Chuck’s grandfather passed along his Lionel trains to Chuck’s dad, who passed them along to Chuck. He hasn’t done much with them since his father’s death, nearly 5 years ago. But this Christmas he’s beginning to pass on his love for trains to his own children.

Brad was so excited, he asked Chuck to wake him up every morning before he leaves for work so they can run them together.

Chuck’s been collecting train sets since we’ve been married. He has a set for each child. I pray one day they sit around their tree with their own children, showing them how their daddy taught them to run the trains.

Sweet Brooke emailed Dad to ask if he’d like to go to dinner. Then, she emailed him to tell him what to wear.

[grin]

He did look handsome, though he didn’t take her wardrobe advice.

Daddy taught her to cross her silverware on her plate to signal she was finished eating. She loved it so much, she decided to do it with everything. Silly girl!

What fun memories she’s making with her daddy.

I was searching through old photos when I realized I never posted about Father’s Day.

Dad started his special day with the high-fat, high cholesterol, once-a-year breakfast in bed.

Then we whisked him away to see  Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian Imax version. Awesome!

We moseyed around The Avenue in the gorgeous weather,

popping in the dog store

to get a treat a treat for the fifth child we left at home.

When he’d thoroughly enjoyed his cup of Joe from Starbucks, we surprised him with a trip to Ridemakerz, where he made his own remote control car

so he can race the kids.

After a yummy grilled dinner, we all swam out back.

What a grand time for a great father. Happy Father’s Day, Chuck! Our childre are the most blessed in the world.

You can see it on their faces.

Daddy escorted his youngest beauty to the home school Daddy Daughter Tea at Jarrettsville Library.

She was more than excited after watching her older sister get ready for her own Daddy Daughter Dance a few weeks ago.

She remembered they exchanged flowers, and put a tulip in Daddy’s pocket. Precious!

She remembered Brooke posed for a photo like this and just had to recreate it. I love it!

And even though she missed Brooke’s group photo, she made sure we got one this this time. Adorable!

I think Chuck was surprised at how important this was to her, but he was sure to make the occasion spectacular for her, dancing and dipping her, and learning the box step with her.

Breanna called home in the car after the tea, telling us all about her great time. She was so excited!

Happy Daddy Daughter Tea, Breanna!

Brooke’s favorite night of the entire year is our church’s Father Daughter Dessert and Dance.

This year we played hookey from gym class to take a little extra time to get ready. I barrel-curled her entire head, and she has a LOT of hair!

She was very careful not to let Daddy see her dress ahead of time.

The only thing he knew was that her nails were hot pink.

Both sets.

After the great unveil,

they were gracious to pose for a few shots on our deck.

And after a slap with a wet noodle, this:

I get this shot every year, and every year I’m amazed at how they’ve grown. (Breanna was tending to a potty-training incident and wouldn’t be bothered to take a photo.)

I’ll have to admit this is my favorite shot. It’s engraved on my heart now, forever.

Happy Spring, Baby!