Joe

Kai has been planning for days the perfect father's day celebration for Joe. On his own, he decided we would have breakfast out (a huge treat) at the new Turtle Bread Bakery which opened just down the street, then we would head to Ft. Snelling State Park and buy a new annual state park sticker and hike to the river.

Kai jumped out of bed this morning and had Joe close his eyes all the way to the bakery and then into the bakery. I really thought he might burst from excitement. And, it just kept getting better. Ft. Snelling State Park was a favorite place for Joe and I to hike (or ski and snowshoe) before we had kids and now we agree it's the perfect family park. It's only 10 minutes from our house, but we feel hours away.

It was the perfect place to celebrate Joe and the fact that he is just about the most kind, devoted, fun, silly, and caring dad that our two kids could ever wish for. I know I couldn't be half the mom I am without him by my side. While hiking today, I leaned over to smooch Joe and when I did, I peeked down at Kai and saw him beaming while grabbing for Joe's hand and then Ruby June snagged Joe's hat off his head with a giggle. It was just a second, but it left me with such a huge amount of gratitude for the trees, our two kiddos, the water, our love and most of all, for Joe.

Happy Father's Day!