For the Dads

I know I'm a few days late, and I apologize. This one is

for the dads....

 I remember growing up Dad wasn't around much.It wasn't that he didn't want to be or that he didn't have time for his family. It was really quite the opposite; he loved his family so much that he had to take care of us. He missed so many milestones and so many moments of us growing up. For years I held it against him because I didn't truly understand what he had sacrificed for the roof I slept under every night. It wasn't until I grew up and realized everything he had given that I really began to appreciate all he had done for his family.  I've got to hand it to the man, in the last few years he has more than made up for every second he missed of my childhood. My father has shown me what it means to give up everything you have for your family, he has shown me what a work ethic really is, and he has shown me unconditional love in action. My father is an exceptional man and i hope my girls grow up knowing what an amazing grandfather they have in him. I hope every child knows what it's like to have a real father, and I hope every father gets the chance to experience the joys and fears of raising children:

Tickle fights on couches......

The day that changes your life forever ....

Snuggling with the most amazing thing you've ever held ....

 

 

 

The immense pride and undeniable fear that comes with watching your son prepare to defend his country, and praying he comes home.... 

Meeting the love of your life after 2 and a half years of waiting, and having her love you back...

 

 I knew from the moment my husband held his daughter that she was going to have one heck of a dad. Kris loves his girls so fiercely and I have never doubted that he would do anything and everything to keep them safe, of course it sure helps that they love him just as much.

On a side note, Kira's 7th birthday party was so much fun! At one point we had a whopping 23 kids climbing trees in the front yard. She got a ton of awesome presents, and the kids got a ton of delicious sugary cake! She had a few friends spend the night (someone managed to smuggle in duct-tape, oh joy!) and the all indulged in Cocoa Puffs and Lucky Charms for breakfast. Looks like all that cereal finally went to good use!

 I hope you all had a fantastic Fathers Day, I look forward to celebrating it again next year!

Family.

I guess I really need to start doing this more because I have a feeling that this post is never going to end. We've had a super busy two weeks around here. Kira finished first grade, I've finished Spring term, we've been to the zoo, Washington, and pulled off a birthday party. It's been crazy, hectic, and perfect. We started this crazy roller coaster off with a trip to the Portland Zoo. I went as my nephews chaperone for school but halfway through we caught up with Kira's group.

The kids had a blast measuring up to polar bear paws and giggling at silly black bears that couldn't get enough of  the bathtub. It was perfect weather for a day at the zoo, a little overcast but not rainy. The Oregon weather held out on us until about 20 minutes before we left, at which point it started pouring. Mei and Lora were fine, their coats were plenty long enough, but poor Sera was soaked from the waist down since that is where her coat ended and she was sitting in the front of the stroller. Being the good mom that I am I remembered to bring them all rain coats, but I grabbed a rinky dink little sweater and was soaked clear through to my underoos by the time we got back to the car. Let me tell ya, THAT was not a cozy ride home! Overall though the day was fantastic and the girls were all sorts of worn out by the time we got home.

Sister love is the best love!

 

 Kira had school on Friday then Saturday morning we headed to Washington to visit with family. Not seeing family all the time sure makes you notice how fast life goes by. My niece was barely up to my chest last time we saw her, now she can almost look me straight in the eyes. I know that's not saying much since I'm only 5'1, but she's only 12 so I still consider it a pretty mighty growth spurt. Kira had a blast playing with Kynsley, and I got some much needed adult conversation with Kendra. We put the babies to bed and sat out back around the fire sipping a delicious Merlot and giggling over work, school, and motherhood woes. I miss having friends that hang out often; it seems like growing up and becoming a parent takes quite the toll on your social life if you don't keep it nurtured and growing. I wish Keith and Kendra lived closer, Kendra and I always get along so well and Kris could really use some attention from his big brother. Maybe one of these days we'll live closer to each other, but for now we've got some good memories to keep us all company.

Kynsley and little Loralai

As much as we loved seeing the family we had a very good reason for a spur-of-the-moment vacation. Kris's grandparents were going to be up in Snohomish for the weekend and we couldn't pass up the chance for Papa Vince and Grandma Valerie to visit with the little ones. Most of Kris's side of the family hasn't met our two youngest yet because they live too far away, and Vince and Val are no exception to that sad fact. We were so excited for them to finally meet! Loralai, friendly as ever had no problem falling in love right away. We met at a little park right across the Tacoma narrows bridge called Titlow Park. It had a small play area for the smaller littles and a bigger area for the bigger littles. The park is right on the harbor so you can catch a little sea breeze or talk about the trains passing on the tracks that run through the park. We spent about an hour there letting the kids play while we caught up with the grandparents, then we found a nice little family restaurant nearby that served good food at great prices. Kris ordered this giant cheeseburger that had to be close to 7 inches tall, and the vegetable beef soup was fantastic. Kris really has a great family, and I hope we get to see them more often than once every 3 or 4 years. Family is so much more than we realize they are, and I want my girls to know who they are.

We came back home Sunday afternoon to a bright sunny day. We spent some time playing outside then hit the tub and beds. The girls all had a blast, but they were definitely worn out from all the fun times and travel. Grandma Tina got here on Wednesday and we had Kira's 7th birthday on Friday. I'll have to write more about that tomorrow, I've still got pictures to sort and edit before I post them. So here are a few of my recent favorites to fill the void. Enjoy your weekend folks, I plan on enjoying the rest of mine outside in the garden!

 

Have a good weekend!