Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of you dad's out there...we're thinking of you all!

Brett was hoping to spend the day on the boat but the weather just didn't cooperate so instead he was surprised with a set of 'choice' envelopes.  Since this was far from planned, the choices started out a bit obvious but have progressively gotten better.  Brett was up for just about anything because the day started with him getting to sleep in...an absolute luxury in the Alston household right now.

Just a sample:

Choice #1 (we had to stop at the grocery store): A) stay in the car with Tyler or B) run around the parking lot doing the chicken dance.

Choice #4: A) take a nap or B) go to the driving range with Oli. 

They'll get even better as the day goes on....

We started a tradition that the kids write us a letter on Mother's and Father's day.  It is no exaggeration when I say it is by far the best gift I receive all year round.  Brett's letter from Oli reads:

Dear Dad,

You're the best dad because...
...you go golfing with me.
...you cook really nice meals for breakfast and you BBQ nice meals for dinner.
...you go bike riding with me.
...you do projects with me.
...you play baseball with me.
...you let me drive the boat.
...you play basketball with me.
...you took me to swim team tryouts.
...you let me and my XBOX share the office with you.

Those are the things that I think you are the best dad ever.
Love, Oliver

Goes to show you that kids want nothing more than your time and your attention...


Julia'ism #4
Setting: she saw a styrofoam peanut.
Julia: "Mommy, what dis?"
Me: "A piece of styrofoam."
Julia: "Oh" (and then shrugs, puts it up to her ear and says, "hello")

Julia'ism #5
Setting: I am feeding Tyler one morning. 
Julia: sits by my feet, sits up very straight and tall, clears her throat and says, "Once upon a time..."

This has created a habit of storytelling whenever I am feeding Tyler.  If you have any tips of how to enhance your imagination to make up stories on the fly, please send them on over.