~Happy 40th Birthday from Matt Sorrell~

Richard,

 

I am very thankful for a brother who is very interested in others and what interests them.
You are a special person with an extremely genuine personality. You are always the same- same as in "good honest Abe"same. I am proud to claim you as my brother, but wish you would hurry up and run for President because then I could actually vote for an honest politician.

Anyways, I wish you a happy 5th decade and many more!

Now go put some Polygrip on those dentures,that "clicking"is annoying!

Love ya',
Matt

[Richard's younger brother--3 years younger]

 

Richard & Matt- during a triathlon in Republic, Missouri (Aug '12) 

~Happy 40th B'day from Darren Sorrell~

Dear Richard,

First of all, you don't look a day over 35. I am convinced your age had been altered before I was conceived. Even if your birth certificate validates your claim, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of fabrication.

In other news, I am very thankful to have an older brother such as yourself. When I was younger, you served primarily as a counselor and consultant.(aka wise guy). :) Now as I am older, our relationship has evolved into a friendship. Though I value your wisdom and advice, I find myself appreciating the friendship that has developed. I can only imagine friendship deepening as the years go by. Thank you for listening and sharing your life with me. I am blessed to call you brother and I love you very much.

Darren
[Richard's youngest brother--18 years younger]

Darren, Richard & Matt after triathlon in Republic, Missouri (Aug '12)

~Happy 40th B'day from Mom & Dad Sorrell~

Dear Richard,

Here you are at "40" years old! The first thing we as parents say is, "Where have all the years gone?"

It just can't be possible!

We were young and inexperienced as 1st time parents. You were so wanted and loved! Our first born little baby boy. You were a beautiful baby! What a joy and blessing you were. You were such a sweet and pleasant child. You always had a smile for everyone you met. You really never gave us much trouble.

It was life changing for us when God spared your life from the drowning incident for which we will be forever grateful.

We are so thankful that you gave your life to the Lord early and the example you've been to your yonger siblings through the years.You are such a blessing for any parent to have.

God has blessed you with a beautiful family that makes us even more thankful.

We deeply cherish and appreciate you very much.

May you enjoy this special day! Happy 40th!

Love,

Mother and Dad

[Lynette & Paul Sorrell]

 

~High-five from Caleb~

~First-born~ Blue eyes~ Brown hair (use to be blond)

 

 

Caleb's favorite activity is to wrestle and "rough house" with daddy. Problem is....very soon he's going to be taller than his dad~   :)





~Giggles from Antonin~

~Second born~ Brown eyes~ Dark Brown hair~

 

Antonin loves fun and games...especially if means time spent with daddy!  

He patiently waits his turn to share his many dreams and stories, knowing his dad will listen...to just one more. :)

 



~Smiles from Ashlyn~

~Third born~Brown eyes~ Dark Brown hair~

 Ashlyn loves writing notes & letters to her daddy. She often tapes them to the front door, so he won't miss them when he comes home.  :) 

~Happy 40th Birthday, daddy! I love you.... from Ashlyn~



~Richard as Daddy~ :)

 

Richard couldn't be a better daddy to our three children!

In the above photo, Richard's holding Caleb~ our first little boy~  :) 

We were living in Rogersville, Missouri, and Richard was employed with the Postal Service. It was around this time that Richard decided to begin college classes and work toward his Accounting degree.

Antonin came along several months later (the boys are two years and two weeks apart).

Right after Ashlyn was born (literally), Richard got a job transfer within the Postal service, and we moved to Belleville, Illinois. The photo above was taken about a month after our move. It was our Anniversary, and we thought we'd try going out to Red Lobster in spite of the fact that Ashlyn was temperamental and colicky. :)    I can laugh about it now, but it was a challenging evening together.  I took Ashlyn while Richard ate, then he took Ashlyn while I ate. I was SO relieved when Ashlyn actually fell asleep, and took a picture to remember the moment.  LOL!    :)

 Thank God, colic does not last forever, and everyone survives!   :)  Here we are visiting family in Missouri a few months later~

 ~ Richard lending a helping hand~   :)

 Just had to include this funny photo... "Sun's in our eyes, mom!!"  :)

~Our first ocean experience~ :)