Happy Late Father's Day Papa!

We were so lucky to be able to see Mimi and Papa. One weekend we were there, they were down from San Diego. Bryce, my sweet just returned missionary (and single) brother-in-law drove up to Oakley with me (I have anxiety when I drive long distances on curvy mountain roads with 3 kids).

The boys were so excited to see their grandparents, Jenni and Jed, and especially Olivia. They all just played and played and played. Oakley is such a great place...we ate a delicious meal, enjoyed the cooler weather, saw deer, horses, foxes, and loved being with our family--we miss all of them so much.

We were so grateful to be able to celebrate Father' Day with Papa. The kids adore him because he is so willing to be goofy and play at their level, in fact, I think he enjoys it. Parker couldn't get enough of the "big dogs" he made out of play-doh. Rick really is an amazing dad. He has taught his 4 children so much about independence and self-reliance, about working hard, about valuing education, and taking religious things seriously, about studying, pondering and praying.

Rick is Mike's hero. Mike is always evaluating his life in terms of where his dad was at a certain point, and it's a great and lofty benchmark. If Mike needs advice on anything, he first turns to his father, who has always given him sound, practical, encouraging and loving cousel. What Rick says, goes...Mike has that much faith and trust in him.

My favorite qualities are different. I love his soft prayer voice, that denotes he is talking to deity. I love his reaction every time he sees me and the kids--like his world is complete because we are there. I love that he uses strange voices and silly gestures to keep the kids entertained. I love that he speaks Spanish all the time now and takes around his Spanish dictionary everywhere. I love that he is fascinated by most facts and loves to share them. I love his quick decision making and willingness to have fun. I love his sense of adventure. Most of all, I love the approving way he talks to us about the way we are living life and the way we are raising our family. Nothing is better than the love and approval from a great dad. We love you Rick! Happy Father's Day!