The tallest one.

Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is a good guy. He's turning in to a nice young man. As a college freshman, he's juggling the world of dorm life, big time studies, interscholastic basketball, a social schedule and family life like an old pro. It was so good to have him with us on Christmas Day again. For a while I was worried that he wouldn't be able to find the time but then there he showed up, driving his grandfather over from Big Lake like a fine young man.
Man, I was happy to see him.
And he's BIG.
Not just tall...but he's got some junk in the trunk now. I think the basketball team must be feeding him well and got him on some weights because I've always felt like I could push him over with a good stiff arm - now I might be a little afraid that he could push back.
Boy those dogs sure do love him. I don't know who's more excited to see Tyler when he visits - Emma and Logan or Gunner and Raider.

The Old Gun Dog rarely leaves Tyler's side when he's around. They did a lot together back before the other two minions required more attention .
When Tyler left the room. Gunner followed. When Tyler sat on the coach, Gunner sat at his feet. Gunner is just like Michele and I, in that - we like having Tyler around.
I know balancing the world of becoming an adult is hard. His mother and I had our fair shares of stumbles at that awkward stage too. And balancing blended families is difficult as well. Michele and I have always respected Tyler's space and known that he will turn out all right. And he is. He's a good guy. Really.
Not only can he manipulate the hooverboard like a Champ, but he does care about his brother and sister, Mother and Step-Father - and the rest of the family from his Mom's side. O.K. - so maybe he isn't so graceful on the hooverboard - but at least he tried it. At least he held true to his word and after talking his grandfather on to the thing, Tyler upheld his end of the bargain and got back on it for another go. Although, his little sister and littler brother made his Frankenstein Like Pose seem tense and uncomfortable.

Tyler, you're one of us. Always will be. We understand that there are only so many hours in a day. We know that the roads go both ways. Emma and Logan look up to you like you wouldn't believe and your Mother and I are glad that they do because you are a good role model. You're a hard working, smart and caring young man...the total package...tall dark and handsome.

(Honestly - you should have seen my Inupiat Girls up here once the word got out that I've got a son that plays College Basketball - they were drooling all over your pictures. If you ever want to feel like a rockstar - I can book you a visit to Kivalina!)