Father's Day with Grampa

The boys and I headed to Athens to visit Grampa and celebrate an early Father's Day. We brought a cookie cake with a green tractor on it, since Grampa is a tractor guy! Happy Father's Day to the best!!! We love you!

Grampa's Retirement Party from St. John

Grampa & all his grand boys... poor Ella got sick.

Susie got Grampa this cake that looks like a tree stump. Grampa is always chainsawing down old broken-down trees on his land.  It looked pretty real!

You gotta love this--- Grampa being silly at he retires from preaching.  It was funny---He said, "I can do things like this now and not care!"  GOOD FOR YOU!!!

The church members chipped in and got Grampa a new chainsaw (as his was broken...again!)  It was the perfect gift!

We all gathered for a bittersweet day as Grampa retired after serving over 40 years in the ministry.  So many friends and family came out to not only share a nice meal, but to share their many memories of my dad and how he has touched their lives over the years.  When he spoke...it brought the house down. I don't think there was a dry eye...probably because he speaks so honestly from the heart.  He spoke of not having a great childhood, and how it was still a little odd to him to hear people say such good things about him...as his own parents were very critical.  What a vulnerable and powerful thing to share, though.  Of course he spoke highly of my mom...and his three girls.  I know I'm the luckiest girl in the world having him for my father.  I'm SO glad he's going to get some time to just do what he wants to do. You earned it, Dad. Love you.

Christmas at Grampa's house

After Christmas morning at our home, Noah, Jax, and I traveled to Grampa's house for a Christmas celebration with more family. Daddy ended up getting the fever the boys had on Christmas Eve so he stayed home and rested. 
The boys had fun riding on Grampa's tractor and playing on his farm.  It's always so special to have special time with my dad and my sisters.  Merry Christmas.

Christmas with Grampa

Christmas Day 2013-
I just love these pictures.  Noah, Jax, and Grampa went out for a walk to feed Grampa's cows.  I just love the sweetness of these pictures. 
Merry Christmas!

Fun with Grampa

Grampa stopped by for a visit with the boys today. They had fun playing dinosaurs, eating pizza, and reading books! We love Grampa!

Grampa

Grampa got himself a new tractor. I just love him.

Happy 66th Birthday Grampa!

Happy 66th birthday, Grampa! We met Susie and her kids out at Grampa's house to celebrate his birthday. He just wanted a small get-together at his place, so that's what we did. Noah ended up getting sick on the way, so poor baby was wrapped up in Daddy or Mommy's lap for most of the party. But he did NOT want to miss Grampa's party! We bought Grampa some new shoes, and they actually fit! We sang Happy Birthday and watched him blow out the candles like a pro! Love, love, LOVE this man; probably the single most influential person in my life.  I love you, DAD!!!
Happy Birthday!

Grampa helps with bath time

I'm  not able to take pictures with my Canon camera, because it weighs more than I'm permitted to lift! Thank GOODNESS for the trusty iphone & Instagram! I snapped these cute pix of Grampa giving Jackson a bath this evening.  They are just precious, these two!

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Reading time with Grampa

When Michael was putting Jackson to sleep tonight, Grampa took some time to read Noah a bed-time story.  There's something magical about watching your father read to your son.  It's almost like seeing a glimpse back in time when he'd read to me when I was a child.  I can't fully explain how dear he is to my heart...my sweet father.  He is my hero.  I simply adore him.  THESE are the moments to remember. 

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Visit from Grampa

Grampa & Oma came by today to help with the boys, since I'm not permitted to lift more than 8 ounces following my neck surgery.  They played trains, helped feed the boys, bathed the boys, gave Daddy time to pack lunches for tomorrow...and were just a big help in general! I've been in a lot of physical pain and have had difficulty with this transition as well.  There's just something reassuring about having your Daddy there to make life feel like it's going to be o.k.  He did just that.  Oh how I love him.  Thanks Dad. Thanks Grampa.  We ALL love you!

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