Grandma D and Grandpa Spencer Visit!

I have a good reason for the lack of posts.  I really do.  My parents were in town.

It renders me physically incapable of posting on my blog.  

We were just too busy having fun that I barely sat at the computer all week (except or to play poker online with my dad).

I think we jam packed a months worth of activities into 10 days.  It was a blast.

The kids were completely over the moon to see their Canadian grandparents.  HP was constantly sitting on Grandpa Spencer's lap or holding his hand, and The Dude had a constant play pal in Gramma D, who were always playing kickball, feeding the creatures or chasing each other around.  Even though they don't get to see my parents as much as we'd all like, the kids had no qualms and were completely smitten the moment they walked through the door.

Here are a few pictures from our wonderful visit...

Birthday Wishes!

I know, I know...I am pretty much saturating my blog with a bunch of birthday posts...but June is a big month for my family.

That said.

Dad, Happy Freaking Birthday!  I have already called and left you an annoying rendition of Happy Birthday on your answering machine (complete with a wicked cackle when I realize how old you are)!  You are old, but you wouldn't really know it by looking at you.  Yeah, sure, you have a few wrinkles and some grey hair, but at least you don't look like Randy, or worse, Grandma (HA!  Whatev, she never reads the blog anyways).   Love you!

My brother's girlfriend, aka, Chipmunk.  I hope to God, that my brother makes an honest woman out of you soon!  Tell that big brat to put a damn ring on your finger...tell him I told him so.  All jokes aside (not that proposing is a joke), I hope you have a truly kickin' birthday!  We cannot wait to see you in December and tear into our Super Colossal's with you!  Wish we could be there to toast a cold one to your special day.

Much Love,

Rikki

Father's Day

This picture pretty much sums up what I LOVE about my dad.  It was taken two years ago when my parents spent Christmas with us.  My dad is a fun, generous, loving person.  He has no problem putting a ridiculous wig on his head because he loves to make his family smile.  

My dad has a great laugh that just shoots out of nowhere.  He can be stone faced one minute and the next slapping his knee and trying not to knock over his coffee because he is laughing so hard.  It is infectious.  I challenge you to hear it and not find yourself joining in and cracking a smile. 

There is never a dull moment when my dad is around.  He can strike up conversation with anyone, anywhere.  He has friends in the coffee shop, at the local garage, at my mom's work...all his local hangouts.  I used to think it was odd that my dad would have actual conversations with people while in line at the grocery store, now I find myself doing the same thing.  

Nothing gets my dad down.  He has survived a horrific car accident (complete with broken ribs, broken  shoulder, collapsed lung and major head injury).  He lives with MS, although I have never, EVER, heard him complain or feel sorry for himself.  

My dad is the poster child for finding joy in everyday things.  

Happy Father's Day Dad, I love you VERY much.