Father's Day in Flagstaff

This year for Father's Day I decided it would be fun to take Hank and Henry on a mini-road trip up to Flagstaff, to enjoy some of our favorite foods and a change of scenery. Flag will always hold a super special place in my heart, as I went to all four years of college there (and graduate school too!), so no matter when we go, it's always a great experience. Some of the best times of my life were spent in that little town, and every time I find myself making my way up that way on the I-17 my stomach flips a little, in the most excited way. Flagstaff is definitely my happy place, and I love that Hank adores it just as much as I do.

We got up bright and early this morning and arrived in Flagstaff around 9:30am. Our first stop was Hank's favorite coffee shop, Macy's. He got a coffee and we split a "birdseed" treat, which is really just a whole lot of nuts and seeds pressed into a peanut butter base. Delicious. We spent the rest of the day walking around, enjoying the crisp mountain air that is so similar to ours but yet somehow so different, and eating lots of yummy food. Our favorite Thai restaurant Dara Thai was closed today so we decided to eat at an old favorite, Pita Jungle. Henry loves hummus so we knew it was pretty foolproof, and we had a great meal.  We arrived home later in the evening, exhausted but so, so happy to have spent such a fun day together as a family.

Here are some photos, mainly from my regular camera and a couple little collages from my iPhone. And on a side/related note- it's only been two days of taking my camera out more places with us and I couldn't be happier. Nothing's better than pretty photos to capture such special memories!

Happy Father's Day!

Like Father, Like Daughter

I'm so lucky to have my Dad as my Dad. He may have been the strictest father around growing up, but he's taught me more in my 30 years than any other person I've ever encountered, and now as a parent I fully understand that he was so strict because he cared so much. My Dad's lived the most interesting life; he was born and raised in Bolivia, has traveled all around the globe, lived in various parts of Asia, and is one of the most fascinating people I've ever met. He's taught me so much about not only being a good and decent human being, but also countless lessons about working hard and being a leader in any situation.

The older I get, the more I see my Dad in myself. He's in so many different parts of me- my argumentative, stubborn side, my occasionally fiery temper, but also in my deep love for my family and my willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure they are safe and happy. I think of my father countless times throughout the day; when I make sure the door is locked (twice), when I say "be careful" every time Hank leaves, or whenever I open my car's trunk and see the emergency kit and bottle of water he always makes sure is present.

My father had a horrible near-death experience a few years ago where he died twice and was revived twice, and I feel lucky that I got a second (and third) chance to make sure he knows how much I love and appreciate him. During that long stretch while he was in a coma I got to think a lot about our relationship, and I am so, so grateful for all of the "extra" time we're living.

And now, seeing my sweet Hank as a father is another one of the best things in the world. I feel so fortunate to have such great men in my life, and if Henry grows up to be anything like Hank or my Dad, I will consider myself a very lucky mama.

So happy Father's Day, to my Dad and to Hank. I love you both!  And Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful men and women out there who are dads or father figures in some way.  I hope you all have a beautiful Sunday.