The Journey to 30 (& just about that many pictures)

Yesterday was Zach's 30th birthday so I thought I'd share his trips around the sun 30 times. He grew up in Boise, and went to Meridian High School. His school age days consisted of baseball, which will come into play later. Plus, multiple outdoor activities

Age 2

Kindergarten

Age 13 or 14. Not long after this picture was taken Zach was in an accident during a boyscout activity. His troop had made a Zip line from one tree to another and he was the first to try it. Well, the rope had too much slack and instead of slowing down and going back up to the landing tree, Zach went feet first smack into the tree shattering both feet. His knees then went straight into his mouth and knocked out a couple teeth. He spent some time in a wheelchair after that, and in a dentist's office :-) That is the real story. So for any of you who were told his teeth were knocked out from bullriding or playing hockey, that is just Zach's way of thinking he's funny.

Senior Photo

After High School Zach went to Ricks where he played baseball with one of my friends from high school, David. Dave introduce us, and I'm so happy he did.

Zach, his friend Tommy and I right before Zach left on his mission.

Zach served a Mission in Helsinki, Finland. The perfect match seeing as he loves the COLD. However, living where we do Finnish doesn't come in so handy.

Zach in Kouvola, Finland. Way too cold.

Picture of Zach and I at Big Springs in Island Park after his mission (However, I do have a disclaimer. He was not "my missionary" we were both on agreement with that before he left.)

Growing up of course Zach picked up on multiple hobbies, talents, and favorites. I already mentioned baseball, but from where I sit, I see that fishing gets him the most giddy :-)

Fishing the Teton

Mountain Biking - or crashing, however you want to see it.

Moutain Dew

Backcountry skiing

Fishing

Did I mention fishing. (These are only a few of the hundreds of pics we have of fishing)

Camping

Camping even when he's injured, with a bone bruise and second degree burns. Yes, we stayed camping and Zach made the 8 mile hike out 2 days later and then we saw a doctor. (Can't miss a good camping trip)

Camping in Igloos

And pretty much all sports, especially if it includes the Buckeyes.


After Zach and I were married in May '01, we headed to Ohio for us both to attend Dental School. Lots of studying and no sleep. Plus, adding to the stress, we were surprised with a new addition to our family. Zach however made the transition a lot easier than I think most guys would. He is the best Dad. Those years in Ohio could get pretty stressful since we were both in school,and Zach was always stepping up to the plate in order for us to make it through.

Ty helping Zach study early in the morning before a test.

He's going to kill me for these pictures, but during school apparently he came to the realization that teeth were important. He was Class III, and for some reason decided he wanted to fix that. I was just fine with how he looked, but was overruled. I think that's the story of our marriage :-) So in Jan. '07 he had reconstructive surgery were the OMFS team broke his jaw, removed bone from the mandible on both sides and set his jaw back so he could have a normal overbite. This was him 3 days after surgery. Trust me I was mad. He looked UGLY!! And remember I didn't want to surgery in the first place. You can't see very well in this pic, but he was bruised from his eyes down to his chest.

This is 4 weeks post op and I still was nervous, but he was still a bit swollen.

And about 1 year later. I'm happy now! Back to normal (I think) and a bit better (he thinks)

At the end of Zach's schooling we got Bryton. A surprise for Zach, but totally planned by me. Zach was good with one kid, but everyone needs a sibling. Now, that little girl has him right where she wants him :-) Good Luck with this task, Zach!!!

Happy Birthday Zach Attack. I'm proud of your accomplishments and drive to never quit, even when it's extremely difficult. We love you LOADS!