Happy USA Father's Day!

Dyllan and I have a few things in common.  And one of them is that we both have the worlds best dads!  Happy Father's day to my Dad. Dad- you have been an amazing dad- growing up you were my hero- you could do anything, fix everything, and laugh about nothing.  One of my favorite father-daughter memories was from Indian princesses-  we would pack our sleeping bags, our Indian head bands, and go on camp-outs with our "tribe".  My favorite camp out was Camp Orchila- where we bunked up with Tanya and Wes Giesbrecht- told scary stories, put on skits, and roasted marshmallows over the camp fire. Remember the pine block derby race?  As part of being an Indian princess- you had to do the pine block derby car race- meaning you and your dad would spend hours in the garage sanding, carving, painting and weighing down your pine block derby race car.  Well, Dad and I must have done a pretty good job- because the trophy we won is still the biggest trophy I own.  I am so proud.  We won "most colorful".  Our car put-putted across the finish line- but in true Indian Princess form... it was quite the sight!  It was BEAUTIFUL!  And I have a trophy to prove it!  I could go on an on about fun memories with my dad- but I wont.  I'll just say- that he is my inspiration for many of my decisions, he makes me laugh like no one else can, he has given me so much and I will always be grateful for that.  You know when you just know that someone wants the absolute very best for you?  Thats what my dad wants for me.  Never selfish- always giving.  And I love him more than anything. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Although we weren't in the USA for Father's Day- I felt it was appropriate to celebrate the US Father's Day here for Dan for a few reasons.  #1 Dyllan was born in the USA, thus technically he is a US Father too; #2 We celebrated Father's day last year on this day, and # 3 and a BIG #3- I will be in Las Vegas for my girlfriends Batchelorette party for the Australian fathers day! And wont have Dyllan OR Dan with me anyway.   I'm sure I will give him a "shout out" or phone call or something.. but I thought I better celebrate early just incase I am too busy for even that.

Dan, Dan, Dan... where to even begin.  You have been an amazing Father since, well, before you were even a father.  The night I took my pregnancy test.. the night before leaving for a girlfriends batchelorette party (wine tasting - party bus- Santa Barbara - batchelorette party!) - I was less than enthused... I broke the news to you- as if it were the end of the world... and your reaction was the exact opposite.  You couldnt have been more excited if you tried!!  You were beaming....from a mile away!  In fact- we had agreed that you wouldnt tell anyone until after I returned from the batchleorette party- and we had a chance to go to the doctor to confirm that the 20 positive pregnancy tests were in fact correct.  I left for the batchelorette weekend and you left for the batchelor party- and as soon as you and the boys had umm, one beer- the word was out!  You blurted out to the entire group "ImGonnaBeADAD!!"  Haha- well the news traveled fast- and it was a good thing I had already told my girlfriends- cause a few hours later- their boyfriends were telling them the news!  Oh Dan.. what can I say.. you were so proud.  Thats what I love about ya.  You just cant hold back your excitement- your enthusiasm- your spirit.  And this is all BEFORE Dyllan was even born.. The night Dyllan came into the world- Dan was asking for trouble.  He has been out skiing all day with Sean and some friends- they had a great day so decided- why stop there?!  The band, Phoenix was playing that night- so they decided to party on.  They managed to get into a sold out show- then as if that wasnt enough- they partied on at an Irish bar after.  I was nannying- who woulda thought I would go into labor NINE weeks early!?  Anyway- the long of the short- I ended up having Dyllan that night.  Dan - tired as anything- stayed up the entire night- and well into the next day with me- called my parents and brother to keep them posted- camped out with my lepord snuggy and sleep mask as we waited it out.  The minuite Dyllan came into the world- Dan was the best Dad a little premie could ask for.  He was the one who called the nurses in the NICU around the clock to check up on his little girl.  He woudl take breaks from work to come visit her in her cube- He would elbow me out of the way for his turn with "tummy time" . He gave her her first bath, while I video taped.  He loved to change her clothes almost as much as her diapers.  He was Mr. Mom.  He was the best Dad a new mom could ask for!  16+ months have gone by now- and things really havent changed, much.  Dan is no longer a stay at home (work from home) Dad (as he was for a while)- but he is 100% hands on- most involved- enthusiastic Dad I have ever seen!  I love that he knows her every little quirk.  Dyllan really loves her Dad.  She looks at him for approval (already!)- she smiles at him with admiration- enjoys his company- and they make each other laugh- uncontrollably! 

To many, many more Father's Days!  (Dan got lucky on this one- he gets TWO fathers days- while I only get one Mothers day- for some reason mothers day is the same in Australia as it is in America- but Father's day isnt..dang!)

Here are some photos from our Father's day

Surprise Breakfast (supposed to be in bed.. but we got busted making pancakes!) Mini Pancakes made by Mini.

After breakfast we walked down to the beach- and this cool little cafe.  Watched the surfers- and played at the dog park on Mona Vale headland.

The afternoon- we packed a picnic- and headed to a new part of town.  Newtown.  I had never been- and it  had been a long while since Dan last went there.  It reminded me a bit of capital hill in Seattle- artsy, funky, cool.  College town.  We ate dinner at a little cafe- where Dyllan enjoyed her first milkshake.  Every. Last. Drop.  She loved it! All in all a great day!  Sun was even out!