Window Shopping

A Reflection

Growing up is like climbing a rugged mountain.  Once you get to the top, you are still yourself.  You're not different, only you are in some ways, different.  You've struggled and slipped, gotten bruises and scrapes, maybe even a broken bone or two.  So by the time you're at the top(ish) you try to remember what you were like at the bottom and its like looking down on someone else.  Only not.  In some ways you wonder, "Who was that child that thought about what I would be like as an adult?!"  But in other ways, you think...well, you think just like you've always thought, in your own fashion. You're you. But grown up.

To The Best Dad in The Whole World

You are always self-less, as seen here, thoroughly enjoying watching Elliott blow out your candles. You are endlessly patient and giving and funny and kind and generous.  The Lord has equipped you to be the best Dad I know.  I was watching you walk with our two children the other day, you were holding their hands and just loving them with all of your might and my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and overflowing with love and thankfulness.  I never knew what a great father you would be, in truth, I didn't think about it much, then.  But I see now, all that God has blessed me and our family with, when he gave us you.  You are perfect for us and we wouldn't have any other.  Thank you for being the wonderful, consistent, godly, and loving man and father that you are.  You are the best.  We love you!

I cannot find the words to express all that is in my heart or that I mean or to tell you of all that you do that is wonderful.  But these pictures help a little. You are such a blessing to me.

Happy Father's Day, David!

From What I Imagine Would be Elliott's Perspective:

We kinda complained, but in we climbed and buckled up.  We were bored and thirsty and wanted to know, but Dad said we would see when we got there.  (My name is Elliott, I'm five and the oldest.  I hate surprises.  I always want to know the plan, that way if I don't like it I can tell them before its too late to change their minds.)

We parked somewhere I had never seen and climbed a sand hill that was full of fire ants!  It was windy up on top and we got out our kites.  "Cool!" I exclaimed, "I like that!" My parents probably said something like, "See? And you were complaining..."

Even Caiden could fly her own kite.  (She's only two, so sometimes I think she's too little to do big things like me, but this time she seemed to do alright, I guess. Mom and Dad were really impressed.)

It was pretty fun for about 10 minutes and I don't know if I started complaining again after that, but it was getting pretty hot and I had to pee and my kite ran away and got tangled in a bush and it took Dad like FOREVER to untangle the string so Mom told me I could just pee next to the car.

That was one thing we did when we were at Grandma's and Grandpa's house.

Kites are fun.  The End.

We're Back!

 

We are finally home from a two week trip to Orange County.
We have a few photos and adventures to share in the next few days, but for now its just good to be home.