Happy 20th Birthday Andy Boy

Andy was born on a beautiful fall day, September 20, 1988, in the regional medical center. He was the fourth child of Rick and Vonnie and a wonderful addition of our family. His older sisters, Jordan and Claire, and his older brother, Dave, were all very happy to welcome him into the family. Andy was a well-behaved baby and he was easy to care for and very easy to love. We all were so happy to welcome him into our home. On the day the picture was taken, he was given a blessing by his father and his oldest sister (who had recently turned 8 years old) was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. It was indeed a happy day in our home.



















He was a darling baby boy with blue eyes, light brown hair and a very sweet face.



















From a very young age, Andy loved to play around and have a good time. He always had many friends and he knew how to interact with people and enjoy a good time (shown in the photo showing off his training pants.)















Andy was a cool dresser and he loved his Ninja Turtle pajamas. Here is a picture of his second birthday party when he received the cool looking threads shown in the picture and a couple of gifts that were given by his trend-setting siblings. Aren't they all darling? Those were the days...

















When he was only one year old, Andy broke his wrist by falling off his rocking horse. He actually bent the bone, but he had to wear this splint for many weeks. This propensity to break bones continued as he broke the same wrist years later while snowboarding. We won't list all the broken bones he suffered while playing football, but just know that there were some.















Andy learned to be a great sleeper at a young age and it was a talent that he perfected until the day he entered the MTC. His daily schedule usually began about noon and ended about midnight or later, if allowed. Can you say, "night owl?" The Pooh Bear represents the great love Andy had for stuffed animals, which continued through high school. In fact, he may have a stuffed animal hidden in his suitcase even now.



















This is Andy's trademark smile. Doesn't he look like a great little boy, full of life, full of mischief and ready to tackle whatever challenge came his way?
A few facts about Andy:
*he got very scared after Grandma Mayme died (the first deceased person he had ever seen) when Claire told him she was hiding under his bed. He slept by the side of our bed for two years (maybe longer) in a sleeping bag on a foam pad.
*he attended Learning Dynamics preschool and Miss Shelley's preschool
*he attended K-4 at OES and ran for President of the 4th grade with the slogan "If you like Candy, vote for Andy" and won! I wonder why.
*he played soccer, Jr. Jazz basketball, baseball and tackle football all through his growing up years. Sports, sports, sports. He was also undergoing his indoctrination in learning to love BYU Cougar football during these same tender years
*he and Dave shared a room until we moved into our current home and then each child had his or her own room. His room had peach colored wall paper for many years until we finally got it re- wallpapered.
*he attended the ALL program at Cherry Hill for grades 5-6 and LJH for grades 7-9, continuing in the ALL program for grades 7-8. While attending LJH he met about 10 great friends who have continued to be his dear friends to the present time. He loved attending MVHS and he had many great experiences there.
*while at LJH he played basketball and football and loved it
*at 6'4" he played high school basketball all three years
*he received his Eagle Scout award
*he graduated from Seminary
*he worked several jobs, earning enough money to finance his own pursuits (snowboarding) - one of his favorite jobs was working at Ernie's Deli. He also worked on a landscaping crew one summer and learned how to work hard and not give up
*he always had a big group of friends, including girls and guys who were faithful friends through many years...he had a great influence on many of them for good
*he was admitted to BYU and attended one semester before receiving his mission call. He lived with five of his high school friends for four months and loved it
*he is a friend to the underdog and we watches out for the little guy
*he stands up for what is right
*he loves to play with children and they love him
*he is an honorable priesthood holder and he fulfilled his responsibilities through the years.
*he is loved by his brother, sisters, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law
*he is missed by his family and loved dearly by his parents
*he is my good bud and I have always loved to spend time with him...he talks to me, cares about me, watches out for me and shows interest in what I am doing. He is every mother's and father's dream son (and we've got two of them!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER ANDY