Father’s day has arrived – the day to celebrate the men in our lives who deserve an extra special thanks and probably an attempt at BBQ in their honor! Father’s day is a chance to recognize the men who have taught us, held us and lead us through life’s toughest moments alongside our mommas. Like Mother’s day, I honestly don’t know how it’s possible to thank your father enough  for everything he’s done – but every year, we all make such a good effort to try! 

Ryan and I are very lucky that we get to live close to my parents, which means I get to drive to work with my dad most days. I thought it might get old, but it hasn’t. It’s awesome to get so much time with my father in the morning and afternoon. If you’ve never met my father, you’d never be able to understand what an awesome guy he is – full of great humor, brains and love. He’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever known and the most entertaining. He’s quiet, doesn’t really show too much emotion (see the first look below – it’s SO him – “you look nice”) but I’ve never once felt like he doesn’t support everything I’ve ever tried. I’ve had a lot of my friends comment on how awesome my dad is once he started to open up around them. Guys, I know. I got a good one. 

So, thank you Daddy for all of the musical moments, the laughs on long car rides, the beautiful piano music that filled the days of my childhood, for playing Barbies when I know you’d rather have been throwing a basketball, for hanging out with me in the kitchen before my wedding talking about the color of the sky, for humoring me and having a first look that was so you it made the day easier, for quietly lifting  the boxes into our new home, for helping me plant my first gardens, for making sure we were able to enjoy Mommy being home with us growing up by working so hard, by grinning (in your own way) through all of the family photos I’ve forced you into over the last 5 years from my own camera, for the morning beach walks, and for just being there – no matter how many times I may or may not have yelled at you as a teenager. Thank you for putting up with my inability to choose music on car rides and stupid podcasts about Stonehenge and for reading every single document for me when we bought the house. Oh, and thanks for being there on my wedding day when I know the spotlight makes you uncomfortable. 

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize our parents are truly the most important people in our lives- they shaped us, saw us through the hardest times and loved us when no one else wanted to (mostly because they didn’t have a choice!). Our parents helped us become the people we are and I hope they always know how thankful we all are: they taught us how to be strong and how to love everyone around us. To all you fathers out there, enjoy your special day and know that your children love and appreciate you!   

Daddy – Ryan, Megan, Arthur and I all love you and your humor, your hidden dance moves and your smarts. We’re very lucky you’re our father and hope you have a wonderful day! Happy Father’s Day! 

XOXO,

Kristina 

All wedding photos – a huge thank you to Hope Taylor Photography.