Meet the first born, Larry the Leader.

      For as far back as I can remember Larry has been a serious man of business. He is a  "jack of all trades." I'm not sure there is anything he cannot do or has not tried at least once in his life.
      From butcher to photographer, landscaper to building contractor, he is a self made man. He quit school in eighth grade to make his way in the world. I was so proud of him when he went back to school in his forties and got his diploma with honors.
      Being around such an over achiever has not always been easy. When I was about six years old I remember a competition between him and my brother Ken as to who was the best babysitter. When he asked me my opinion I panicked. It was one of those "deer in the headlights" moments. Do I run or faint right here on the spot? Of course I didn't think either one of them was worth their salt in babysitting but out of self preservation he got my vote.
     When we vacation with him and his sweet, southern bell wife, its usually goes like this- "lets cram five days worth of fun into three days of vacation. Who cares about sleeping or rest, you can do that when you get home." I have never ran through a theme park before until I went with him. Throw in the hot, humid Florida weather and you pretty much have a day at "Hades Land."
     My kids just absolutely love him. He's one of those uncles that you don't see very often but when you do its a whirlwind of fun and presents.
     He has slowed down a little now that he is older. He is an adoring grandpa and has conquered the art of fishing. I recently had the joy of finally beating him at something by catching more fish than him and it felt awesome! I'm sure that will be the last time I best him at anything, but at least I have that memory to savor.
    He's always been at the top of my favorites list and knows how to make me laugh. I included a few pictures just for fun.
   

 

 

This is me, besting the best!