Happy Father's Day from Florida

A little something from me

Daddy and his girl

The best way to start the day

Building sandcastles

Hard at work

Water!!!!!!!!!!!

Snack just taste better this way.

This pool is just right!

I love this thing!

Happy Father's Day to the world's best daddy, ours! Matt is a wonderful man, husband and father. He is such a blessing in our lives. We love you very much daddy! -the girls

After sharing Father's Day cards with daddy, we started our morning at Starbucks. There's nothing quite like strolling down a little brick path to your local Starbucks, taking in the fresh sea air, shaded by palm trees and all without a care in the world. Ahhhhhhh- vacation!

After breakfast, we went down to the beach and had a great time. Lily Grace and daddy spent a lot of time building sandcastles and Lily Grace decided it was so much fun that having the sand on her was no longer a big deal. She had sooooooo much fun. So much so that she took a three and a half hour nap after lunch at Bud and Alleys, (named after a dog and cat).

We spent the afternoon at the pool and the evening swinging and eating dinner on our wrap around porch.

We are having the absolute best time!!! And for me and Matt, most of that has to do with watching and being with the best little girl in the world.

Miles Traveled

We left home yesterday with the car packed to the max and filled with much excitement. We set off on our first family vacation to Seaside, Florida.

After about 9 hours in the car we made it to our first stop, Dothan, Alabama. Lily Grace did awesome and it is amazing how listening to the same Elmo music CD over and over again can keep you entertained. (Matt and I- not so much!)

Gran (my mom) drove up on Friday evening and we all went down to relax at the hotel pool.

On Saturday morning we visited with family and had a wonderful meal and great time. Lily Grace got to see Honey (her great-grandmother) and meet Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Pam and cousins Jessica and Zane. She absolutely adored them! We were treated to a delicious lunch and had a lot of fun. Oh! And less I forget, Shasta the cat. Lily Grace LOVED this cat. Shasta on the otherhand, well surely the recovery time won't be that long. HA! HA! It's the fist time Lily grace has really been up close and personal with a cat so....

We left Dothan Saturday afternoon and arrived with what seemed like a million other people going to the same place.

Seaside is beautiful and the cottage we've rented is so cute.

Once we settled in and aqauinted ourselves with the area a little, we took Lily Grace down to the beach for her first feel of white sand between her toes. Now for those of you who know Lily Grace, she isn't particularly fond of thigs stuck to her and the sand was no exception. She's not quite sure about it. Nonetheless, she is really enjoying this whole vacation concept and all the extra time with mommy and daddy.

We are already having the best time and can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Early Father's Day!

Want me to read it to you daddy?

       Special Delivery

A special invite

Dressed and ready to go

      Too funny!  Lily Grace decided she needed to 

accessorize on the way out the door.  Sorry daddy!

Matt said this is what he turned around to

in the car. Too cute!

Out to dinner

Yes!  She made a statement when they entered

the restaurant.  She was still accessorized.  Daddy

walked her in with pride.  Your the best daddy!

Daddy and I are having soooo much fun!

Father's Day came early to our house this year.  We will be at the beach next Sunday on the actual day, but wanted Daddy to enjoy his special gift before we left, so we gave it to him this weekend.

I thought long and hard about this year's gift.  I tried to think of things that he didn't have and would enjoy.  Then it hit me!  As for a tangible gift, well I couldn't come up with one.  He had wanted a new briefcase a couple of months ago and had already gotten it.  Besides that, "things" are pretty insignificant these days.  It's amazing and a blessing the way having a child changes your priorities and thinking in life.  All for the better I must say.  

Then it hit me, the one thing that Matt desires most, but rarely has is more time with his little girl.  Matt is such a good daddy.  He's very hands on and involved in Lily Grace's life, every aspect of it.  It's not very often they get one on one time either as we cherish our family time. 

So this year Lily Grace and I surprised daddy with a very special invitation.  We created this invitation with her picture on the outside.  The inside held a special message inviting daddy to dinner alone with his little girl.  It was even requested that this be an ongoing thing between them.

And so it begins...daddy date night.  They bathed, dressed and with only the request of some pictures by mommy, they were on their way.  Lily Grace was giggly with excitement and her daddy beamed with pride.  They enjoyed a nice dinner and then ended their first daddy date with a trip to Barnes and Noble for a new book.  (And through it all, mommy managed to show some restraint and only called once asking for details.)

Upon returning home, Lily Grace was still all giggles and both were happy to share their evening. 

Matt says that this is one of the best and most special gifts he could have received.  According to him, he and Lily now have a special "thing" that he looks forward to enjoying for years to come.