The Best Memorial Day--Ever!

We spent the day at Pioneer Park in Mooresville, maybe 7 minutes away from our house. Last fall, my mom and I feel in love with this park as we would run through all the winding paths and beautiful scenery. It reminds me so much of home, especially of Howarth Park. It has an awesome playground, a really fun water park, sports fields, tons of trees and greenery, long jogging paths, bridges, and a great creek! How could you ask for more? What a gem to have so close to our home.



Nonni looking over one of the bridges.

Christian, Daddy, and Lincoln starting to explore the creek with all its water and rocks.

Mommy and Christian loving the relaxation of the creek.

So, I didn't anticipate that the boys would actually go swimming in the creek. And, of course, I was happily surprised. Since we didn't have any extra clothes, I stripped Crisco down to just his sandals so that some of his clothes could stay dry. Then the boys played and swam and played some more. It was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better family retreat. It really did warm my heart, especially seeing Jon being the best daddy ever and being completely willing to play in the creek with his boys. I loved it. And so did they.

I'm a Bike Riding Machine

This is Lincoln's first real bike. I think it's an 18-incher. It's metallic yellow (Daddy's favorite color) with pegs and all. We even bought him a Lightning McQueen helmet, skater style (which I have to say are way cuter than the traditional shape). Lincoln's absolutely loved it since day one. And, since day one he's loved going super fast. I was worried at first that he wouldn't be able to brake well. But once we explained it to him, he got it immediately. What a relief. Another thing that I've been very impressed with Lincoln is how safe and obedient he has been. He never goes in the street and whenever we cross the street he automatically walks his bike across. I love how smart he is with riding. I am looking forward to taking down my poor, neglected, yet beautiful bike and going riding with him this summer. I really need to get on that. It'll be so much fun. That's one of those 'wholesome recreational activities' that I truly look forward to doing with my kids. Now I just have to get Jon to fall in love with biking, too. Maybe since he has more meat on his bones now, his butt won't hurt as bad :0) That was his chief complaint. (he he)

"I Love My Daddy!"

Link: "Here ya go, Dad. Here's your birfday cake."
Lincoln thought that Jon was getting a cake for his birthday. At 3 yo, he hasn't really grasped the idea of Father's Day. It doesn't matter to us, though, it's a party either way!

Jon: "Thanks, Link. I love gigantic cookies!"

Link: "Me too. What are we waiting for?! Let's eat some now!!"

Happy Father's Day, honey.
I really appreciate all the ways you contribute to our family. You are so dependable, so trustworthy, so true, so fun, so funny, so helpful, and so handsome with all those curls! One of my favorite parts about parenting with you is just that--that we parent together. I love that we take the time to discuss the different phases are children are going through and how we should handle them. I love that I can rely on you to be right there next to me as we discipline and love our children together. Thank you for being such a great companion. And thank you for being such a great father to our children. You make a difference. And I know that our boys love their daddy. Just like I love you!