My Daddy was my favorite pal....

My dad was an awesome guy. He was tall, 6'4", strong, and had huge hands. Just look at 'em! He had what he called "sausage fingers". As a little girl, when I would hold his hand, it was only holding on to 1-2 fingers, because there was no way to hold his WHOLE hand!

I miss those hands!

My dad left this mortal existence July 2, 2005, a little over two years ago. It was an unexpected exit, which made it all the harder. It is still difficult to have him missing out on my kids. Although I'm sure if he could talk to me, he'd tell me he can hear Nicole screaming from heaven(she can be really loud!). He'd think Jared was awesome. I just know he'd be "Boppa's" little buddy. And Ellie...wow...he'd be blown away by Ellie. I know I am biased, but she is one beautiful baby, and we have those Nicoll genes of his to thank for the dark eyelashes and brows that girl has! He never met her here on earth, but I know he had some words of advice and a special send-off for her as her sweet spirit came into my life.

My dad was not a man of many words...unless you were a college age stranger, then he'd talk to you! I am opposite of quiet. I wanted to hear about his life, family, and growing up. I'd pull stories out of him every so often. I'm kicking myself now that I didn't get them on tape.

As stated in his obituary, my daddy collected hobbies. He'd pick up on something, make sure he got all the gear to go with it, and then not really do all that much with it! Fishing rods, fishing flies, woodcarving, sourdough bread making, cookbooks(he'd read them, never actually make anything!). A few hobbies he did excel at were gardening, salsa-making, and dutch oven cooking. Thank goodness for the food he shared with us!

My dad gave me a love of music. Whether it was genetic, environmental, or a combination of both, I sucked into his love of music. Classical and Bluegrass being the favorites. The man loved his Beethoven, and passed it on to his daughter!

My dad had an extensive LDS book library. He loved reading the scriptures, and studying other books and commentaries about them. He always took the adult education classes at BYU. My dad's greatest gift to his family was his unfailing testimony of Jesus Christ as our loving Savior. I am so thankful he was my daddy, and even though I know where he is, and that I'll see him again, I miss him.