Best. Dad. Ever. | Kristal Wade

Father's Day | 2017

You may or may not know this about our family, but we don't get to spend a lot of time as a unit. Not near as much as we'd like anyway. Unfortunately, Michael spends the majority of his days, each month, on the road for work. He often leaves home in the wee hours of Monday morning to catch his 5:20am flight. Once he lands at his destination du jour, he wastes no time and heads straight into work. This plays in reverse each Friday when he works all day and catches the last flight out, then crawls into our bed hours after the rest of us have gone to sleep. I cannot imagine how exhausting it must be for him week after week. When he comes home there is almost always a list of things that need to be crammed into the two days he's with us, and "relax" is rarely on that list. But you know what? I have NEVER heard him complain. Not even once. I'm consistently in awe of his stamina and mental strength. I have to continually remind myself that this is just a season in our life and we will regain some semblance of normalcy when the time is right. For now, this is our life and while it's not always easy, we're in it together and we'll see the other side soon. It's easy, even today, for a man to take a back seat in the parenting of his children. It'd be even easier for him to do so given his schedule. However, if you asked him when Everett's next check up is - he could tell you. If you asked him what Bennett is allergic to (long list) - he could tell you. If you asked him how much the baby weighs now - he could tell you. If you asked him what size clothes or shoes any of them are wearing - he could tell you. When baseball practice or school vacations are - He. Could. Tell. You. That's the kind of Dad he is. Because he wants to be.

Here's how we spent Father's Day this year celebrating our very favorite man.

Good Dads pretend to enjoy frozen pancakes

Good Dads pretend to enjoy frozen pancakes

I made sure I was prepared for Father's Day with bacon, eggs, and the fancy artisan bread that yields the best french toast. However, Saturday night, our oldest son announced that he was going to make Dad breakfast in bed. He said that he wanted to make him some pancakes, but he'd need help from me with the microwave. You guys, Mike doesn't cry. Ever. I often pick on him and ask him if he even has any feelings other than happy or in a hurry, but our little boy brought a tear to his eye that night. We woke up Sunday morning and had coffee together then I sent him back to bed before the boys got up. As promised, I helped Bennett with the microwave and they presented Daddy with three not-so-fresh blueberry pancakes in bed.

Good Dads get coffee cups.

Good Dads get coffee cups.

Mike and I often go overboard with gifts for each other (ahem 5DMkIV), so a few years ago, I decided that Father's Day would be for "cheesy" gifts. Cliche gifts that come to mind for Dads - tshirts, ties, silly socks, tools - you get the idea. This year he got this mug. It's huge y'all, he probably won't ever use it, but since he is actually the best dad ever, it fit. 

Good Dads play peek-a-boo

Good Dads play peek-a-boo

Moms aren't the only ones with restroom visitors.

Good Dads work hard.

Good Dads work hard.

Another thing you might not know about Michael is that he can not stand an uncut yard. He mows every weekend, even on Father's Day.

Good Dads make the job fun.

Good Dads make the job fun.

And of course, he had to squeeze in some lawn mower donuts.

Good Dads come by it honest.

Good Dads come by it honest.

We had lunch with my in-laws and got to celebrate all of the Dads. I married into the best family. It's no wonder Michael is such a great Dad; my father in law is also a hard working man with a heart of gold and fierce love for family.

Good Dads are silly.

Good Dads are silly.

Good Dads keep your secrets safe.

Good Dads keep your secrets safe.

Good Dads read bedtime stories.

Good Dads read bedtime stories.

Good dads teach you about cavaties.

Good dads teach you about cavaties.

Good Dads remind you that you're safe.

Good Dads remind you that you're safe.

So there you have it - Father's Day 2017. It wasn't extravagant and it was actually a lot like every other day, but maybe that's what made it so special after all.