Father's Day Weekend

It was a beautiful Father's Day weekend.  That is the only thing I can say to sum up the weekend.  Because it was beautiful---all around.  

We spent a lot of time together, and a lot of time with the #1 guy in our lives----Daddy.  The boys love and adore this man like you wouldn't believe.  Carson has a special bond with him, and is a true Daddy's boy.  Weston gets so excited every day that Daddy walks in the door, and wraps his arms around his neck and clings tight.

On Saturday night we celebrated Grandpa Dave, and had a grill out.  It's so amazing to watch the generations celebrate together.  And celebrate each other.  Because each man that was there that evening was a Father, but we were celebrating one in particular.

On Sunday morning, we set sail to Iowa City to visit Grandpa Sents who was in the hospital recovering from a risky hip surgery at the age of 84.  He is doing incredibly well, is in great spirits, and is now doing rehab in Grundy Center.  We are excited that he is closer to home, and on the road to recovery.  He is no ordinary 84 year old man, though.  The nurses took note of that right away.  He is healthy, and strong, and isn't letting the pain from his hip get him down.

While we were at the hospital, we took the kids to a fun play area on one of the rooftops.  It was hot, and the kids were all getting hungry, but it was a nice break from Grandpa's small hospital room.

We took Dad out for lunch at Applebee's, which is always a fun experience.  Out to eat with 4 kids under the age of 3-1/2.  Enough said :)  The kids all did very well, I must say!  

Papa Mike with all of the grandkids.  They are all looking at the camera---a miracle!  

But let's be real.  This is a little more like it.  Ha!  Carson is done with pictures (naturally), Kaylee thinks Natalie's hair is pretty, and Natalie is looking at something.....because she doesn't miss a beat :)

After we got home later that afternoon, we instantly got into play mode.  We got into swimsuits, and had a fun time outside in the water.  The boys laughed and giggled, and we all had so much fun.  Daddy started a nice little water fight, which turned into a big one, of course.  The little splashes turned into buckets of water being dumped on each other.  The sound that came from our backyard that day will be something I carry with me always.  Laughter and giggles, and screeches----which are all signs of a good time.

Weston is proving to be my little water baby.  He absolutely loves playing with the water table we have set up outside.  He will splash in the cold water, giggle, shiver his lips and chatter his teeth a little, and then do it all over again.  That little boys giggle is something fierce.  And makes me smile so big.  My cup overflows with joy when I am with these boys.   

Can't you just hear that giggle?  Man, this boy is always so happy, and I love that so much about him.  His laugh and giggle is so contagious!  

Carson does everything that Daddy does.  He is Carl's little shadow.  If Carl is mowing, so is Carson.  Wherever Daddy is, Carson can be found a few steps behind.  He doesn't miss much, and is very curious about everything.  I love watching his little mind turn, and soak up all of the things around him.  He is my little sponge, and is learning so much.  

I absolutely love watching the boys interact with their Daddy.  Carl is so loving, and patient (ehh, most of the time) with them, and it melts my heart to see the special bond they are building.

He is the first one they run to with a problem, an owie, or are in need of a play date.  Because they know he will do it.  He will sit on the floor and play with them forever.

These two boys are so lucky to have such an incredible Daddy.  And I am the lucky lady that gets to call him my Husband!

It is so fun celebrating all of the Dad's in our life.  We have so many of them, and I am forever grateful for that.  It is truly a blessing to have to spread our time around to all of the men in our lives, and question if we will have enough time in a weekend to get around to everyone.  We don't always get to see or "celebrate" with every one of them, but they know our love for them, and we are so thankful for each one.