Joanna

My dear friend Tricia came over the other day to visit.  It was great to see her and catch up.  Her little girlie is 7 months and I couldn't resist her blue eyes, needed to take a few shots.

Dirty Snoozin' Boy

Birthday Baseball

Toe Jam and Watermelon

My dad taught Greta about toe jam.  Lovely.

I love this look.  She's giving it to Aaron.

What?

For a few nights in a row, I went in to kiss the little ones before slipping into bed and this is how I found Aaron:

He had about 3-4 stuffed animals in his shirt.  It gave me a good laugh.

Wasteful

The other day while I was showering and Aaron and Greta were watching an episode of Blue's Clues, little man stole some strawberries out of the fridge and helped himself to a snack.  This was what I found he had done.  The straight row of evidence was also his doing.

Just girls!

I am so grateful that this past weekend I had the opportunity to take my older 2 girls to the beach overnight.  We had a wonderful time, the weather was HOT and sunny.  It was so fun to be near the waves again.

The first day we were there we went to the beach right by the hub of the boardwalk.  Certainly a mistake, I think every other person on the east coast decided that was the place for them.  The beach was SO crowded, it was a bit stressful.  We were literally towel to towel to those around us.  I don't think I have ever seen the beach that full.  I took no pictures that day, I think I was a bit overwhelmed!

That evening Morgan was not feeling real well.  We were going to head to the boardwalk and she wanted to lay down first...  FYI, not typical, she was battling a fever and headache.  She was unable to be woken from her nap so that turned into a very relaxing evening for me.  Claudia swam in the hotel pool with a new friend for about 3 hours and I sat and read a John Grisham novel and chatted with a Vietnam veteran.  I think that evening was a highlight for me.  Not quite sure why... the peacefulness of being by the pool reading, watching my girl swim and knowing that my other girl was 10 feet away (our room walked out right by the pool) sleeping soundly.  Talking to the veteran was also quite interesting.  Not something I think I have ever done.

Our second day we hit a different beach and I was very grateful for a much more relaxing day!
Bought the girls each a boogie board.  They had great fun with those.

I wish I had photshop to remove those people in the back!!

Guess there was a good wave coming??

My content girl.  She could have played in the sand all day

This was the "not so crowded" view of the beach

Some crazy ride they rode at the boardwalk

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

It is hard for me to believe that my dad is turning 60 tomorrow.  Sorry, dad, but that just sounds old!!  We had my parents over tonight for a little celebration.  Steak, baseball, and homemade chocolate cake.

There are so many things that I love about my dad, I thought I would take some time to share them here.  My dad has been a huge influence on me in many ways.  Probably one of the biggest ways has been his encouragement to me.  As a girl I would often find notes from him, I remember one when I got baptized and when I won a Jr. High student senate election.  My dad has always been the first to encourage me or tell me that I look pretty.  He is one of the biggest fans of my cooking, he's very easy to please!  If you have ever related to my dad, I'm sure that you have experienced his encouragement.  He is quick to see the good in every person or situation.

Another area that my dad has set an excellent example is his discipline. He is always up at the crack of dawn to enjoy the day.  I also remember my dad kneeling beside his bed every night to pray for his friends and family.  Dad has always had an very physical job and I remember he would come home all dirty and sweaty and obviously had a hard day at work.  For years in the evenings he would take his jog before supper.  I remember when that finally stuck me.  As a kid it was just what my dad did.  But looking back I see the commitment, discipline, and energy that required.

Probably one of the things that I appreciate most about my dad is his kindness and sense of humor.  My dad rarely gets angry and is lots of fun to be around.  He always has a funny story to pass along and always appreciates mine!

Dad always has had tons of energy and will pretty much do anything that my kids ask him to do.  I remember him being that same way with me as a girl.  He'll never say no to a walk, bike ride, card game, building a snowman, or reading a book.  No wonder my kids all adore him!!

This may seem a bit trivial, but I love that my dad taught me how to compete.  My dad was always a very good runner and he passed on to me the thrill of the competition of a race.  Unfortunately for me, my glory days of running are long gone.  He still tells me that I'm in my prime, I just ain't doing nothing about it!!

Something else that I love about my dad is that he always tried to teach me and my brother that work was fun.  He was always doing games like: who could shell 10 beans the fastest or telling us how grateful we'll be for this firewood in the middle of winter, etc.  I don't think I have ever heard my dad complain about work.  And he does work hard!

I've always known that I can trust my dad.   He is a man who fears God, has much integrity, is very generous, loves his family, works hard, and is faithful to his responsibilities.  I am so grateful for a dad who has not only been faithful to raise me and point me to God, but who lives his life consistent with what he believes.  

I am so, so grateful for how my dad has loved my mom.  Other than a little tiff here or there, I don't think I ever remember them arguing or worrying about if they loved each other.  My dad was always been affectionate and encouraging to my mom.  I know more than most other things that has had a tremendous impact on my life.

Dad, I just want you to know how grateful I am for you and all that you are and have been in my life.  Your love has been consistent and generous.  You have made life very steady for me by always being there for me and encouraging me in many different seasons.  I am so proud to call you my dad!  I hope you have a wonderful day.  I love you!!