Munds Park

It had been a very long time since our family had spent time up north in Munds Park. Before the hectic schedule of the school year, we spent one last weekend of summer break in the mountains. My parents joined us and we had a great weekend! Here are some of the highlights from our time there.

Girlfriends weekend in Oregon

In mid July I flew to Oregon to spend a weekend at the coast with some of my best buddies from high school. We had such an amazing time catching up. It has been several years since the four of us had been together, so we were way overdue for some girlfriend time. We have all been friends since the 6th grade and Dawn and I have been friends since Kindergarten. That's almost 30 years of being friends. For our weekend in Lincoln City we talked well into the night, made many of our own meals, did some shopping, walked along the beach, watched a movie, and did lots of laughing. It was such a fun time! I'm so thankful we were able to do this!

He goes by daddy...

His name is Michael but for three special people he goes by daddy. Father's Day is tomorrow and since store bought cards are truly overrated and impersonal I decided to create my own little card via this blog post as a tribute to my husband, the father of our children. They are so blessed to call him daddy, so I've come up with a list to explain why. Here are just a few reasons that make Michael the best dad for our children. 

He provides spiritual guidance to our kids and leads them through the most important of decisions.

He holds on tight at just the right times. 

He is always there for these three, no matter what. 

He gives the biggest, tightest hugs even when you may not want one. 

He watches over our kids and protects them.

He spends quality time with each of the kids.

He makes his kids (and wife) feel like superheroes on a daily basis.

He provides a helping hand for all the science projects these two come up with.

He has fun with his kids. 

He knows how to sit and just listen.

He has the perfect shoulder to lean on, when he's sitting down of course. 

He gives an encouraging word during those not so certain moments. (this was Anna's first day at a new school)

He's not too old to play at the park. 

He carries you when you need a lift, even if you are a large teenage child and totally embarrassed by such a thing.

He teaches his kids how to fix things preparing them for manhood. 

He plays well with others. (LOL)

He's in the now, cool and hip (in his own sort of way, LOL) and doesn't mind walking through Scottsdale Fashion holding a Children's Place bag and posing with models so I can document such an event. 

He knows how to rainbow loom, the way to his daughter's heart.

He is proud of his kids' special talents and nurtures those qualities in them.

He teaches our kids how to serve well and to do it with a happy attitude.

He brings out the best laughs in all three of his kids, even when they don't feel like laughing. 

He listens to class presentations and is a captive audience of one. 

He takes care of his kids when they don't feel good. 

He instills a strong work ethic and leads by example.

He works hard and provides for his family and is also the best daddy to Pepper and allows him to sleep at the foot of our bed every single night. 

He provides support at just the right moments. 

He teaches his kids that the kitchen is not only a place for mom but also for them to learn how to make the best bread ever.

We love you Michael and are so thankful for your leadership, love, helpfulness, adventurous ways, support, teachings, and for just being the best you you can be. We LOVE you so much!!!!! Happy Father's Day!