Father's Day 2011

The boys helped me this year in planning a special day for dad.  The helped me to go shopping for Dad's gift, they drew several pictures for dad, made a special Father's Day project and shared in the excitement as we took Dad to a D-Back's game to celebrate all he is as their daddy. 

When we decided a motor cycle was not in the plans the boys settled with me and decided clothes would be okay for Dad.  Given that he isn't much of a shopper and probably hasn't gotten new clothes in a few years, the boys and I went out to get him a few outfits.  I was surprised but the boys were very active shoppers, sometimes pulling shirts off the rack that dad would like, and other times they pulled shirts off they liked (but insisted Dad would like too).  We ended up settled for a few things and when we gave dad the gift, he seemed to like the new clothes too.  He joked and said he might finally be catching up to the latest fashion trends. 

Jack was excited to celebrate Father's Day too... here he's telling me not to forget about him when talking about being thankful for Daddy.  "Who do you think walks me everyday?"

The boys also drew dad a picture and made him special ties to wear.  We are looking forward to sending dad to work in them next week.  Too bad dad had a really important case to work on this week, he decided although the judge might understand him wearing two paper ties and one real tie, he thought it best for his client and their case to just wear the actual tie that matches his suit. 

For lunch we met Jarrett's family and celebrated Father's Day with his Dad and brother.  It was a nice lunch and hopefully relaxing for the dads.

Upon finishing lunch we went straight over to the ball park and found our seats just in time.  Dad, is truly a lover of baseball and I can see two little boys who are following right along.  I figured we'd be able to stay at the game until the 5th inning, maybe the 6th, but with each passing batter and each strike pitched, the boy's interest and attention to the game continued. 

In the 3rd inning Gabriel was telling Michael about how the ketchup, the mustard and the "green thing" also known as relish would race and each one of us could pick who would win. 

And then at the 7th inning stretch they both stood up proudly and sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" which their daddy has been practicing with them I found out. 

And even by the bottom of the 8th inning when the big bobble heads came out to race, to my surprised, they were still enthralled with the game.   I guess I was the only one who had moved onto people-watching.

And even though the Diamondbacks lost, the game was a hit and not because of the score.  It was because of what happened after the game. Over the loud speaker the announcer shared that at the end of the game, Fathers and their kids were invited down to the field and could run the bases.  Immediately his eyes light up, he turned to me and said, "Please can we do it mom? PLEASE PLEASE.  I've never done that before. Can we please do it today Mom?"  And with Gabriel and Michael watching in anticipation, I looked back at Jarrett and said, "Yes, Dad, I suppose we can, but only because it is Father's Day!" (smile)

We waited patiently and I could tell that although Gabriel and Michael were excited, it was really their daddy that was most looking forward to the opportunity to step out onto the grass and to pretend for a moment, that he was a big leaguer too.

This father's day was truly special.  Special not only because Daddy and the boys were able to run the bases, but because Gabriel and Michael were actively involved in wanting to show their dad the appreciation he deserves.  It is clear to me and to Jarrett, that Gabriel and Michael love their daddy with their whole heart, and for two little boys who didnt' really have a father figure or for that matter, male figure, in their lives, it is obvious just how much impact Jarrett has on them.  I think it is fair to say that the impact goes both ways.

Until next time,
Angie