that Kip Magic

[caption id="attachment_757" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kip & Kirk glowing together."][/caption]

Recently I was making a photo collage for my youngest brother, Kirk, to honor him and visually show him how many people he has in his life that absolutely adore him.  What was blaringly obvious to me was that the pictures where Kirk looked the happiest, where he was simply glowing, were the ones when he was standing by my other brother, Kip.  I can understand that, when I just think of Kippy, I feel happy inside.  I sort of feel like Jerry Seinfeld's mother about Kip, if I ever hear of anyone not taking to our Kip, I just

[caption id="attachment_743" align="alignleft" width="220" caption="How could you NOT love that face? Come ON!"][/caption]

think, "Kip!!  That is not possible.  How could someone NOT like Kip??  I will not hear it.  That is NOT possible!" 

 Kip has what is often referred to as "Kip magic".  It takes a lot to ruffle his feathers, he is calm and cool in a crisis and he is able to roll with whatever comes his way.  He has this amazing ability to allow the good stuff in.  He knows that everything will work out in the end, even if there are diversions along the way.  When he was a little bald baby boy, we used to call him "Mr. Magoo" because he just had this little old man wisdom about him.  Maybe that wisdom contributes to the Kip Magic too.   

 Right after Ellie's initial surgery, Kip came to help us out for a week.  We had a doctor's appointment and Kip accompanied us.  When we went into the room to get Ellie checked in, Kip started to sit down in a chair, but instead he sat on air and ended up on the floor.  He was so flustered as he brushed himself off, saying, "That NEVER happens to me."  But, the timing was perfect and gave Ellie and I something to divert our attention away from the task at hand, a story to retell and laugh at for years afterwards.  He risked his cool factor to divert our attention.   That is the kind of uncle he is. 

If you need a restaurant recommendation, Kip is the one to give it.  Before we arrived in New York for the big gala birthday celebration, he had a potential itinerary for our time together, including 3 restaurant choices for each evening.  He loved decorating and planning and organizing

[caption id="attachment_742" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kip wows us with superb Italian restuarant"][/caption]

the whole shebang.  He even rented a 15 person van so that we could all ride together.  He decorated it with "Pisces Party Van" on the windows.  Way above and beyond.  He is organized and funny, kind and giving,

[caption id="attachment_764" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kip captured Ellie."][/caption]

smart and energetic.

My sister, Susan (see "Super Sister to the Rescue!!) says that when her friends ask her what she is up to, she often refers to Kip, because his life is so much more exciting (he travels the world, he works with movie stars as a locations manager).  But, even though he is a big famous Locations Manager now, does he rub it in our face?  No.  Does he name drop?   Not nearly enough for our satisfaction.  Does he take fantastic photos of every event where he is present?   You betcha (that's Wisconsin for "yes").   He has captured Ellie on film, I mean really captured her like no one else ever has. 

[caption id="attachment_750" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Patrick & Kip visit "][/caption]

When Ellie was in the hospital last spring, Kip and his fabulous partner, Patrick Kyle (see That's MY name too!) came to Madison to hang out with Ben following her surgery.  Ben had a terrific time with his uncles, which allowed Thom & I to focus on being at the hospital with Ellie.  I never worried about Ben because I knew he was in the best hands.  At one point, Kip and Patrick took Ben to a Max & Ruby play and when Ben suddenly announced in the middle of the production that he missed his mommy, they brought him to the hospital.  I appreciated that they were not upset to leave the play, Ben's wellbeing was their top priority.  Not only did they take such fantastic care of Ben that he was passed out every night from exhaustion, but they washed and filled up not one but both of our cars.  Of course it took me awhile to notice, as I was in a bit of a fog, but really that was truly

[caption id="attachment_686" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="That Kip, he brought me joy from the very beginning."][/caption]

above and beyond.  That's just Kip, above and beyond.  Whenever I have called asking for his help, he has always shown up.  Every single time. 

Last week, Kip began a job that has left him overwhelmed and exhausted even before he began.  He was wondering how he could possibly accomplish the task at hand.  He had that sinking feeling after seeing a task that seemed insurmountable.  After I got off the phone with him recently, I realized that what he was really saying to me was he wanted to find a way to do this job using The Kip Magic.  I think for a minute he must have forgotten about that.  He wants to do a super fantastic terrific job, while having fun and never losing his sense of humor.  He wants to take the impossible and make it possible.  He wants to allow all that good stuff in.  If there is anyone out there who can accomplish this task, it is Kip, I have no doubt.