Remember having an Elmo cell phone?

Here's a toy you may vaguely remember: an Elmo cell phone. You got it when you were about a year old and always liked to press the buttons, which made beeping sounds like some cell phones do.

I don't recall if it actually answered with a voice, though you had a different telephone that did so. You no dount liked it because Elmo was on it, and he by far was your favorite fictional character when you were 1-2 years old.

Still, by the time you were two, you no longer played with the cell phone, having outgrown it. You found my real cell phone much more fun to play with!

Your trips through the state of Nebraska

Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, Neb.

You have been to Nebraska at least twice in your life, specifically September and October 2008 with me. The first time, we took I-80 across the state from the Iowa border to I-76 crossing into Colorado. The second time, we did the trip in reverse!

The September trip included a stop at the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney. It was a historical museum full of displays about pioneers and modern travelers following the Platte River west, and it stretches over the freeway. You loved all the cool exhibits! Later, we stopped in Gothenburg, Nebraska, and briefly went into a small historical museum there.

During the October trip, we drove through snow as crossing the Colorado border. Then we later stopped in Grand Island, where you got a toy Sesame Street telephone in which Elmo and Cookie Monster would talk to you when you picked up the phone!

Remember your room's Star Wars poster?

When we lived at the green house in Lancaster, Calif. your room was decorated with Star Wars stuff, such as the bedspread and posters. One poster that hung over your bed was a collage of famous characters and scenes from the fourth through the sixth Star Wars movies.

Sometimes I'd tease you about the characters saying "Oh look, you have a Sesame Street poster!" Then pointing to Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, I'd say "There's Ernie and Bert!" Then pointing at another character, I'd go "And there's Cookie Monster!"

At first you'd take me seriously and go, "No, no, that's not Sesame Street, it's Star Wars." Eventually you caught on that I was just foolingwith  you and would get exasperated. So then I'd stop.

At upper right is a picture of the poster. I may still have it, actually, in a tote of your stuff.

Your visit to the state of Colorado

Ridgeline, east of Vail Pass, Colorado.

Another state that you've been to is Colorado!

You were there at least two times, in September and October 2008. The first time we drove I-76 from Nebraska to I-70 into Utah. The second time we did it in reverse but at night!

Mountains cover much of Colorado, and the September trip was the first time you had have seen any so tall. When we passed by them, you'd stare out the window and point at them for me to see!

One place we stopped both times was a wayside on I-70 near Vail. The first time, you got to ramble around it, but the second time there was snow on the ground, and the temp was only a degree above zero, so you stayed in the SUV while I quick got snacks for us!

Our visit on July 26, 2013

I just wanted to let you know, Kieran, that I had a great time with you on Friday!

I am so glad that you enjoyed making cookies! Did you know that you left on Friday with flour on your cheek and frosting on your mouth? I shall have to find something new for us to bake together in a future get-together. Maybe I will bring chocolate chip cookies next time!

The light saber battle was great, too, just like old times except you are an even better fighter! Next time Darth Malevolent will defeat Jedi Zac!

I also had a great time playing with the Army men. I was sorry to hear that some of your older ones were stepped on and broken. I shall have to bring some more Army men from another set in an upcoming get-together.

Here are some pictures from our visit!

Our adventure in Lake Arrowhead

On a playground at Lake Arrowhead.

Three years today we drove up to Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. The area is a big resort community where a lot of people go to escape the heat during the hot California summers.

When we first arrived, we went to a famous observatory that sits at top and edge of a mountain. After that, we drove into Lake Arrowhead and walked around the village.

In the village, you fed ducks in the lake. Then we found a playground and some kiddie carnival rides in the park. Then we spent some time a toy and book store where you got a sticker book about the DC comic superheroes.

We wrapped up the day at a 1950s-style cafe with hamburgers, fries and a chocolate malt!

Here's a whole bunch of pictures from our trip!

My email to you for July 27, 2013

Here is my email to you for Saturday, July 27, 2013, in case you do not receive it.

Hi Kieran,

How are you doing today? I sure had fun with you on Friday! I’ll write more about our time together in an upcoming letter.

What have you been doing for fun this summer (Besides getting together with your dad J)? I would love to hear about your bicycle riding, friends that you’re spending time with, and summer school. Unfortunately, I have not received an email from you in two weeks. Perhaps you could have your mother resend those emails to me.

Have you seen the Lone Ranger movie yet? I haven’t seen it, so if you have, don’t tell me what happens! But it is on my list of movies to see this summer. With all of the fun adventures we went on as pretending to be Sheriff Jack, the Deputy and the Lone Ranger, I am certain I will be thinking of you the entire time I’m watching it.

Speaking of movies, did you know that three new “Star Wars” movies are going to be made? The next one – “Star Wars VII” – is supposed to come out in 2015, just two years from now. The actors and actresses who played Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca are supposed to be in the new movie. It should be a lot of fun to watch!

Did you know that you actually can see the desert city where “Star Wars” was filmed? It was built many years ago in Tunisia, a country in northern Africa. Many people travel there every year to walk through it. Unfortunately, it one day may be buried by an advancing sand dune, scientists say!

Monday is Grandma Bignell’s birthday. We are having a big birthday celebration with cake and presents. Your cousins Bryan and Rebekah and your Uncle Chris and Aunt Susie all will be there. We wish you were allowed to be there, too. In fact, I think I know what Grandma Bignell’s wish will be when she blows out her birthday candles.

With the arrival of the month of August, school will soon start. You must be very excited about entering first grade! When is your first day? Do you know yet who your teacher will be? What kind of school supplies will you need (Maybe the list for those supplies hasn’t come out yet, though!)? Getting school supplies and new school clothes always was one of my favorite things about the month of August while I was growing up.

Well, that is all for now. I miss and love you more than anything in the world and can’t wait to see you again in just two weeks, on Friday, Aug. 9. Be a good boy, and I will write again next Saturday!

Love,

Dad