Father’s Day…according to Wikipedia it is “is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.” On this day, we make the time to let our dads know just how much they mean to us…not that they don’t know that, or at least they should, but it’s a day that we make extra effort to let them know just how special they are to us and how much we love and appreciate them. Dads can be birth dads, step dads, or just a male figure that has had a great influence in our lives…it might be a grandfather or an uncle, or just a friend, but it’s someone who has impacted our lives and made a difference. Many have had to say goodbye to their dads…and sadly can’t tell them how much they love them on this special day, but remembering the great times, the love and difference they made in your life is a tribute to them. My dad passed away over four years ago…and still to this day, I miss him every day, there are things I want to tell him, share with him, photos to show him or just to tell him I love him. I’d love to hear him tell some of his great jokes or sit down and just visit over a good Manhattan or margarita with him. He was awesome, he loved his kids unconditionally, was encouraging and supportive…and trusted us to know we would make the right decisions…he’d given us the tools to do that, along with our mom…and for that, I’m eternally thankful! I know that I’m not the only one missing my dad more than usual on this day, but oh, what I’d give to just be able to tell him one more time how much I love him and thank him for EVERYTHING!! My amazing husband has been a wonderful dad to our two children…and is there to support and encourage them along the way…to listen, give advice, lend a helping hand if needed and to let them know they are loved…what more can you ask for in a father…I know that I’m so lucky to have him in my life and to have shared together in raising our two great children!!
With my job, I have the pleasure of meeting some GREAT families and I especially enjoy watching parents interact with their children…and seeing the young families starting out is such a joy! It’s fun to see just how much more involved dads are with their little ones today…and it’s an AWESOME thing to watch! This past spring our daughter and her husband because first time parents and it’s an incredible thing to watch the love that grows by leaps and bounds each day between a new parent and their baby..and it is about the most amazing thing ever. The gift of a child and the gift of the love for that child…truly priceless and irreplaceable! Our son has been a dad for 6 1/2 years and I never tire of watching he and his daughter together…the love between them is so strong and it warms my heart when I see them cuddle or say they love one another…
So, in honor of ALL the amazing dads out there, I’d like to say HAPPY FATHER’S DAY and thank you to each and everyone one of you…for being great role models and loving your child and your family…it really is the best gift you can give them!
Here are some photos of my family…and some of the great families I’ve had the pleasure to photograph so far this year!
My dad, mom, myself and my brother, nearly 5 years ago at my daughter’s wedding…what a wonderful day!!
Our son, daughter, granddaughter, myself and my INCREDIBLE husband!!
My sister in-law, father in-law, mother in-law and my husband…his great family!!
Our granddaughter and her dad, our son…so cute together!!
Our daughter, her husband and their new daughter…who’s cuter than cute!!
The Jacobson Family…dad, Jason, mom, Katie, and children Indy and Joe, such a sweet family!
I love this photos of Ed and his son, Max…sorry for not including mom and daughter in this, but to me, this is such a GREAT father/son photo, I had to use this one…aren’t they both so handsome!!
Marzano Family…brand new parents, Jerad and LeeAnn, with their handsome new son, Carson!
Another set of new parents…Thomas and Magi welcomed Ryder into their family…he’s a sweetie!!
This couple, Brandon and Varvara are wonderful parents to their beautiful daughter, Piper!
More new parents…Eric and Jennifer, with their adorable son, Landon. I’d also like to thank Eric for serving our country…another job that is just as important and for he and all the others, I’m forever grateful for their sacrifice…and for their families for their sacrifice…you all ROCK!!
This wonderful family, Michael and Allison are going to welcome a new addition to join big sister, Abigail, this summer…they are a special family that we love dearly…our “adopted family” from Tennessee…love you guys!
And last, but certainly not least…the Leible family…Rick, Jessica and Brylee who are awaiting a new little girl in the next month…such a delightful family!!!!
Oh, how I loved watching dad and daughter…it’s obvious that Piper TOTALLY idolizes her dad and that is a beautiful thing to see!
What three year old doesn’t love “swinging” while walking with her parents…you can see just how much Piper is enjoying it!!
This amazing quilt was made for Ryder by one of Magi’s friends…such incredible talent and it’s perfect…love that it matches his coming home outfit with the pirates!!
And, I couldn’t resist sharing this photo again…it was a “sneak peek” right after the session…it was just too funny to not put in this blog. I’m not sure if Ryder doesn’t want his photo taken or if he’s not wanting to see his parents kissing…or maybe both…whatever it is, I absolutely love it…so funny!!
And, one more that I want to share…a “before and after” with Ryder’s adorable little outfit!!