"The best kind of love is the kind that awakens the soul, makes us reach for more, plants a fire in our hearts, and brings peace to our minds." --From "The Notebook"

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Happy Father's Day!

Sunday, June 15th--Happy 7th Father's Day Nate! Today was a beautiful, sunny day. Our church starts at 9:00 am and so our Sunday mornings are usually rushed to get ready and out the door in time. Today was no different, except that Nate was able to take a few minutes to check out his Father's Day gift. He had received some really cool Swiss water bottles a week before but today was the day he got just what he wanted. We bought him a Jeep remote control car. He LOVED it! Some of the dads in our neighborhood, for the last few months, have been taking their kids out and driving around remote control cars. They all seem to have a blast taking turns and the dads enjoy figuring out the cool things the remote control cars can do. Nate really liked the idea of owning one himself and spending time with the kids helping them figure it out. As we both contemplated what to get our own dads we thought it would be a good idea to get them each a remote control car too. It's something they could enjoy on their own or take out when the grandkids come to visit. I picked a Chevy Silverado remote control car for my dad and had it shipped to him. Nate picked a hot, red Corvette for his dad. My dad called me to let me know he received it and, jokingly, wondered why I didn't ship the real deal. ha ha ha
For Father's Day dinner we went to Nate's sisters (Jenny) house. She barbequed up some yummy burgers. We had some great visiting with everyone and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Then it came time for Nate's dad (Dan) to open up his gifts. Along with the remote control car, he got a couple of gift certificates/cards to restaurants, a comfy-looking pillow and some bath products. As he was opening the box to get the car out I over-heard a pretty hurtful, rude comment made by one of Nate's brothers as to why we would buy him such a thing but once the car was out and the batteries in I knew it was something he would enjoy a lot. Dan seemed to have a permanent smile driving that sweet, red Corvette all over Jenny's house. Eventually, he took it outside and drove it around a little before giving some of the grandkids a try.
When we got home the battery to Nate's car was charged and so he took the Jeep outside and drove it around. The kids had a blast watching him. He's excited to take it camping in a few days.

To Nate: I'm continually amazed at the time and devotion you give to our children. They know and understand your deep love for them. Your love goes beyond just doting and adoring. Your actions speak so much louder than words. The interaction between you and them is unlike anything I have ever witnessed between a dad and his kids. It's pure, unconditional and quite mutual---very touching for me to see and be a part of. We have the added luxury of having you work from home 3 days a week. We're incredibly blessed and I know Elise and Brady enjoy having that extra time with you, as do I. Whether or not there's another child Heavenly Father wants to have join our family, I know your desire to continually be a wonderful father, to all of our children, will never change. Brady will grow up learning from the best example---his own dad---and because of that he will be the best dad too. I love you so very much, always and forever.

To my dad and Nate's dad: Calvin and Dan, what a blessing it is to have men that honor their priesthood and love their families deeply. We know both of you are always available for advice, counsel and anything else we need to help raise our children in righteousness and everlasting love. Much like their understanding of our love for them, Brady and Elise know and understand your deep love for them. Thank you both for all you do for our family. You are great examples to us all and we love you both so much!

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