Fathers

Poppop didn't make it to Father's Day this year but we celebrated him just the same.

He spun me around so hard on the dance floor at my wedding I almost peed on my dress. I told you he was strong! He was so darn cute.

Father's Day was bittersweet for my dad this year but it reminded me of how strong he really is. He kept the boat afloat with my Grandma and pretty much organized all the details for the funeral services. Not how he wanted to spend his Father's Day but he's the oldest, the big brother who always comes through in crisis. That's my dad, 'ol' reliable'. He doesn't miss a beat. He's intelligent, witty, sarcastic (almost to fault), but the most reliable man you'll ever meet. He encourages, he supports, and he's got the best sense of direction:) He can sniff his way around any town without a map. He has always been my solid go-to-man when I need a cheering section or advice without judgement. I'm his one and only daughter:) Selfishly I love that. He used to be wrapped around my pinkie but I think after 31 years he's slowly catching onto my gig.

Happy Belated Father's Day, Dad.

I love you. I have, and always will, look up to you.

Love, your Rinky Dink

We spent the weekend with Mac's parents and would you believe that I didn't get a picture with Mac and both of his babies together? Craziness.

Poppop proudly showing off the card that Maryn made for him. And no, the kegerator in the background does not belong to my in-laws...it's Mac's brothers.

This is called L.O.V.E.

And this is called S.C.R.U.M.P.T.I.O.U.S.

Poppop found a pet at the beach

And Maryn was showing us how the crab crawled

"Thank you Great Aunt Sarah and Uncle Kevin for my Minnie suit...I look good in polka dots."

Several years ago, my grandparents were forced to sell their home of over 50 years in order to move out of state to be closer to my aunt and assisted living. They sold a lot of their furniture but I was fortunate to get a secretary desk they had in their family room since before I was born. It was probably 6 months after I got the desk that I discovered an old photo tucked into one of the drawers. A picture of my grandfather serving in the United States Marine Corp during WWII! What a treasure. I've blown it up to frame and hang in Benham's room. Those goggles are rad.

My cousins Carlson (named after my Poppop) serves in the United States Army and my cousin Cory followed my grandfather into the Marines.

Three Servicemen

They presented my grandmother with the American flag used to drape Pop's casket

My parents grew up one block from each other in Reading, Pennsylvania. Remember the Reading Railroad on Monopoly? My grandfather, my moms dad, worked on that railroad. We managed to find a little time to hit up some old favorite spots in town.

Mimi was convinced this was a princess castle.

When you can get two babies to take their naps in a hotel room you feel empowered!

We met cousin Jack for the first time...he could be M's twin.

This is after I asked her to share her Nilla Wafers with him. *thinking about it*

*making the right choice*

She seriously looked like an angel at his funeral. Her prayers go straight to heaven:)

I think Grandma found some comic relief in this one.

Proof that she really is THAT sweet.

P.S. It's all about ballerinas and twirling and dancing and tutu's right now. Mama likes.