happy birthday gene!

So when my oldest sister, Carol, had her first date with Gene I remember sitting on the couch in our living room in Anaheim watching the whole scene. He came in and met everyone that was there and I have this vivid memory where he was wearing a flannel shirt. I know that doesn't sound right for a punk rocker, or "the blonde kid" as he was referred to by my Dad, but that is what was burned into my mind. Kristy (sister #2) asked me what I thought—which seems silly now because at the time I was maybe nine years old—and I said that he looked like a lumberjack (yet another piece to my memory puzzle to back up my flannel shirt rememberance). I didn't disapprove, but I wasn't sold right away either.

Well, it didn't take Gene very long to take a hold of our hearts (except maybe for Dad, but that may be somewhat understandable considering the lame guys that Carol had dated previously—sorry Carol, although I'm sure you'd agree—and she was also his first daughter to date and get married). We're so glad that he married into our crazy family because now he's stuck.
But seriously, we love Gene. He is such an amazing person, father, husband, doctor, surfer, and "kid" to have around. We always feel welcomed, loved, uplifted and enlightened when we are around him. He is seriously a kid at heart and is always up for any adventure.

I even remember being at their house in San Diego and Carol had to tell Gene to come in from skateboarding so that he wouldn't disturb the neighbors late at night. That was probably three or four years ago. Gene will be the 80 year old surfer.

We know that you'll never live too far from the ocean or your year-round perfect weather, but please come visit more often! We do have good snowboarding here and I'm sure that Carol could turn that into some sort of field trip for the girls. You're always invited.

We love you Gene and hope you had a great birthday!