My Dear Family!

Hello my family!!

So as most of you know, I will not be at Cade's wedding or the Family Reunion. But, as most of you know... I just saw 95% of you! And I wanted to take a moment and just say -- THANK YOU!!

I had a wonderful 2 1/2 week road trip, up to Montana for my amazing sisters college graduation! I helped James, Lyndsi and their brilliant children move to Idaho! (love you guys)... Then spent time in Salt Lake with Aunt Annie, Emily, Faeth, Scott and Henry! Had an amazing time, celebrated my 31st birthday and of course, because I used to live in SLC, had many, many friendly re-unions around every corner. I also got to spend time with my brother Spud, who if you haven't seen him yet, has turned into an unbelievable man. And I mean...Man. That little kid ain't no little kid anymore. He's doing so well and has now opened the door on the next chapter of his life, college. Spud's going to be at National Guard Drill the weekend of the Family Reunion, so he won't be there either... but, I know he'll be missed. Then I got to spend an evening, making dinner and visiting with Sarah and Noah. What a beautiful little family they are. Noah is growing up fast and is just the most handsome little guy. Sarah looks great! And it was amazing to be with my Possum! I just wish I could have spent more time with her... Then I was off to Cedar City, Aunt Maureen, Kevin, Aunt Debbie, Aunt DeAnn, Russ, Grandpa, Kathleen, Erin, Trevor, Jason, April, Linden, Teni, Laurel, Sydney, Sawyer... am I forgetting anyone?! What a lovely time. Aunt Maureen (Moe-Moe) and I just laughed and joked and laughed... It was great! Dinner and Visiting and Brownie Resolutions... it was a wonderful time. The Seestors are an amazing bunch of ladies and I feel so fortunate to have them as my Aunties! Grandpa and Kathleen look amazing! I can't believe that Gramps is going to be 79 years old! I asked him what he wanted to do for his 80th and he said that we should send him and Kathleen to Hawaii and the rest of us can stay home!! Ha! I'm going too...

So now I'm back in LA. Wishing I was still with you all. LA is a tough place and I just don't know how much more of it I can handle.

I would just like to say how much I love my parents. They are amazing people (as you know) but I just need to recognize them... I would be so lost in this world without them. They are my anchor. The strength they have... how brave they are... they amaze me everyday. The home they've built -- that refuge from the world. They are some of the truest people I know....and my sweet Mother (the tears begin to flow) -- she is my best friend. I mean that. She is my best-friend. (Thanks to Aunt Debbie for the wonderful conversation we had about Mothers and their Single children....) Mom, you are the most important person in my life. You amaze me, everyday. I love you. (okay, okay... enough of that.)

So, much love to you all. Know that I will be thinking of you this weekend and wishing I was there!

Cade -- Brittany is an awesome girl! Congrats! May you both be eternally happy!

God bless you all and may peace be with you...

Gabe

p.s. Forget The Biggest Loser... everyone looks amazing!