Father's Day 2010

It seems like all my posts start out with things from when I was growing up. It's strange how all things change when you have children, including the focus on Father's Day. It is no longer on just your dad, but your husband. Ammon is such a great dad. For being one that doesn't get to see Matthew as often as any dad would like to see their children, he is always a good sport about it. I have never had to ask him to change a diaper. He is so willing to give baths, feed meals and take Matthew places when he has errands to run. I can see that Matthew wants to be like Ammon even though I know he can't really say so. About a week ago, we were eating spaghetti. Ammon, not one to twirl his pasta on a fork or do so by using a spoon, not even one to cut it up, likes to eat it like a Japanese person eating soup. He gets his mouth really close to the plate and has a mouthful of pasta hanging out as he gradually eats it. Not too surprisingly, it doesn't look that appetizing. I glance at Matthew and what is he doing? THE EXACT SAME THING. Now, if he wants to do what Ammon does at the table, I know he'll want to do what Ammon does elsewhere, including how he treats me, him and how he acts to total strangers. He'll pick up a few habits like that (which I have to admit isn't as bad as what it could be), but I know it won't be long until he's picking up way more important habits like going to church, supporting a family and treating women with respect.

A few of the shots I love with Ammon and Matthew:

First bath. Ammon was so nervous before Matthew was born because he knew he'd be really small. Plus, he hadn't been around newborns. Like ever.

When we were living in Henderson, Ammon worked nights like he has most of our marriage, and he was always so tired. He tired so hard to spend as much time as possible with us.

This Father's Day, Matthew and I got Ammon a backpack that can carry him if and when we go hiking. Since the day that Matt was born, Ammon has wanted this thing. It has just always been expensive. Chris got his Dick's discount for us though and it ended up being a steal. I do have to say that I got the perfect gift for him.

We also got him some clothes of course.

We all took turns taking Matthew for rides and he loved it! It is the most comfortable backpack I've ever worn. AND he'll be in it until he's 40 lbs. He'll probably be 5!

We got my dad some new things for his office and Matthew always loves opening them and playing with things right away. He thought these were his presents. We are so lucky to have my dad. For as long as I can remember, he has always been there for us. He taught me exactly how to live the gospel so I could be happy. He has always been supportive and had complete faith and trust in us. He has made sure we are taken care of and will always be there to answer questions and give advice. He is the best dad I could ask for.

Can I say how obsessed Matthew is with my mom and dad?! He LOVES my dad. And my dad loves all his grandkids. He is so patient and wants to take Matthew EVERYWHERE. He loves to go with Grandpa and get water, take out the trash, clean up the backyard and to play with him while he works in his office. Not to mention, they LOVE to share popsicles. Matthew adores him and my dad does as well.

I don't have a recent picture of Matthew with Ammon's dad, but this is one of my favorites. This was Christmas 2008 and Matt was only six months old and I remember that Mark had only seen Matthew three times before and so he was so excited to get to see him again. It was so cute because instantly, Matthew connected with him. He actually always has. I'm always worried that he won't do well with Ammon's side of the family since he never gets to see them, but I think that Heavenly Father really answers my prayers so he'll love Ammon's family whenever he gets to see them.

I have to say that Ammon LOVES his dad. He talks about him all the time. When he was in Iraq, I remember him writing me and telling me that his dad was probably his best friend. That's always a good sign when a guy loves his dad. He has learned a lot from his dad and Mark has always been so generous to us. Now that he's in Kentucky, we won't get to see him even as often as we did in Utah (even though that's was next to nothing), but we're glad that he is so good with Matthew.