Happy Father's Day to My Amazing Man

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad

Author Unknown

Mom's Visit

Jessica and Peter decided that mom was coming home with me from New Jersey so they purchased a ticket for her from Missouri back to Florida. Mom had no choice! She was western bound and we had an amazing time together!

Tea on the porch watching the humming birds! Mom also saw a Golden Finch, one of her favorite birds, for the first time.

She was here for Hope's end of the school year celebration, presents and her pick of where we were going to eat! The beginning of summer!

Watching the neighborhood kids play!

Charlie took Mom and Hope "floating" on the river one day while I was at work. (Floating is the ozark term for canoeing)

We went to a Memorial Day Party! You have to love Bar-b-que! Thanks Debbie and Greg!

A Drive-in movie theater playing Shrek 4 and Iron Man 2! Can you believe it we both forgot our cameras!

Charlie and I went on a date for our anniversary to the golf course! We had planned to go see Robin Hood as well, but it was playing really late. So home we went. Are we getting old? Thanks mom for taking care of Hope!

Of course mom and I had our photo shoot time! Lots of fun!

Then the hunt for the wild horses! God's gift is that we found them!

An old historic water mill at Alley Springs

Mom, We love you! You are an amazing woman and I am so grateful that we had this time together!

Thanks Jessica and Peter! XOXOXOXOX

Portrait of the Wild Horses of Missouri

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

~Winston Churchill

More Blessings....

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

My Best Friend from High School is still am amazing friend! Her family opened their home to us on our trip so I didn't have to drive straight through. It was so good to see them again, catch up and see all the projects they have completed on their house.

(It looks great by the way! Thanks for letting us crash!)

The best s'more ever!!!

The Campfire Marshmellows compared to regular marshmallows.

New Jersey Outing

CAKE BOSS!!!!

We LOVE watching Cake Boss on TLC together! We love it so much that we started to decorate a cake ourselves. When we went to New Jersey, Hope and I wanted to head to Carlo's Bake Shop for a treat. We were so excited to find out my mom and sister love the show too so they came along! Off we went with a car load despite the chances of hit traffic. [Me, Hope, My Mom (Debbie), Two of my Sisters (Rachel and Christa), Christa's man (Robert) and my mom's cousin (Cheryl)]

Carlo's Bake Shop opened in 1910

Buddy's Sister Grace

Hope was so excited when we saw Grace walk by as we stood in line. I told her we were huge fans and she said hold on just a minute. When she came back she took a picture with Hope and commented on how pretty Hope's hair was (Again Thanks to Christa!). She was so sweet and made our day!

After we purchased our treats we set out to find a good spot to enjoy them. We found a shady spot on a half wall on a side street. Mid cannoli, along comes Buddy on his cell phone. Robert and Rachel call out for a picture and after thinking for a second he says sure! We are so thankful that he took time out of his busy day for a quick picture! We were laughing and smiling the rest of the day! PS. They do make the best cannoli I have ever had!

Notice Buddy's cell in his hand, that is the "New Jersey hold" LOL

(Buddy you are awesome! Thanks!)

View of New York from Hoboken, New Jersey

We also had a chance to stop by Cheryl's daughter, Courtney's house. It was so nice to meet extended family and become facebook friends.

Liberty Park, New Jersey

We went to this park as kids with my Nana and Papa so we were so excited to go back to see the symbol of our freedom.

Christa Pose

Family Group Shot

My silly girl

Blessings

One of my friends just commented that I was blessed with a great family! I have to agree! I want you all to know how thankful I am for you and that I love you!

With my Nana "resting" (The term Jesus used in referring to death, which I have always loved), Hope and I drove to New Jersey to celebrate her life with our family and friends. It was amazing to reconnect with loved ones and meet new friends and family I have never met before, all who shared a wonderful connection to Jean Helme. We laughed and cried with the retelling of memories about the amazing person my Nana was.

My mom, sisters, aunt, uncle, cousins and of course Hope.

Hope and her second cousins who are amazing young men!!! Ryan, Danny and Jamie, Everytime I see you, you amaze me with your maturity, kindness and respect for others! I love you guys! Aunt Donna and Uncle Ron, You are Awesome parents!

The rest of the Fam!

My Beautiful Angel with her curly hair thanks to Aunt Christa!

Football Time!

Whenever we all get together there is always a touch football game! I would rather be playing but due to a fear of crashing into the cement I choose to be the photographer. (PS it was getting too dark to take good pictures with my little flash!)

Huddle Team Terminators

Break Team Dominators!

Play Ball

Cheerleaders

We were also able to celebrate life! Happy Birthday Pat!