Fathers and Daughters

To say I am a Daddy's girl is an understatement. When I was little I always cried for him when I was hurt. I spent much of our time together on his lap. He was the funniest, the smartest, the strongest, the BEST! I still think that way. It wasn't until recently that I realized how mutual these feelings are. (Well, I'm not sure about the smartest or strongest but I'd like to think the others) I realized this through Pat's relationship with Lily. I see a father and daughter differently now.

When Pat and I were married, as we were presented to the congregation, my eyes immediately turned to my parents. I vividly remember my Dad's reaction, I saw a smile through tear-filled eyes. At the time I thought those were purely tears of happiness, love and pride. Now I wonder? Now that we are parents ourselves, I imagine some of those tears were tears of sadness. The day your daughter, that has always relied one you, starts her life with another man must be hard. You are no longer her one and only. When the day comes for Lily to marry the man of her dreams, I imagine it will be bittersweet.

These thoughts came to me a few weeks ago when we were listening to ZBB's new album. About half way through, I'll Be Your Man the lyrics started to sink in and before I knew it tears were streaming down my face.

You're gonna make the finest momma someday
Some man will take you away
But until then
Chase down your dreams
Laugh all the time and believe
That love's gonna conquer all things
So until then
I'll be your man

There was a time when I thought I knew love until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying but you're always gonna be my baby girl

So as you walk through this life you will see
The world's what you want it to be
But until then
Go on and dance, dance like there's no one around
Never stop singing out loud
And until then
I'll be your man

Go and have a ball
Take every chance that you make
You know I'll be one call away
I'll always be
I'll always be your man

....Hold on child, hold on tight to your old man
I'm gonna hold you tight under my wing long as I can

....I'll be your man

Hello Summer!

We started our summer the right way, with a 3-day weekend at the beach! We stayed in Garden City which brought back lots of memories for us both. This is where Pat spent many summers vacationing with his family, and me years at "first week" with my girlfriends. Oh, how the times have changed!

We had the best time! Lily loved every minute of the beach; the sand, the waves and the water!

Beach naps are the best!

Evening golf cart rides

Snack break!

Boogie boarding!

I don't know who enjoyed this more, Pat or Lily?! 

Beach love!

We took her to the arcade and Pat was so excited that her first pick was his child hood favorite, Pitchers Choice.

Everyone says she looks like me, but look at their matching facial expressions!

Annual beach trips aren't usually our thing but next year I am lobbying for a whole week! Oh, and I also have to include a quick video of Lily's "swimming" progress. She is starting to "kick and scoop"! I'm not sure if she  will really get the swimming thing down this year but she loves being under water and that's all that matters to me. She gets a huge smile on her face right before you put her under and it usually continues until she surfaces. (Sorry for the nudity in this video....she pretty much does whatever she wants ;))