Father's Day

Last week we celebrated one of the best daddies there is! Gilby is such an amazing dad to our kids - a leader, mentor, and comforter who's actively involved in both the fun and not so fun times. He's extremely patient with them and willing to sacrifice for their well being. I'm so grateful to have Gilby by my side in this parenting journey. In a two working-parent household it's sometimes tough to balance work and home life, but we make a pretty good team. We share childcare and household duties throughout the week, with Gilby working 4 long days so that he can be home with the kids a day during the work week. We chuckle when people tell us they wish they could have a day "off" during the week, because a full day alone with all three kids is anything but that! His day off is filled with therapy appointments (and all the driving that comes with them!), errands, laundry, dishes, meal prep, etc. He's our resident clothes-folder, spending many nights after I'm in bed folding lots and lots of laundry! We are very thankful for our daddy.

We started Father's Day with a special breakfast for Gilby followed by church. Afterward, I took the three kids to a birthday party while Gilby got some time alone. He went to a favorite restaurant of his for a quiet lunch, and although it may sound sad to go out to eat alone on Father's Day, anyone with young kids might understand what a rarity this is. It was a treat for him! We spent the afternoon preparing for his family to arrive for their visit, and grilled a yummy dinner with my dad (my mom was out of town). Afterward, the Gilbert's arrived, and we all spent some time playing with the kiddos in the backyard.

It was a special treat for Gilby and I to both be able to see our dads on Father's Day. We are grateful for their love, and what they have done, and continue to do, for us.

The gifts the kids made at their summer programs were so cute. Ryker made the apron with his footprints and handprints on it. Both Sydney and Myles painted rocks that say "My Dad Rocks." Sydney also gave him a sweet poem with her footprints on it and a picture that says, "Sydney likes to look at rainbows with her daddy." Myles answered a little interview about Gilby with his talker, and the summer camp staff said he chose the answers all on his own. It went like this -

My Dad is 15 years old.
His hair is black and his eyes are black. (Myles' favorite color.)
My Dad likes to wear a silver vest.
He loves to eat berries and corn.
He is smart because he knows how to use a shovel.
My Dad works hard at making dollars and pennies.
Daddy always tells me "I love you."
It makes my Dad happy when he hears a joke.
If he could go on a trip, he would go to the mountains and he would take his lunch.
I really love it when my Dad reads me stories.
If I could give my daddy anything it would be a pretty ball and a cake.
My favorite thing about my Dad is his kisses and hugs.
Love, Myles

And the poem from Sydney -

Walk With Me Daddy
Walk alongside me, Daddy and hold my hand.
I have so many things to learn that I don't yet understand.
Teach me things to keep me safe from dangers everyday.
Show me how to do my best at home, school, and play.
Every child needs a gentle hand to guide them as they grow.
So walk alongside me Daddy, we have a long way to go.