To the Best Dad's Ever...

I love this ecard! It reminds me of my Dad! I remember as a child cringing at some of my Dad's clothing selections and wishing he was "cool"... As my Dad is from England the socks with sandals were a staple in his wardrobe! Today I can look back and laugh.  My Dad never cared what anyone else thought. He was never influenced by trends or by peer (or children) pressure.  He wore pink polo shirts (before they were preppy) and he wore funny flannel plaid shorts and he didn't even golf! He put his time and his money into ensuring that my sister and I had everything that we needed - including some of the trendy clothes that he would never purchase for himself.  As an adult I can see now that so many of the choices he made that embarassed me at the time  - were actually sacrafices he was making so we could "have it all..."  In addition, he was leading by example and showing us that it is ok to set your own limits, live by your own definition, and buck the trend of what is or is not cool!  He taught us to follow our passion, engage fully and honor our unique interests.  Now when I see my Dad sporting his sandals and socks I just smile.  I love my Dad for the wonderful, devoted, passionate, supportive, funny, witty, smart, giving and patient person he is! He has always been there for me and I know he always will.  I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

This image reminds me of Brien.  We could hang this in our house and it would be very appropriate! He is always calm.  He has faced down so many crisis situations in his life and he is never phased - never rattled. He is a beacon of strength and he is a rock for our family.  He always sees the glass as half-full and he always sees the best in our children.  I love and admire him for his devotion to the children and his committment to ensure they are all thriving and achieving their goals. Our 3 little monkeys are so lucky to have his support, guidance and love.  He values each of our children with unconditional love and is always teaching them to be strong, sensitive, and compassionate individuals. He embraces what makes each child unique and nurtures the areas that need more attention and love.  Noah has his Daddy on a pedestal.  (Cecily and Cason think he is pretty cool, too!)  It is always fun for me to see Brien with his little skateboarding/surfing sidekick!  They have the exact same sense of humor, they each think they are so very funny and they amuse each other (and the rest of us) with their antics.  Cecily makes Daddy work for smiles and kisses but she loves him dearly.  When she hears his footsteps along the corridor she chants Dad, Dad, Dad and smiles wide until he gets within her line of sight... and then she pretends she could care less!  I love that she does this every day - because it is her routine and Brien never lets her off the hook!  He is always quick to see the progress of his smart and sassy princess and he always gives Cecily the attention she needs even when she is acting like she does not care one bit! And then there is our happy, angel-baby Cason.  He just doles out the smiles for his twin, Daddy.  Cason brings out the best in everyone - and it is a joy to see the stress of work melt from Brien's face when he sees his happiest camper, Cason! 

We are so lucky to have such a lovely family and the children are so lucky to have the world's best Dad & Grandpa!  Happy Father's Day Brien & Dad! You are the sun, the moon and the stars to our family!

Onwards & upwards!