daddy's day

presents were opened about 5 minutes after we woke up. the boys just couldn't wait another second.

Daddy got a new fancy alarm clock... along with a few gifts picked out by the boys: a "Que Padre" shirt (from Ben), a box of runts (Simon), a whoopee cushion (Zack) and a big jar of almonds and cashews (Luke). I gave a suggestion to Luke because he was having a hard time of thinking of something (and Aaron is always in need of a nut fix)... Luke was thrilled about it, but mostly because he could use nuts in a sentence without getting in trouble. e.i. I get to wrap Dad's nuts., Dad's nuts are heavy., I am tying a bow around Dad's nuts. I hope Dad likes his nuts. and so forth.

We had a big breakfast planned, but I couldn't get anything on the table because Simon was barfing and Roma was poopy. Both were crying. The older boys were a big help, but Aaron ended up making the better part of the meal, which made me feel bad, but sometimes you have to give and take.

Church was FABULOUS. Aaron was still on the stand, even after he was released, but just the thought of sitting next to him next week and the weeks after made us both happy. Several people asked why we were grinning ear to ear. It was a great meeting. Not much about Fathers, but men don't need mushy talks like women do. We ended up leaving right after Sacrament meeting because we felt bad enough about bringing sick kids to church. I was super grateful Simon didn't throw up during the meeting :) Hopefully he didn't get anyone else sick.

One of my favorite memories-- one that will stay with me for years- was holding Roma on my lap minutes before the closing prayer was said. She had a good view of Aaron on the stand and could hardly stay still. She was arching her back and squealing... she wanted Daddy and pronto! As soon as the amens were uttered, Aaron handed off his tithing slips to the new counselors and rushed down to take the baby out of my arms. She clobbered his face with wet kisses and my heart melted.

We had chicken and rice and veggies for dinner. It wasn't Aaron's pick, but it was quick and easy. I will make him something special this week when I have more time. Weird that I have more time during the week than on the weekend... something's wrong here. We took a long Sunday nap together after dinner (hasn't happened in over 2 years) and then we went on our favorite walk to "Mount Olympus" which happens to be a small dirt hill by our house. We didn't get back until after the sun was long gone.

We called our Grandpas and apologized for not sending our gifts in the mail. We have amazing Dads... generations of them. I am so grateful for the men in my life and for my little boys who will be someday be the head of their own families.

I often think about the example Aaron is setting for our four boys and I know they will be the best husbands and fathers because his daily example is such a huge influence in their lives.
And our hopefully our daughter will see and understand how a man should treat her and won't settle for anything less. He is so sweet to her.

So grateful for my baby-daddy!