So, my favorite person in the whole world is turning 30 today! Yep, Clifton hit the big 3-0. And, as a tribute to him and his 30 years of excellence, I'm actually writing a current article that matches its intended date. (That means he really turned 30 today.)

Clifton is an amazing husband and father. I couldn't ask for anything more. Ella and Luke adore him! As do I. But, many of you may not know the man I married. Let me introduce you.

He's such a charmer!

He can be quite studious.

He's been known to play baseball, and now stickball, from time to time. And, has hit quite a few homeruns in his day. But, with a body like that, what else would you expect?

When he was younger, he was quite the lady's man. As you can imagine.

He always dreamed of playing basketball for the Utah Jazz. He practiced for hours, daily. Until his dreams changed to working for Apple.

And now his dreams are more along the lines of getting an uninterrupted night's sleep.

What makes Clifton happy: Family, Apple products, the latest electronics in general, Coldstone Ice Cream, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, root beer, popcorn, plenty of time to design awesome websites, figuring out tricky code, watching NOVA and Modern Marvels. Yeah, he's kind of a nerd. But he's so cute! And I love him.

Happy Birthday, honey!

Ella and Luke's Great Grandma Labrum gave them Halloween costumes for Christmas. I'm not sure if they'll fit for Halloween, but they fit pretty well now.

Ella thought it was cool at first. She's a pink flying dragon—in case it's not obvious.

Then she got a little panicky (or hot and uncomfortable).

But we kept telling Ella, "Don't fight it. Be one with the dragon."

"Be the dragon."

"You are the dragon."

And poof, she WAS the dragon!

(Photos taken May 15, 2009)