A Letter to the Most Amazing Father A Girl Could Ask For

Dear Dad (Pops),

     Sometimes it isn't until a girl grows up a little and maybe even has a family of her own that she appreciates her parents.  I knew I loved you as a little girl, but that love has grown so much over the years tested against my own weaknesses, shortcomings and even victories as an adult.  You have taught  me many things including some great Dadisms that Jim and I really should write a book about.  I have felt your love even more since I have witnessed you love all your grandchildren.  I would like to celebrate you with a few throwback pictures and the ways I love you.

You taught me (and Jackson) how to drive.  We can drive big cars, toy cars, electric trains, roller coasters and even motor less go karts.

You helped me understand what, "Be the good guy, wear the white hat" means and you taught my son to say Vandergraf Generator before he could recite his ABC's.

You are always there for the good times and laughs, but you also held me and your wife when times were hard.  You never told me how I should grieve, you only hugged me as I did it.

You are more patient with me and my kids than any of us deserve. 

Even the ones that scream and cry their first years in life.

You always chip in to help, especially when beer is involved.

You have instilled in EVERY grandchild the desire to go and knowledge of ZERO G's

You have taken us on exciting travels and can make the best of most situations (except maybe the Mezquita in Cordoba)

An adventure can happen in any place, but a good guide book can always be found in your house and the next big trip always in the making.

You have loved me by loving my children and taken them away at just the when I need a break.  

TWo of the things I certainly didn't appreciate when I was younger, but not only appreciate, but also fully embrace now is:

1.  Your silliness-you aren't afraid to play no matter the age.

2.  Your family-I wouldn't know anything about your past if it weren't for your fun sister that can make any day feel like a holiday

Dad, you have taught me how to be a good friend and have always embraced my friends as another part of the family.

YOu have also helped me to appreciate trying disgusting food,

beautiful scenery,

shopping,

and grown up drinks!

Cheers to 63 years and I hope your Birthday is full of love, joy and adventure to come.

Lots of love,

Darly

My New Job

I am finally adjusting to my new Job.  The job I have wanted since Jackson was born and that Darrell worked very hard to give me.  I won't say that I have enjoyed every moment, but I have most of them.  I think I am most grateful on the sick days and the days when I am needed at school.  Before guilt would wash over me when I had to miss work, now overwhelming gratitude has replaced that. 

Some of the finer moments since starting my new job.  Some of these would have happened anyway, but they were fun nonetheless:

A scooter crash and missing tooth

A Neighborhood Ice Cream Party

First Day of School at a new school for both kids

A backyard birthday

A little lake fun

Quiet moments in the alley (these don't happen often)

Makeovers:)

Daddy naps

An aggressive soccer player!  

We wander stores for fun now:  We don't buy anything usually, but sometimes you just have to get out of the house.

Field Trips:  This is the one thing I really missed out on with Jackson, but am happy that I get to do them now.

Flu Shots!

Fall Break Trips!  Out of town girl friends, I am coming to you next year:)

Linley loves going to Memphis to snuggle Darby.

Mud Island: best mostly cheap fun in Memphis

 Adventure time:  Jackson is always wanting to do crazy and adventurous things so this day I surprised him with ziplining...

…and of course kayaking down the river.

Can't wait to see what the winter brings.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Darrell!  I can't believe you are 35!  I am glad I married a much older man.  In honor of your birthday here are 35 things that make me glad that God put us together:

1. You love snow sports, just not snow in the South.

2.  Your love of cars, but lack of buying them.  I am also thankful that Top Gear is funny since I watch it with you daily.

3. Your ability to find the most romantic spot for Valentine's Day Dinner

4.  You keep my son "Wild at Heart".

5.  You take pictures like this at places you visit and make me pretend to be interested.

6.  You look sooo good in Orange.

7.  You get dirty with me every year and encourage the moms to stay young too.

8. You love this crazy girl and all her insanity.

9. You teach Jackson all the important things in life:  like how to shoot a soda can.

10.  You love my crazy family and join in on the crazy just like they were your own.

11.  You travel well with others (when you aren't hungry:)

12.  You love good coffee...

13. .. and nasty food that is part of tradition

14.  You take me to new places

15.  You enjoy good guy time

16.  You appreciate your own family and their history

17.  YOu work hard; even on vacation

18.  You are able to calmly tell your oblivious wife why hosta coke funnels probably aren't the best thing to teach your daughter

19.  You can put up with a crazy, wild  outdoorsy princess and her demand for girly clothes.

20.  Your ability to carry weary children

21. You encourage your son to try new watersports until he succeeds

22.  You celebrate after all of our successes

23.  You have taught us to have fun in small towns and to enjoy the same things you enjoyed as a child.

24.  You are never too old to PLAY hard.

25.  You appreciate the simplicity of the beach and being together as a family

26.  You love the lake and good neighbor time

27.  You keep trying new things even in your old age

28.  You laugh at yourself

29.  You love your family and give us all of your love, leadership and prayers.

30.  You have not taught your kids to be afraid of frogs

31-35.  You can put up with this attitude for 11 years and counting.

I love you and hope that this next year brings you blessings, love, fun and many more memories.