Our DAD is RAD!

Father's Day 2011 was awesome! We drove to Sioux Falls to spend time with family and had a great time. We went to Falls Park and had a picnic with my brother and his family, sister Tina, and sister Mary with her family. It meant a lot to me to be able to be with at least of my brothers and brother in law on Father's Day. This day is special for so many reasons and so many people in our lives. I love watching my siblings with their children and MINE, especially on such important days. We are so blessed to have these men in our lives, as our protectors, as our partners, and as our support systems!

We were fortunate to be with my oldest brother Tim, brother in law Christopher, and of course my amazing husband on Father's Day. We called my Dad, brother Gabe, and brother in law JP to wish them a wonderful day.

And we remembered those Fathers that we no longer have with us...Tim's Dad Jon, grandfathers Rol, Don, Ed, George, and Delbert. We think of them every day but especially on this day.

We love them all dearly and appreciate what they do for their children!

Dad, Your guiding hand on our shoulders will remain with us forever.

Daddy's jokin' buddy, Maxwell

Daddy's competition, Lincoln

Daddy's teammate, Char

Chasin' brothers and cousins all day

Aunt Mary with Charlie and Mak climbing rocks

Uncle Chris had the kids tired before we even started the walk

Uncle Tim and Lincoln were buddies all day. My brother wants a lil boy so bad!

Charlie and Soph spying jets in the air

Tim,

I watch you every day with our sons and see the love in your eyes when you walk in that door at night. I see dedication when you are reading stories, giving bathes, and wrestling with them. I see determination to give them the best future possible. I see pride when these boys reach a new milestone and when they express their love to you.

I am so proud of the man and father that you are! I couldn't have asked for a more involved Dad! You are my rock, my counselor, and my peace and I couldn't do this without you at my side every step of the way! I love you so very much!

Falls Park, SD

Uncle Tim on toddler duty

My beautiful sisters Christina Marie and Mary Elizabeth

Uncle Chris and Charlie bonding.

My brother Tim with his family, Faye, Isabelle, and Sophia

Four of the five siblings, with Linc and Iz (missed Gabe)

Tim O. with his sons, Chris with his son, and Tim H. with his daughters

Never raise your hand to your kids, it leaves your groin unprotected.

Chistina, Mary, ME, and Faye

Chris and Charlie were inseparable.

Our group enjoying our Father's Day together! (minus me behind the camera)

To my Father,

Words can't describe how I feel about you! I am so blessed to call you MY dad and my children's Papa. Life and relationships don't come easy to everyone. I know where you've come and who you are! I know that you did everything in your power to protect us, provide for us, support us, and show us love in your own special way. I appreciate who you are and what you stand for! Thank you for everything you do for ALL of us. You are amazing! We love you!

You Saved Me!

My sister Christina moved to St. Peter to save me, a sad, homesick, lonely woman with a two year old and twins on the way. She couldn't have come here at a better time. She helped Tim and I through hard days with the boys and made Charlie feel special when we were too tired to do so. So yeah, my big sister saved me.

She is leaving behind a much stronger sister/mother, a more confident woman, but still homesick for my siblings. That will never change. Growing up my parents made sure we had friends to play with. That's why they had FIVE kids - so we would never be without. Living in the country we counted on each other for entertainment, support, and finding trouble. My parents didn't know at the time but they gave me the best gift possible, my brothers and sisters!

The "six of us" became "the five of us" again. We said good bye to Aunt Tina this afternoon before naps. With tears and giant hugs going around, Charlie was quite confused. But we know our visits will be frequent. I will miss our shopping trips, spa outings, and "adult" dinners.

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown

An older sister is a friend and defender - a listener, conspirator, a counselor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too. ~Pam Brown

"Only an Aunt... can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister,

and share love like a friend."

Our last game night before Aunt Tina moves. We found a new one which includes building "sandwiches".

Filling their bread

Can't say I would have eaten any of the sandwiches we built

An aunt is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart.

Max doesn't know what's going on - "Aunt Tina's just here to play Mama"

Aunt Tina has shared so many special times with us and we appreciate and remember each one!

This picture says it all.

WE LOVE YOU AUNT TINA TO THE MOON AND BACK!

We will go where ever you are to get hugs!

Max loves new technology just as much as his Aunt

She has to wait to use her own phone at our house.

No Babies Allowed!

Today was a day for the big kids...Charlie's cousins, Karlie and Claire, joined us for a fun day out while Max and Linc stayed with a sitter. We drove to Hutchinson to grab the girls and run! Our date started with lunch and bowling, manicure for the girls, ice cream for everyone, and a visit to the park! I can't say enough how much Tim and I enjoyed ourselves today with Charlie and the girls. We love our nieces dearly and cherish the memories we make together. We can't wait for the next adventure!!

Chocolate milk all around. Cheers to us!

The girls loved their new books and sandal kits they got

Tim and Charlie watching the ball roll, roll, roll and finally hit the pins :)

The girls would tell me every turn how many I should knock down. Can't say I always came through

Karlie kept saying "this time to the right (Middle, Left)"

Best seats in the house (CT and Claire watching Karlie)

Congrats to Claire for getting a STRIKE!

Trying on their Halloween masks early

Great day for this Aunt and Mom!! Loved every minute of today!

Nails!! Karlie chose pink with white flowers

Claire chose orange with butterflies. CT watched so patiently and was excited for the girls' pretty nails.

Dilly Bars at the park!

"Help Guys!"

"Oh yeah this hits the spot"

Don't look down Claire!

Happy Dude today

Priceless smile

Karlie loved the bumpy slide

Uncle Tim spotting Claire

He had a blast with the girls today and smiled the whole way home!

Two seconds after the picture Charlie hit the ground with the girls falling on top. Now that would have been the pic to get. :)

Claire Bear

The girls helped Charlie be brave. He is not a fan of heights.

And this is Charlie on the way home. Oh my child.