Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day was extra special this year because it was Justin's first Father's Day!  Annaliese, my brother Alex, Justin and I all packed in our car and headed up to New Jersey for the weekend to celebrate a few birthdays and Father's Day together.  June 14th was my dad's birthday, June 16th was my brother's birthday, June 17th was my step mom's birthday and also Father's Day.  Yeah...needless to say we're broke for the month of June, but it's always worth it! :)


We arrived to my dad's house on Friday evening, around 9pm.  It was Annaliese's first long road trip since she was 2 months old so we were a little nervous about how she would be in the car, but she slept the first hour, woke up to eat, and we played for the remainder of the trip (a total of 4 hours including a pit stop) and did really well over all.  Mommy and daddy were proud of her!  We unloaded the car and had some yummy pizza and winded down for the evening.

At the gas station- 10 minutes into the trip

Playing so well by herself

Saturday we woke up fairly early and began getting ready for the day ahead.  Two of my best friends from high school and their 3 kids had planned a going away party/1st birthday party(for their youngest kid) and since they are about an hour from my dad's house, we were able to see them before they leave New Jersey and head to Texas where they'll be for 4 years.  We all headed over to their house and spent a few hours with them and they were finally able to meet Annaliese!

Levi was very pleased to meet Annaliese

They hit it off right away!

Annaliese didn't know what to do with so many toys!

Getting to know each other

My good friend, Jason with Logan and Gabbie

Alex helped out by giving Annaliese her sweet potato puffs

2 cakes- One for birthday boy, Levi and one for Jason who turns 30 in Sept.

Jason with Levi and Gabbie

Annaliese was having fun with daddy and watching everyone

Levi chowing down on some yummy icing and big sister, Gabbie enjoying some cake too!

My best friend since 10th grade and my daughter :)

Logan- such a ham!  Also enjoying some birthday cake!

After we said our goodbyes and held back the tears, we met up at TGI Friday's to celebrate Alex's birthday!  Unfortunately Justin stayed behind because he had a bad migraine.  But we still had a nice time.  Annaliese was enjoying her time with Nana and Papou and had a blast playing with the menu!

Annaliese with Nana and Papou

Annaliese trying to decide on a cocktail.  Haha!

Sunday we woke up and gave out Father's Day gifts!  Annaliese got Justin a photo book made via Shutterfly and I bought him a "New Dad" Willow Tree Figurine for our family collection.  We also bought my dad the "Grandpa" Willow Tree figurine for his Father's Day gift.  And since it was also Jackie's birthday, we celebrated her too and also had some yummy ice cream birthday cake!


Click on the link below to view the photo book from Annaliese.


http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=b6ddb562a905597c6d9889752d9a603c&sid=0YaMWLly2ZuWA

We left to head back home on Monday.  It's always hard to part ways from my dad, but we know we will see them again in a few weeks.  He and Jackie plan to move to PA so we can be closer to them and see them more often and we are so excited for when that day comes!  

Although we had a wonderful weekend with my dad, we didn't keep Justin's dad far from our thoughts.  This was our first Father's Day without him.  He is missed everyday and we so wish that he could be here to share in the joy of smiles and laughter of our Annaliese.   We know he's in Heaven looking down on us and is very proud of all of us.  We're lucky to have him as our guardian angel and there's no doubt that Annaliese will know her Papaw and what a wonderful man he was from the day he was born till the day he passed away. We love you, dad!  Happy Father's Day in Heaven.  You are forever missed. 

Ron and I on Father's Day 2009

Justin, Ron and Ashley - Father's Day 2009

  


Linking up with Mama Wants This! and These Little Waves for Memories Captured June!