Father's Day

We were going to be at the cabin for Father's Day, so the evening before we left Braelyn and I planned a "fancy" dinner date for her and her Dad. She was so excited to be able to wear her "fancy" dress and shoes, because I never let her wear them outside the house. She helped me wrap the gifts we had gotten them, and then we went grocery shopping for our dinner. Kevin loves steak, and I never make it because I don't like it, but after 15 minutes in the meat section, deciding between more cuts of steak than I never knew existed, we had our meal planned. I researched on the Internet how to cook steak, and I am proud to say I even turned on the bbq by myself. Braelyn and I set-up a formal table outside in the backyard, and when I was back inside doing other things, I saw her sitting so sweetly at the table by herself, even though Kevin wasn't going to be home for about an hour. She was so excited, and it was so cute to see her really get into being the fancy lady.

Kevin got home early, so we sequestered him upstairs while we finished cooking. Braelyn got seated at the table, and I got into my "waitress" outfit. Kevin seemed a little nervous about our surprise but was pretty excited when he was told he would be going on a "date" with a lovely lady. I served rolls, fruit punch in wine glasses, lemon water, steak, scalloped potatoes and garden vegetables. Braelyn loved having a napkin to put on her lap, and her own butter knife to use, and she even ate some of Kevin's steak, which is unheard of for my little vegetarian. We opened gifts, then Braelyn promptly announced it was time to dance. She loves dancing and singing, and that was a requirement from her for the night.
I think both Kevin and Braelyn loved having some special time, and it was priceless for me, to see how grown-up she has become, and I love creating fun memories for her. This night seemed to really help Braelyn and Kevin get a long better, and she even asked him to read her, her bedtime stories that night, which is a strict mom-only zone. I loved seeing them connect and enjoy something different from our normal routine.

For Father's Day, like I said, we were at the cabin following the Roberts' Reunion (more on that coming). We opened gifts then we went to church in Tabiona, and enjoyed a yummy dinner from my Mom. It was rainy so we spent some time playing games, then we all loaded up for a 4-wheeler ride. Munga had Berkley on the ranger, and she slept most of the ride, and Braelyn started out with Taryn, then she fell asleep as well, so we snuggled her in the middle of the Munga and Papa. It was gorgeous because of all the rain before, but I was freezing even with 3 coats, gloves, and a snow hat!

We had a long ride home, because Berkley wouldn't sleep, I felt carsick, and we couldn't Braelyn awake. I never knew before kids, about all the hassle and worry that goes into, putting them asleep when they don't want too, planning activities around naps, and then keeping them up when it is too late so they will sleep at night!

I am so blessed to have the father I do, he is such a blessing in my life, and has always shown me unconditional love and guidance. We love when he is home, and both the girls I have found that no matter what he is doing, if we need something from him, like a kind word or a hug, we can wander into his office or follow him around the yard, and get whatever we may need. He is wonderful example of hard work, and a life that has been lived in diligence and love to his family and the gospel. We have been blessed endlessly by the sacrifices he has made to give us all that we have needed. We love you very much! Happy Father's Day!