Family Fun: Boondocks

With Dustin's new schedule, he doesn't get to spend as much time with the kids as he would like. I get to spend all morning with him, but by the time the kids get home from school, he's gone. He gets home when they are in bed. We both feel that quality time is a must. So last week, we surprised the kids with a day trip to Boondocks. I was really fun. It was long overdue. It was nice just to relax and enjoy each other and all the fun this place had to offer. We enjoyed the go-karts, the 3-D movies, arcade games, bumper boats, mini-golf, and laser tag. I think the day was a success.

In the World of Becca...

Every day Becca and I get to take her cousin, Noah, to pre-school. We go the same way everyday. So I was surprised to hear her exclaim with absolute joy, "Mom, we're almost to Paris. Keep driving,keep driving!"

I was quite confused. Where in the world did Paris come from? I thought to myself. Then I saw it. There it was.

In Becca's world this:

equals this :

At least she's easy to please.

#1 Dad Award. Dustin's got it in the bag....

My kids are pretty lucky.

I haven't ever written much about Dustin. I'm pretty ashamed of that. Because in my opinion, there is no greater father out there. Ever since we have started having children, he has left me speechless with his fathering skills. The man's got skills!!!

He is the type of dad who wants to be with his kids. He plays football, baseball, and any other sport you can think of with his boys. He loves them so much. Whenever he is going to any store (ie Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart), he always asks if they want to go. They all love Cabela's. It's their special bonding store, the MAN store.

As far as the girls go, Dad is the ultimate amusement park ride. Nobody throws, catches, twists, or twirls better than him. No matter how hard you look you will never find a better Memory, Twister, Go-Fish, Candy Land, or Uno player around. And he is always willing to play!

What even impresses me more is the way he speaks to them. They might be laying with him on the couch, or just be walking by. He will grab them, pull them close and whisper in their ear how much he loves them. When it's the girls, he makes sure to mention how beautiful they are. That melts my heart every time. If the lucky person is a boy, they are told how proud he is of them and the choices they are making. "You're a good kid," he'll say. He always encourages them to do what is right and to keep it up.

The other day we were in our bedroom. Out of no where he turns to the girls who were in their room playing and yelling in a very angry voice said, "Kate! You get in here now! I have something to talk to you about!" She looked scared and startled. She came in, he slammed the door shut. Then he quickly scooped her up with huge smile on his face and said, "I love you so much!" She got a little hug and tickle and then directions to leave the room sad and upset. She practiced for a few seconds, then left. One by one he called Grace and Becca in too. Each getting an "I love you", a hug, and a tickle. (Grace was last so had it figured out, but she loved it any way)

I am so grateful for Dustin. He loves being a dad. And I appreciate the way he shows it.

Wanted to share some of my favorite daddy pics:

This last one is my all time favorite. I just wish all my kids were in it. For some reason it reminds me of Andy Griffith.The real reason I like it? Ryan is Dustin's whole world at that moment. It portrays him in his true light. His kids are his whole world!

I'll say it again, "My kids are pretty lucky."

I am too.