Father's Day . 2012

For Father's Day this year, we celebrated with Patrick's dad last night, and will have to hold off on a celebration for my dad until they are back from Kauai.

Today, we spent the day as a family.  The five of us.  Days like this are some of my favorite!  We decided to follow a similar routine to Mother's Day...

First thing this morning Patrick opened his presents from us.  Patrick will almost always tell me not to buy anything.  He tends to like bigger items, things that we save/budget for anyway, so they aren't really surprises.  But, I didn't want to do nothing.  So, he got a practical gift (a new outside broom), a fun gift (t-shirt), then a gift that I told him was for him ultimately, but the boys would be the ones to use it...a toy lawn mower!  All three boys love to be outside with Patrick when he mows, and we've talked about getting a toy one, but keep putting it off.  It was a bit of a silly "Father's Day" gift, but I think it was actually a good choice...it was something that will allow the boys to spend more time with Patrick!

Following presents, we headed out to breakfast.  A few weeks ago, I had a work meeting at a locally-owned restaurant that is nearby,  and loved their "Breakfast Special" - so, we went there.  As usual, the boys do great with breakfast foods!

Breakfast at Beez Cafe

We were able to make it to church (first service!) on time, and then headed to a park.  Ryder enjoyed playing on the playsets with Patrick and me, while Harvick and Jarrett were content playing on the blanket.  It was a very warm day, but the park has many mature trees, so we stayed cool (enough) in the shade!

Jarrett (left) skipped his nap at church, so he slept for a few minutes at the park; Ryder (middle) wanted Patrick or I to watch (and cheer!) him go down the slides; Harvick (right) LOVES to stand on his own!

Patrick, and his boys!

Next up, we went to lunch...and after our first choice being closed, we stopped at Costa Vida on our way back home.  The boys, again, did really well in the restaurant.

Jarrett (left) and Harvick (right) "bonking" heads with Patrick.  All three of our boys, at this age, think it is HYSTERICAL!

Once home, the boys napped...a bit inconsistently.  We played together, and Ryder helped Patrick mow!  We kept it simple at dinner (and, unfortunately, it is getting to hot for our "eat outside" dinners), and played some more.  I walked with the boys while Patrick mowed a bit more, and we got back in time for Ryder to "finish helping".

Mowing.

Playing!

Again, laying down to take pictures of the shirts!
This year, I found "MY DAD IS RAD" shirts for all 3 boys, from 2 different stores!
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Today was a great day!  We spent the day together, and that is what was the most important.  Our three boys love their dad.  He is patient.  Kind.  Caring.  And, loves them intensely.  He is an awesome dad!  Happy Father's Day, Patrick!