What We Love About Dad

Sophie has been super excited about Father's Day for a while now. For the last two weeks every paper and drawing she has brought home from school has been specified "FOR DAD" and has been placed in a special secret hiding place ready for today. So this morning it came as no surprise that Sophie and Emma both were in our bed before 7:00, ready to get the Father's Day festivities going. So much for a Father's Day lie in!

Just after 7:00, Sophie brought up the presents and cards. Nothing extreme. George is not terribly bothered with presents so we typically get him some nice chocolates and a "Dad" t-shirt. The girls had also compiled a list of things they love about their dad. The list included lighthearted things like "Dad's fantastic pancakes" and "booty stamps" (best not to ask), but it also included some slightly more profound items such as: "Dad cheers us up when we're sad" and "He talks to us about important things when we're upset." I was also happy to see that, "Dad tucks us in and sings us songs" and "Dad loves to read Frog and Toad stories" made the list.

Father's Day isn't just a day for Dads; it's a day for the ones who love those Dads to reflect upon how blessed we are to have them in our lives. I feel utterly blessed when I think about the man my kids call 'Dad'. He is a wonderful partner, and we make a well-rounded team. He helps the kids with math and science, and I read them poetry. He teaches them to swim, and I plan the details of their birthday parties. Amazingly we both agree on discipline and 'family values,' and when one of us forgets, the other steps in and takes over. I know every parent doesn't have a partner, and I am in awe of those who go it alone. Today I am remembering how lucky all of us in this house are.

So... how did it happen that the Dad at our house wound up making all of us strawberry pancakes for breakfast this morning?? I think he was just showing off on his big day. The girls also came up with "activity cards" that they put into a bowl for Dad to choose from today. On each card they had written different activities they thought Dad would surely enjoy on his big day. Some of the activities included:

• Having a massage and facial (given by Emma and Sophie)
• Wrestling
• Playing Hide and Seek
• Watching us girls on the swings
• Emma's puppet show
• Playing "Rat-a-Tat-Cat"

Sounds like every Dad's perfect day, eh? We also managed a rather gluttonous lunch at Pizza Hut where I gave it my all when it came to 'eating for two.' After lunch George helped the girls build a huge wooden box for planting their Giant Atlantic Pumpkins. (We are planning to have some proper American-style jack-o-lanterns this Halloween!) The three of them are pictured above inside their nearly finished box.

So all in all, it was a good day for all of us, I think. At the very least George had to feel pretty loved and we all remembered why we love him so much too. Happy Father's Day to all of the proud Papas out there. Hope you enjoyed your day!