Echo Day and a cute baby

Another article Dave wrote for the blog at work

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I have some amazing kids. My oldest daughter Leah is 8 years old and has the wisdom and insight of someone way beyond her years. She's always picked up on things quickly and been keenly tuned into some of the bigger things that life throws at us. Since moving up here at the beginning of the summer we've been able to spend a lot of time outdoors as a family. When Northstar's Vail Resorts Echo Day was announced,  I asked if Leah wanted to join me

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as we cleaned up a part of Martis Creek that needed  some help. She said yes and when the day was upon  us we went out with smiles, rakes and gloves to help  do our part. It was a great chance for me to explain  why we give of our time to help people and places  that the earth needs our help. She totally got it. Ever since then Leah has been very aware of her surroundings. On a recent hike I noticed her picking up trash along the trail and putting it in her pocket. I told her I was proud of her and she said 'we all need to do our part.' She is a special type of kid. She is also now joining the "Eco" team at her school and continues  to remind us to recycle at home. I love that VR Echo  gave me an opportunity to teach and learn with my own  children. It made a difference in the work we did that  day and with a little 8 year old girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart. David Ratchford Director of Brand Marketing Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort

Elder Rothart one of the missionaries that served in our area. Just a couple days before he went home after his 2 year mission. We love having them over for dinner.

 A slightly abnormal picture of baby Claire without a bow.

Oh she is one sweet girl. We went to the doctor recently. She weighs 15 1/2 pounds and is in the 50% for height and 25% for weight. Actually she stayed exactly on the growth cart curve which I guess doesn't happen very often. Lately I decided to get her used to sleeping in her crib. Now I can just lay her down in the there and she goes right to sleep. She is such a happy mellow baby.