I don't have any pictures for this, but today is the day to be thankful we have a Sheri Dougall instead of Douglas Dougall. Thank goodness she was a girl... We were all praying for it, but it was nice to hear it on the day she was born.
--David Dougall

It's birthday time again, so let's all give Three Cheers for our big brother John!

Given the nine year age gap between us, I must confess that I don't have a whole lot of insight to contribute here about the nature of our oldest brother when he was young, but I'll share some insights I think we can glean from the family photos. . . . The picture above seems to show pretty clearly that as a teenager he was not lacking in 'Macho'. The picture below shows that he was not lacking in style. Even playing in the backyard as a young boy, he was proud to dress in a classy '70s mod style (even while his siblings were still in their pajamas). If I ever record a ska album, I'd be tempted to lift John out of this photo & drop him on the record cover.

And the trophy he's holding below is evidence that he had skills (I presume this was earned after a piano recital with Ms. Withington).

And, of course, a key trait that's got him where he is today is his hard work & focus. In high school he could shut himself in his bedroom & get so deeply involved in homework, that he couldn't even break his concentration to smile for a photo. (and sorry john, not even a camoflague cap can hide the Perm you've got underneath).

Thanks for all you did to help your younger brothers & sisters, John. Thanks for always being such a great example for us. Have a Very Happy Birthday today!!

Happy Birthday to Heather!

March 3rd is here and that means two things for Heather: (1) she's one day closer to delivering twins, and (2) she is another year older.

Today's photo looks like it was taken for Heathers 7th birthday (it looks like she's standing on the porch of the Tigard house, would that make it the 8th birthday?). I see a couple of similar themes to the Geoff birthday photos that I posted two months ago. First, we see another beautiful cake crafted by mom. Second, the birthday child is in pajamas. It isn't obvious if this picture was taken in the morning (making this a breakfast cake), or later in the day.

Last year was a big year for you, Heather. Good luck with managing all of the challenges (such as your growing family) that lie ahead of you in the next year!

I'm still alive

I am celebrating one year from the dreadful accident in Provo.
I am grateful to be alive. Sheri, Julie and Emily have spent some time here.
--David Dougall

Rob's Hidden Talent

Wow - I had no idea that Rob was so talented. In conjunction with Sheri's desire that we eat a bit healthier this year I couldn't help but post this.

I guess this is what investment bankers do in London - guess that's why he's enjoying it there so much! I'm still curious how Rob was able to keep this secret from all of us for so long.

Rob please bring some of these to the reunion this summer so we all have a greater appreciation for this rare talent of your.

Coming Soon!!

Thanks Katherine for the pics of Rich...Looks like it's really time to get on with the Fitness Challenge:) Sorry to have neglected it for over a month. I'd like to blame it on school, which has been busy, but mostly I wasn't sure exactly how to implement the program... excuses, excuses. So in the next week I promise I'll have a new post with a fitness challenge for the month atleast. Looks like atleast one person in the family might benefit from it...(just kidding! we all could do a little more to better our health)

Rich is Ready

So Sheri, when is the Dougall BIGGEST LOSER contest going to begin?

(sorry honey, I just couldn't have these photos on my camera and not use them against you -

I Love You!)