And on this special day we give thanks for all the wonderful Dads in the world - and for the two best Dads - Grampy and Brien.
It is so great to have family close and as we get older we appreciate the gift of family more and more. It does not matter how much money or stuff you have - there is nothing better than the hugs of a little one as they run to you and embrace you with a hug so tight you never want to let them go. We had a lovely weekend (despite the sad goodbye to Auntie Neeta, Luke, Ian and Keith as they hit the road for TX). We spent the entire weekend enjoying the kids and admiring our little chubby bunny, Cason.
On this Father's Day we remember those Dads that are also no longer with us. As I watch Brien with his mini-me Noah - I think how hard it must be for him not to be able to share some of these precious moments with his Dad. As his Dad's life was cut short far too early I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Sadly, he didn't get to experience the joy of seeing what an amazing son he raised and to burst with pride as he sees what a devoted husband and father he is today. All I know for sure is Robert Nelson Ackerly must have been pretty special because Brien, like my own Dad, is a loving, caring, supportive, giving and patient hands-on Dad that ALWAYS puts the kids first. He works so hard for Scripps to support our family - even if that means putting in extra hours on the weekend or after the babies hit the pillow.
Noah adores his Dad and thinks he is the biggest, strongest, smartest man on earth. This adoration is precious and well-deserved. This weekend Noah surfed and skateboarded with Daddy, played at the park and lounged around the house together. They are a pair with the same walk, humor and wide eyed grin and even bigger melon heads :)
And of course Daddy has a soft spot for his little girl, Cecily. I know a lot of people tease me for always having her hair combed and her bows in place... but I am not alone in dressing our angel. Daddy often takes the lead in getting Cecily ready and I love to see him lovingly comb her hair and tell her how smart she is! (We try not to tell her how pretty she is but that happens, too... we can't help ourselves!) Cecily always signs Daddy when she hears his key in the door and she eagerly bounces to see him - as long as he is not coming to put her to bed! Then she screams...Cecily has a soft spot for the boys and she adores her Daddy.
And then there is Cason. Admittedly he does not get a lot of time with Daddy as he spends most of his awake time eating and eating and eating. Daddy loves his third bundle of love and I'm sure it won't be long before Cason is squeezing into a westsuit and chasing Noah and Daddy in the ocean, down a ramp or with the soccer ball. Brien loves his kids with his entire being and I'm sure his Dad is looking down from heaven with a great big Ackerly smile. He would be so proud if he could see everything he does for his family and for Scripps. He is a giver, a hard-worker and a gentle soul.
And on this Father's Day we give thanks for my amazing, fabulous, supportive and first-rate Dad! There are no words to describe how lucky my sister and I are to have a Mom and Dad that will do ANYTHING for us. (And I do mean anything...) I could pick up the phone right now and scream I need a break and they would hop in the car and race over to help. They often do this when they see I need a break but am too embarassed or guilty to ask for one. This is what parents do and we are grateful to have their help.
And as this is Father's Day I will just say that my Dad has a gift with all the grandchildren - especially Cecily. There are days that are harder than others and his patience is boundless. She can scream, tantrum, bite, pull, and kick like a bucking bronco and he will never tire of pacing with her lovingly until she calms to his arms. It is a gift and one that I'm extremly grateful for. For the past three years my Dad has become like a second nurse to our family and it is so nice to know he will be there for her, or any of the kiddos, when we call.
Family is a gift. I am grateful to have two amazing men in my life and three beautiful, strong, and loving children. Every day may not be easy but we make the most of every day together as a family! Loves times three... I can't imagine what loves times four would be like...something to consider! (Kidding!)
Onwards and upwards!