Those eyes

Dad please lay right here

Noah left this note for me next to his pillow one night.  He almost refuses to go to bed without me laying down beside him.  I know this will end, I just don't know when.  :-(

Yogurtless frozen yogurt

Noticeably absent in K's frozen yogurt? Yogurt. Viola --> bowl of candy.

A little at a time...

I've watched this boy of mine grow up a little at a time from this view right here. This has always been his spot in the boat. His seat keeps getting smaller and smaller as our relationship gets bigger and bigger. I can't figure out if that warrants a sad face or a smiley face.  He HAS to grow up...which means of course our relationship will take on a new dynamic every year or so.

How can a man descrie how much he loves his son? We've spent SO much time one-on-one. Since he was a newborn we've spent countless hours together - in a rocking chair, on our pond, casting, fishing, exploring, reading, singing, traveling, and overall just being best buddies. He's a part of me and I a part of him, I suppose.

Daube Claus returns!

Our Christmas Elf - Daube Claus - made a return for Easter and Katie was beside herself excited!  Daube found his way onto a shelf in the living room where Katie finally noticed him.  She screamed with excitement.  While we were at church he made his way to the kitchen table and had managed to unwrap a sucker which was sitting in his lap.  He disappeared some time during the night but I happened to snap this picture of face after she saw Daube. 

I LOVE this innocence and the ability to believe in something magical - something that can't be proven but is so compelling nonetheless.  'Tis faith...the purest kind.

My running partner tonight

This was only the second time we've ever run together but he did great! We went almost three miles and had to take some breaks. Mostly it helps me see how much fun it'll be to run together some day...just that I'll be the one trying to keep up instead of the other way around.

Love. That. Sweet. Face.

Serving where I'm called

So my little lady, the one for whom I mostly just can't say no, comes to me with a difficult request: "Daddy, can you help me pick out my clothes for tomorrow?"

Wha!?

If it was up to me, we'd have her hair in a bun and she'd wear an oversized burlap sack until her wedding day.  Choosing clothing is a task for which I'm wholly unqualified - even for myself, truth be known.  She laid out several options from which I was to choose.  She didn't really like any of my choices and wore what she really wanted to anyway...but it was an honor being asked, nonetheless.  :-)


Update:  the next night...she asked for my advice again...acted so excited that I helped...then proceeded to take brother's advice instead of mine.  She LOVES that brother.