Father's Day Weekend

When Bob asked me to marry him on August 9, 2004 (not on my birthday but the day after!) I said yes without hesitation. We loaded the kids in the car, got the ring sized and headed off to announce the big news in person to everyone. About halfway through the visits we heard a little voice from the back, "Now is he my Daddy? Now can he live with us?" Peter was inquiring innocently from the back and Bob I answered with a resounding YES from the front. And that was it - Bob was a Daddy. There was no transition, no period of awkwardness - just two perfect human beings who Bob was suddenly responsible for in every way. Three if you counted me! Bob knew this was what he was signing on for and he couldn't have been happier. The kids began calling him Daddy from that moment on - as if they had known he was meant to be their dad and they were just waiting for confirmation from us. 5 1/2 years and 3 babies later Bob still amazes me as a father - he is kind. loving, patient and fun! He loves each of the kids unconditionally and with his whole heart and he is teaching them by example how to be a great human being! One day is simply not enough for the man who is the force behind our family!

My Molly - Girl leaves us notes on our pillows during the day. When we go into bed we are usually met with a note and sometimes even a flower! I love it!Sister Love!Ellie loves the belly almost as much as she loves Auntie Meg's early morning visits!On Saturday we hit a new park in Cromwell and the kids had a blast!Doesn't get much more perfect for us - a playscape for the girls and a basketball court for the boy!Ellie swings her hands so wide when she walks - I love watching her.Annie being a silly girl!Lizzie trying to compete with her brother for the basketball.The cutest little rebounders around!Daddy and his kids - sweaty, tired and ready to go home for naps!Auntie Ann got us this cool pool for our backyard. We put the pool in the sun and the lawn chairs in the shade and hang out in the backyard - so much fun!Annie hamming it up for the camera.The five kids fit with no problem in the pool - it is perfect for the summer! We just have to make sure that no one pops it!My little ladybug loving the pool and the leaves!I think KK came close to having a heart attack watching Ellie in the pool with the other kids. She had a few close calls but she is a trooper - she has to be in this family! Peter holding Ellie like a baby!Molly jumping in!Peter jumping in!The twins!Peter - pretending to be a fountain - he spit water and everything.The big kids - love when they are not fighting.Happy Father's Day!Pete made Bob and very thoughtful gift with coupons and a picture. The coupons were for help with yardwork and a day of help around the house.Daddy and his boy!The big kids loved spoiling Daddy on Father's Day morning.Daddy's girl through and through.Annie got Bob some new books to read - some children's and some adult!Ellie looked so cute with her headband - and she matched Daddy!Only fitting that on Father's Day Bob got lots of attention from his goddaughter! Grammy tried to get a few minutes alone with her puzzle but the boys pulled up some chairs and decided to help.Auntie Kake, Auntie Meg, uncle Tim, Kk and uncle B all came to see Papa on Father's Day - it was a perfect day!Our chatty little baby!Lizzie wishing her godfather a Happy Father's Day!Abby looking very tan already - too cute, my goddaughter!Beanie Baby - looking adorable and confused!Daddy's Boy!Grammy doling out the candy!Ellie found a cozy spot next to KK and didn't want to get up!Our girls - how cute are these two?It was also my wonderful brother's birthday!

Happy 37th birthday, Patrick Hogan Harding - we are so happy that you were born! Annie was asleep before we got out of the driveway. It was a perfect weekend with lots of family, friends and good food! The one glaringngly obvious omission are pictures of my dad! I got the camera out late in the day and didn't get any pictures of my dad with Patrick, Ed and I or with the grandkids! Just picture him sitting on the front porch with a kid on each knee and several around him - all of the kids are beaming because no one makes them feel more special than their Papa! If you are looking for the BEST Fathers, godfathers and uncles in the world- look no farther - they are all in our family and we love them VERY much!

GNM - ILY!