To My Brother

Bryan,

Congratulations...you have made it through your first year as a parent! Over the past six years I have watched you evolve from Uncle Piggy to Daddy and quite an evolution it has been.

Tripp at two weeks old. This may have been the first time I ever saw you hold a baby.

Christmas 2006-You were all thumbs up two minutes before Tripp had a meltdown and you reminded Jessie of a pill she must take daily.

 Christmas 2010- Uncle Piggy & mini Piggy

HHI Summer 2011-Tripp had to wear a VT hat just like you

Twins

The boys absolutely love Uncle Piggy

All three of them coloring.

Tripp looks up to you so much. I wish I could have captured the video of him laughing through his dinner as he asked you to teach him how to play golf and you told him the story of attempting to teach your sister how to play and it ended in disaster. What can I say? After six weeks of begging to get off the driving range and on the course, someone was bound to get hurt! However, my fear is now Tripp taking the club to his brother vs. the ball after hearing that story!

Man, I wish we could see each other more.

I now get to watch you in your new role as Daddy or "Ra Ra" that Ellie uses her sweet sounds to call you.

Bryan, your family is precious. Thirteen years ago when you introduced your bride to our family there was not a single doubt in my mind that Jessie was born to be a mother. She has more patience than anyone I know! But you my brother...patience is not a McIlwee trait, actually, I should say a Archer trait. May I remind you of how I could beat you at a game of tennis at your own expense of making you mad?! Let's not forget a family night of Scrabble!! However, last night I saw you in a different light and you may quite possibly have taught me something new.

Happy 1st Birthday of being "Ra Ra" Bryan. Well done, Big Bro!  Well Done!