Baba Father

We learned today in Primary Singing time that Baba is a name for father in another language.

Baba is also what D calls his sippy cup or a bottle.

Here is Baba drinking from a baba,
no hands allowed.

We went to a couples baby shower dinner to celebrate the mother, and the father, and their first baby. I love the enthusiasm and excitement our friend has to be becoming a dad because yes, fatherhood and motherhood are just the best. He didn't want to miss out on the fun so there was a lovely dinner with baby games and presents to honor them both.

Like most (well, probably all) of the guys there, this was Eric's first baby shower, and he got second place in the Daddy competitions, just so you know.

Sometimes I think there is more hype about how important motherhood is (because it is pretty darn important), but fatherhood can not be underestimated.

Lucky for me, I have two amazing men in my life who I respect and honor as fathers--my dad and my husband. This much I know about fathers because of them both.

A father knows how to use humor and fun to keep peace in the home.
Fathers are generous and self-less and always serving.
Children love and respect their fathers and want to make them proud and happy.
A Father teaches effectively and leads with love and by example.

Fathers are the heroes.


A very Happy Father's Day!

Filled with Field Trips

The last month of school 

means fun field trips.

Preschool went to the zoo.

Kyler's class went to an art museum and made books.

By far, this was the easiest field trip I've ever chaperoned!

Third graders, two adults for every three kids, and we stayed as one big group through the tour and activities.

 L goes on her own field trips to get the mail 

a few times each week. 

And sometimes she insists on dressing her head like this.

But usually she just moseys along, picking flowers and blowing dandelions.

Kacin went on an awesome field trip, too. 

Except I didn't get to go. :(

So I don't have pictures of him making toys with his class.

Instead here is a picture of him eating chips and salsa.

And to round this post off,

I'll throw in a picture of D.

D in L's sparkly headband.

a week in June

On Monday,
I was delighted that Eric worked from home so that during nap time I could run to the grocery store, a court hearing, and to buy end of the year teacher gifts. And FHE included a game of darts on the Xbox, which included tears and kids yelling out of frustration because those dang darts wouldn't go where they were supposed to.

Saturday's outing

On Tuesday,
I rejoiced because it did not rain on our Teddy Bear Picnic for the last day of preschool. I loved this group of kids.

fun kids! just missing one who was on vacation, and those that moved this year

On Wednesday,
I celebrated by reading ALL the day long, in between being needed by kids, and neglected any to do list because it was my first day of summer and a girl needs one day to celebrate those things and what better way to do that than with a good book.

On Thursday,
I triumphed because for the first time in months and months I made it to the gym to exercise. Swimming felt so good. I have to say though, it was a miracle I still fit into my swimsuit.

My cute girl on Sunday before church

On Friday,
I enjoyed Jello. Really now, who has cravings for Jello? It's a strange, strange thing, but this week, I did. So I gave in and made orange Jello with whipped cream on top.


Could it be? Just one more day of school--hooray!

Date Night

I am the luckiest girl because I get to go on dates with so many handsome boys, like this guy.
Tonight we spent our hour eating yummy Mexican food, walking around town center, browsing a bookstore, and buying a clock. And I beat him at tic tac toe. That's a sign of a good man--one who doesn't mind losing to his mom. I hope I get a second date with this boy sometime soon.

Ruff Ruff! That's Our Happy Dog Barking

My first

"Mom, can I have a dog?" letter.

And I'm certain it ranks way up there

in the top ask for a dog letters of all time.

That attention grabber is stellar.

And a promise of my protection, too.

"Dear Mom,

Ruff, ruff! That's our happy dog barking. Can we have a dog? It will teach me to be responsible. I'll save up the money to feed it. I promise I will not let it hurt you. It will sure be nice to have a dog. Pleeeese!

Your son,

Kacin Allen Allred

PS. It does not have to be a big dog." 

I love the kid 

all the more 

for his letter,

but will he love me for my response?

One Evening In the Backyard