Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day

Just want to take a minute before I hit the hay to pay tribute to this special day.



In my  humble opinion, my girls are the luckiest little gals alive to have Bryan for a Daddy. He is a man of honor who would do ANYTHING for her daughters. There is nothing or anyone in this world that means more to him than his girls. Last night when I came down the stairs from rocking the babies I found him in tears (I'd apologize for letting the cat out of the bag, but I think everyone already knows Bryan is a tender heart). I asked him what was up, and he explained that he just loves Eleanore so much and it is crazy to see how fast she is growing up.

Bryan is patient (most of the time) and will lay by El until she falls asleep many nights. He tells her the greatest stories, tickles her silly, draws her funny pictures, plays soccer, hide and seek and dolls with her, lets her work outside with him, dances with her, has made her his sports buddy (and she's made him her Wonder Pets pal), they dip cookies in milk and eat chips and dip together...basically if Eleanore is awake and Bryan is home they are inseparable. Eleanore loves her Daddy and is heart broken when he has to leave for work or church meetings. I know she loves me too, but I don't hold a candle to her Dad, he is her superman!

Ivy and Maya are learning that is he is pretty great too. They'll give him big smiles and will squeal in delight when he plays with them. I can tell Bryan is very excited for them to get big enough to really interact with him, but in the meantime he is a pretty good baby cuddler.

Bryan is a very protective father (I don't know how he'll handle it when these three girls begin dating). He is a worthy priesthood holder and a hard working provider for our family. I am impressed at the dedication he puts into his job and schooling. I know the bottom line of this dedication is that he wants the best for his family.

So thank you Bryan, for being the "World's Best Dad!" We love you and are the "World's Luckiest Girls!"

I'd be remiss if I didn't remark on a few other father's I've been thinking about today.

First my Dad. I miss him. It has been two years since he's been gone and I still can hear his voice saying "I love you, sweetheart." I don't want that memory to fade. My dad wasn't perfect, but one thing he never failed at was letting me know he loved me and believed in my success.


And my father-in-law. The Mr. Fix It...Jack of All Trades...Original protective family man. We love you Bob. Eleanore loves her Grandpa and already recognizes that he is the man when it comes to fishing trips, ice cream eating and dragging out bedtime (when she doesn't want to go to bed she asks to call Grandpa). You raised a great son and have always made me feel welcome in your family. I feel lucky to know you and am proud to count you as a father and friend.

Finally, I must mention by awesome brothers and brothers in law. You are great brothers,uncles and daddies...I'm proud of you all.

Hope you all had a great day...I love you guys!

5 comments:

Ryan, Shayndel, & Kids said...

That is so sweet about Bryan. It's neat he takes those moments to reflect on his children just like us women do from time to time & realize how precious this time of life is. I agree, he is a pretty fun, loving, and impressive dad! I need to see him more in action with all 3 of his girls though--haven't really seen him do that juggling act much since they were born!

I like that picture of our dad. It looks like how he looked when he came out here. Will you email it to me? Oh, I never knew how I'd miss him or realized the void that would be left once he was gone. Some of those crazy phone calls or annoying moments I would now give the world to have again.

Kim said...

Bryan IS a pretty great guy! I miss being around him. He is always a bright spot and can make you smile even when you are down and out.
Love the picture of him with the girls and the shirts are cute too!
They are all getting so big, the twins are filling out and getting some baby fat on them! :) Little Eleanore is looking bigger and older all the time.
Can't wait till we can see you all in person!

Ashley said...

Really great post and words Emily. Bryan is such a great guy. You guys are such an amazing duo!

Sarah said...

LOVE those shirts! I've been wanting to see them! Super great, fun idea. Bryan is a good dad- lucky girls! Our day was pretty low key- just some ice cream sundaes... dessert first style. That's what Trav likes to do at restaurants... the kids were dying- they couldn't believe that dinner was sitting right there & I was getting out the ice cream. Fun times!

Beadles said...

I love the story about Bryan. This was such a sweet post with so many emotions. We couldn't be luckier to have the gospel in our lives and to know that we have the opportunity to live eternally as a family. I'll bet Eleanore loves knowing that she can have her daddy forever - and you, yours.