A Toast!

We celebrated Uncle Elliott's birthday today.  Elliott was Emmett's brother; he passed away in 2008.  Since we don't live near Emmett's folks, we recognize and remember Elliott each year by going out for pizza and soda.  The kids rarely get to drink any soda at all (and if they do, it's non-caffeinated), but on this special day, everyone drinks Pepsi.   

Ben is in surprisingly good spirits despite the fact that he doesn't get pizza OR Pepsi.

Note that the soda is far, far away from the baby, but he still has hope.  Some day, son ... some day.

Why is this our tradition?  Well, Elliott loved pizza and Pepsi and Doritos and french fries.  (He introduced Evan to the wonders of McDonald's fries at a mall food court several years ago.)  The kids love pizza and soda, and it's a good way to help them remember their uncle.

We talked about favorite memories:  Emmett and Elliott swimming in the pool growing up, snow-skiing in the mountains, Evan watching Elliott playing Warcraft at Gamma and Papa's house, and Corrie trying so hard to grab his facial hair when she was just a baby.

We miss you, Elliott.