Happy Father's Day!

It all started here:

Five months later she kissed him back:

He made her feel safe in this spot right here:

They were quite a pair:

They're two peas in a pod:

She has read him books:

She's his little "stinker":
And his pretty princess:
He's her hero:

And her friend:

They play hard:

Work hard:

He teaches and explains things to her:

He passed on to her his innate love of nature and animals:


He helps her conquer fears:
She thinks he can do ANYTHING from fishing...

To painting fingers and toes:


He lets her do his hair (without complaint or embarassment!)

He is the ultimate toy!!!

The epitome of fun,

And definition of what a great dad should be!


Happy Father's Day, Matt, to the greatest daddy we know!!

Thank you for staying up late even though you have to get up early,

for getting up early even though we kept you up late,

for working 6 day weeks and long hour days so I can stay home and raise our daughter,

for doing that work with a glad and joyful heart,

for being patient and caring,

loving and kind,

sensitive and understanding.

For inviting us to come to lunch,

or taking us for ice cream.

For going to the gas station at 9 p.m. for candy bars,

or stopping by the store after a long day to pick up milk or bread.

For laying with our daughter so I can have a couple minutes to myself even though you haven't had any of those moments either.

For taking us to church and teaching your daughter how to pray and showing her what it means to love Jesus...and, be like him.

For spending time with Ella when it would just be easier to rest or watch tv.

For watching girly or princess movies even though you've seen them a million times.

For giving an honest effort to pick up your clothes and put them in the laundry.

For cooking dinner when I'm too tired or lazy to do so.

For making us laugh,

discipling out of love

and listening to us talk even though it'd be nicer to have some peace and quiet.

For holding our hair back, cleaning up throw-up and going to get medicine.

For sleeping with feet in the small of your back for 2 1/2 years because your daughter liked it better in your bed than her own.

For not hunting or fishing as much as you'd like because you'd rather spend time with your girls. For putting us first...always!

For all these reasons (and many more) I'm thankful for the father you have become and the blessings you have given me in Ella and now a son.

We love you so much!!