Father's Day!

Just in case any of you don't know, Jeff is an absolutely amazing dad. He wakes up early every morning with the wee one to let me get a few more precious minutes of sleep. He makes Bennett laugh like no one else can as they "wrestle", play ball, chase each other or as Jeff throws him around, tickles him or sings silly, made-up songs. He is patient and gentle at other times, reading stories or saying sweet bedtime prayers.

Bennett is totally enamored with his Daddy. He squeals with excitement and wriggles away from me in the evening when he hears Jeff come in. He is absolutely aglow with delight all weekend because Daddy is home ALL DAY! If Jeff has to work in the yard, Bennett will stand at the window, jabbering and waving each time Jeff passes by with the mower. It is too precious. I love to see my boys together.

The B Boy and I did our best to cook up some big plans to honor his amazing daddy for Father's Day. We picked out a couple of small gifts and Bennett hand selected a cute card that plays "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" when opened.

After church we met CPapa (Jeff's Dad), Aunt Jen, Uncle Rick, and cousins Haley and Dylan at the Ballpark in Arlington for a special Father's Day event. Although it was the hottest day of the year so far, we sweat out the 100+ temps and really enjoyed ourselves.

The event included having your picture made with Nolan Ryan in the dugout, a chance to run the bases, play catch in the outfield, a bar-b-que lunch, tours of the clubhouse, batting cages and media room, a q&a time with Mr. Ryan and door prizes. CPapa won a baseball autographed by (you guessed it) Nolan Ryan!

Here are a few pictures from our day:

Bennett getting lathered up with sunscreen before heading in.

Cousin Haley had her picture made with the Ranger's mascot.

And this is what Bennett thought about getting anywhere near that terrifying horse.

Jeff and his Daddy. Hope you had a great Father's Day, CPapa!

I just thought Bennett looked like such a big boy sitting on the bench and eating his lunch.

Jeff carried Bennett around the bases (they are at first base) with Haley, Dylan, Jen and Rick not far behind.

We met Jim Sundberg in the clubhouse. You know who that is, right? Yeah, well, I didn't either.

Let me educate you. Wikipedia says Mr. Sundberg "is a former professional baseball catcher for a number of teams, most significantly the Texas Rangers...He was known for being one of the best fielding catchers of all time."

So now you know. Go forth and impress you husbands.

Bennett and I head to the outfield to play some catch. Or, at least watch the rest of the family play catch.

Chillin' in the outfield. I thought it was pretty cool to get to see the ballpark from the field.

He looks like he could be a professional ballplayer, no?

Andy shows off his prize. What a great way to end our time at the ballpark!

Afterward we met up with Nanny for a yummy steak dinner at Saltgrass. Despite only about 30 minutes of total nap time throughout the day, Bennett was a champ! We were amazed that he was so easy going all day, including while we waited for a table and for our food at dinner. Even I was feeling a little grumpy from tiredness, heat and hunger by that point. What a sweet little one we have.

Jeff, I hope you enjoyed your special day and that every day you know how much we love and treasure you!