Uncle Phil

My brother is BACK! I'm so excited to have him home safe and sound. Uncle Phil (or as Barrett says "Fall") graduated college in May 2010 and spent the last 6+ months in South America perfecting his Spanish accent (he's officially fluent). This was the first time he met my daughter--his niece--Vivienne! Both Vivienne and Barrett adore Phil. It's no surprise. My brother has a sweet spirit about him. He's very smiley, kind, and he's always laughing. Actually reminds me a little bit of my sunshine girl. Total opposite of me, I must say, in a lot of ways.

• I went to University of Illinois (big school). Phil went to Carleton (very small, liberal arts school).


• I got married at 22 years old. Phil is intentionally single.


• I moved a block away from my parents in our hometown. Phil can't stay in the U.S. for more than a month or so--let alone our hometown.


• I've never been outside of the U.S. (other than Mexico). Phil's passport looks like one of those old suitcases with all the different stamps.


• Phil's witty and has great comebacks. I have to simmer for about a week and then I think of a GREAT comeback, but realize it's waaaay past the expiration date

But then, again, we're alike in a lot of ways too.

• We love laughing


• We love watching movies together


• We love talking and telling the truth


• We are hard workers


• We have great, big, bleeding hearts for just about anything

Most of all, I love my brother. He's home for a while and then is off to India or China for his next great adventure--Grad School. I wish I could keep him here!