn't had anything to eat, and was ready for a nap she never got...Reagan literally ran around for 3+ hours playing with Tiger. She just loved him and he loved her, so much so, that at one point he was almost hyperventilating he was so excited. I'm not sure why I only have pictures of my Dad's dog, and not my dad. I guess it's because he's always the photographer, but he really does exist. We saw him at the end of our trip too when we came back down into SLC. He came and had "tea-time" with me at the Grand America and then we road the train downtown to see the lights on Temple Square. The whole trip was wonderful.

The whole Monson clan, together in Park City for a few long-overdue family photos that include all the new babies.

Look how happy Reagan is in this photo.

And look at all these cute grandkids! What a lucky Nana and Papa.

SLC at Christmas Time

There are few places more beautiful at Christmas-time than downtown Salt Lake City. After being up in Park City for a week for Thanksgiving, we went down into SLC and stayed a night at the magnificent Grand America Hotel before we flew home. It was such a special holiday treat for our family, and so wonderful to see all the lights downtown and all the decorations. Even though we're not from Salt Lake, we've spent enough time there that visiting always feels a little like going home.

FINALLY-New Family Pics

Reagan was a newborn the last time we had family pics taken...so finally, three years later, we have some updated photos!

Costa Rica - Monteverde

Our second to last stop in Costa Rica was in Monteverde. We went there to see the cloud forests and to walk the famous hanging bridges. (And no, I wasn't on vacation by myself. Ben just happens to be taking all these pictures with his camera that is his baby.)

One of my favorite parts of Monteverde was the hummingbirds. I've never seen them up close like this before, and never in the number and variety that were there. I could literally reach out and touch one. They're amazing little creatures to watch.

This was our last, spectacular view of Monteverde as we were leaving. You can see all the way to the ocean in this picture.

I can't say enough good about Costa Rica. It was like being in some hidden, wonderful, Shangri-La. I'd go back in a second and I can understand now why I see all these Americans on House Hunters International buying homes there. And also, because I'm a true Monson now, I just have to say that the food was delicious. I'd give anything for some patacones, a casado, or a strawberry jugo natural right now.

Costa Rica - Hot Springs

We also went to the hot springs TWICE in La Fortuna! The water is heated by the volcano, which is amazing, and also kind of scary when you're sitting in it...