Papa's Birthday

Next week is Junior Cycling Nationals (translation: I have a thousand things to do before Monday). So....what am I doing? I'm blogging. Why the sudden urgency when it really hasn't been a top priority for the past I don't know how many months? I put it on my list of things to do before we leave on Monday. Yep, I confess. I am a chronic list-maker. I have all kinds of lists floating around. Today lists. This week lists. Lists of things I just want to keep on my radar screen. (Yes, I think I have lost a billion brain cells since having children so I do have to make lists of things I just want to remember that I want do.) So, now that you have some background...welcome to the post about my Dad's 77th birthday about a month ago. (It dawns on me that I could have cloaked this as a Father's Day post, but I am all about transparency and not re-typing long paragraphs.)

On Daddy's birthday, Christopher and I drove down to Opelika to surprise him. James and Keith couldn't make it because James was riding to Chattanooga, as in riding a bike. It was 142 miles and he was so torn, but who wouldn't choose to sit on a metal triangle covered with leather for 7 hours instead of in an air-conditioned car? (That was his description of the ride last year.)

We met them at Bennett's double-header. As we walked up, Mother started to say, "There's that little boy that Joanna think looks like Christopher" until she saw me. I guess Joanna didn't mention that that little boy's mother looked like me. They were quite surprised and I was impressed with how Tammy and the boys kept the secret.

I was glad we made it the the games because we got to see Bennett pitch. Barrett and Christopher had a big time at the field. I'm not sure what all they did, but they stayed entertained for the hours we were there.

Of course, the boys didn't get enough of the bat so it was a game of wiffleball after we got to their house.

Safe!

I just want to give Bear a big hug whenever I see him - even if it just a picture.

We all had time to sit and chill while Tony cooked the steaks.

Doesn't Daddy look good?

Joanna and Christopher also have a good face for me when I pull out the camera. I never know what I'm going to get.

The best part of the day - STEAK!

He's still got it.

The boys with their Papa.

Remember what I said about never knowing what I was going to get when Christopher and Joanna? Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

This Was A First

Has there ever been anything you really wished you had taken a picture of only to think a little longer and realize no, it was for the best you didn't? Yesterday I tried and tried to talk my mom into going with me to get a pedicure. I like to go for the pedicure itself, but I really, really love the chairs. The vibration is cool, but that roll thing is awesome.

I called the parental cell phone on the way home from work to see if she wanted to go. Still a no, but my dad said he would go. His feet have been bothering him since he has been on chemo so I thought this was awesome.

It was so fun being there watching him enjoy it, but being a little self conscious. Those ladies pampered him the whole time and told him to bring his friends when he comes again. One even told him now that he had done it once, he should come back in every time he visits me. He would just laugh and say one time in 75 years would probably hold him the next 75 years.

It would be a great scrapbook page, but I guess he deserves his perception of dignity. Thanks for going with me, Daddy.