Happy Father's Day & Bday, too!

This weekend was special because we celebrated Father's Day and RWF's Bday, too. This guy is a great partner to me, and such a wonderful daddy rabbit to his babies, too.  His children absolutely adore him. Any time spent with "Daddy" is always so eagerly anticipated and enjoyed.

the birthday cake

This year, Bode took a special interest in RWF's birthday. One day, I was telling Bode and Gianna about it being RWF's birthday, and how we should celebrate.  They both got excited and started talking about a cake! with icing! and candles!  I told them that Daddy doesn't really eat cake (because of gluten).  Bode thought a minute and said, "We could give him a bar." (meaning an "energy bar") BRILLIANT!  I was so impressed that Bode had this great idea for a birthday cake substitute! So as his birthday cake, we put a Clif bar on a plate, stuck a candle in it and lit it.  We sang "Happy Birthday" to RWF, he blew out the candle (twice, because Gianna had to blow it out once and Bode had to blow it out again), and we all shared the bar for birthday cake. 

One of RWF's presents was in an awkward shaped box (it was a cycling helmet), and I didn't have a big gift bag or enough wrapping paper.  So I pulled out the largest shopping bag I had, a white one from babyGap.  One day while Gianna and Nico were napping, Bode and I decorated the shopping bag and colored over the babyGap logos.  We drew a "Y man" (Bode's version of a stick figure, he draws a "Y" and a circle for the head) on a bike, a tree, a "storm" (Bode likes to draw storms, clouds, planets, etc.) on one side. On the other side, we took our Dots markers and made a rainbow and clouds. Bode and Gianna also made cards for RWF. I love that Bode signs his name on everything. It is so fun to see him actually write his name!

As far as keeping the gifts secret, the babies did pretty well. There were a couple of times when I had to "shhh!" them or remind them not to say anything.  On the eve of RWF's celebration, Bode slipped and told RWF one of his presents.  But it was OK because we were going to open them that night. I was very impressed that the babies kept the secrets for so long! (I think that they forgot after awhile, and then as the big day neared, Bode "remembered" the presents so it was harder for him to not say anything.)

The weekend was spent much like we always spend it, but it was nice to hold our birthday boy in our hearts and at the forefront of our mind and actions all weekend.  RWF got up early and rode his bike. We would have a leisurely breakfast.  We took a nice, long walk on a trail Saturday and Sunday.  It is amazing how we are at a time where the children can keep up, and walk for a long time. In fact, they would run ahead of us on the trail and we would lose sight of them briefly.  It was a strange thing to witness...on the one hand, I'm happy to see how big they are, and on the other, it's bittersweet to see them running ahead. But as RWF reminded me, soon Nico will be walking (or wanting to toddle around) and then we'll be slowed down again!  After our walk(s), we would hit Starbucks for a coffee and a treat.  After naps and quiet time, the children played outside or inside (depending on the rain!) with RWF.  They were always great about randomly telling RWF "Happy Father's Day!" or "Happy Birthday!" even after the celebration. They remembered to say it all weekend.

It was a very low key, but enjoyable weekend.  

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday to RWF. We love you so much!

xo