I love watching my Man play with his kids. There is a sweet, playful, different side of Dave that came out when babies came to our family. There are always tickle wars, wrestling matches or games on the agenda when Daddy has free time in our home. He loves his kids so much and thinks about their happiness and well-being just as much as I do. For me, the best part of the day is when Dave comes home from work, opens the front door, and all the kids yell, "Daddy, you're home!" Sweet little Syd points to her Dad with a huge grin on her face and runs to give his legs a big hug with pat-pats. Toby then calls for a "commercial hug" which means all the kids surround Dad and squeeze him so tight he falls over. Logan still gets whiny and sad when Dad leaves for work in the morning, so when Daddy gets home Logan is over-the-moon excited. The kids and I are so thankful for how hard Dave works for our family, AND especially that he loves what he does. Here's to many more smackers-on-the-beezers, special dates with each kid, Family Nights, commercial hugs, superhero wars, playing catch out front, bike rides, sword fights, game and movie nights, crazy hair days, beach trips, camping and hikes, the "spine game," and baseball seasons in the future! J-Bird, the Tob, Mr. Cooper and Squidy love you Dad!!
*Sportin' a new tie from the girls*We loved celebrating Father's Day with all our Dad's here. I was thankful everyone was healthy and the weather was beautiful so we could enjoy the day. Dave was greeted with breakfast and presents in bed first thing in the morning. The kids all woke up early to help me make chocolate chip waffles, berries and OJ for breakfast. Yes, it's the same thing I had for Mother's Day breakfast in bed, but why mess with a good thing. Daddy loved his gifts from the kids and we wolfed those waffles down and flung on our clothes to get to church early. J and I had to be there early to practice our choir number and I was playing the organ for sacrament meeting. It was not one of my finest hours for sure. I certainly kept the congregation on their toes with all the mistakes I made on the organ. I'm filling in for our regular organist and I really need to sit down to figure that thing out so I'm not trying to mess with all the presets and buttons while playing the hymns in church. I'll put it on the list. Sorry, enough about me.
Dave was pleasantly surprised with all we did for Father's Day and admitted he needs to step things up next year for Mother's Day. Darn tootin'! We spoiled him, but he deserves it. Toby made Dad a cute picture frame at school, and he and Mr. Cooper got Daddy these which he loves;
The girls gave him a belt buckle (as requested) and a couple ties that were on killer sale at Kohl's. I rarely go to Kohl's, yet every time I do I find wonderful sales and clearance items. Score! Jessie also made Dave a precious photo book with pictures of them and the fam doing favorite things. 
I selfishly gave the Mister some movie passes so he can take someone (I wonder who he'll choose) to one of the cool movies coming out soon. We need a date night badly and Transformers and Harry Potter are calling to both of us.The chillies made Dave ties at church with 'All About my Dad' papers on the back. All three painted very different pictures of the same wonderful Daddy. It's funny what the kids say and remember most.
According to Jessie: (in her own hand)
Dad's name- Dave
Favorite food- soop
Favorite color- green & blue
Favorite thing to do- swim & sleep
When he plays with me, we- restle & bike ride
I love my Dad because- he's very, very, very, very, very fun!
According to Toby:
Dad's name- Dave
Favorite food- rice milk
Favorite color- brown
Favorite thing to do- play with me
When he plays with me, we- fly a kite
I love my Dad because- he's awesome!
According to Logan:
Dad's name- David (full name)
Favorite food- anything!
Favorite color-black & blue
Favorite thing to do- play video games with me
When he plays with me, we- play Super Mario
I love my Dad because- he unlocked all the villages (in Super Mario)
It was a great day. Daddy got his Sunday afternoon nap (nothing new there ;)), played with the kids, we enjoyed dinner at Grams with our Dads, and ended the day with a hike (Dave and I) up Mission Peak with Arnold and Denise. The goal was to show Dave how much we love him and appreciate all he does as Dad in our home, and he definitely got the message today!
And I can't forget my Dad who is an amazing man. When I think of my Dad the first thing that pops in my head is 'hard worker.' He has taught me and all his kids that an honest days work is both fulfilling and teaches valuable skills and knowledge. Growing up, I suffered many a Saturday chore marathon under Dad's iron fist. I can still hear myself complaining, "You mean you want me to vacuum all around the edges of the room too?!" or "I have to clean behind the toilet?!" Dad was meticulous and thorough and taught us to be the same. Do the job right the first time. Dad taught me to take pride in my work and the satisfaction at the end would be worth it. Now that I'm a Mom, I still chuckle inside when I say the same things to my kids on Saturday during chores. I am so thankful for all that my Dad has taught me.
I remember learning things about my Dad as a young girl that surprised me, like the fact that he has multiple college degrees, one of them in psychology. He has taught me by example to look at problems logically, with a level head, and make decisions based on principle. He is honest, fair, and not afraid to stand up for himself when wronged, especially against the crazy neighbor lady who calls the cops on him just because she's bored, and really crazy.
Most of all, I'm so thankful Dad is around to teach and get to know my kids. The chillies love to use Grandpa's power tools and putter around the garage and yard with him. When we go over on Monday nights for Family Night the kids know that Grandpa has all the treats and that he will almost never say 'No' to them. He teaches them funny sayings and spoils like a Grandpa should.
I credit Dad's example as the standard by which I chose a husband and father for my children. Keep taking care of yourself Dad, so my kids can learn as much as possible from you. You need to stick around to pass on all your nuggets of wisdom to your grandkids!
No, I haven't forgotten Dave's Dad in my little tribute. The kids love to spend Sunday afternoons with Grandpa (& Grandma), and sleep over as much as possible. They get excited when Grandpa comes to their baseball/softball games and know that Grandpa Dave will spoil them too. They love the movies and CD's, like Bunnicula, that Grandpa lets us borrow or keep. He is very generous with his time and resources to keep our electronic and computer needs met. We enjoy camping (or 'cabining' lately) with Grandpa, and Toby especially, loves going fishing with Grandpa on Uncle Mark's boat. We are so thankful that Grandpa doesn't mind us crashing at his house to swim or drop kids off for awhile for a date. We especially enjoy summer BBQ's from Master Dave and eat whatever comes off his grill. 
WE LOVE OUR DADS!
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