First Father's Day

Andi's first Father's Day was picture perfect. After a grueling few weeks of work travel, quality time with our favorite man has been few and far between. On Friday after producing a week-long photo shoot in Northern Minnesota and then sitting in traffic for hours, Andi picked up Tory and I at home and then we left for our lake cabin. I knew we were in for a long late-night drive when we stopped to grab coffee on our way out of town. A few hours later we were settled in one of our happiest places on Earth, ready to relax and enjoy the weekend together.

It rained most of Saturday, but honestly we didn't mind. That morning, Andi, Tory and I decided to walk to the neighbor's cabin and were caught in a downpour. We raced around the lake point and laughed as the warm rain showers fell down on us. I listened to Tory, perched up on Andi's shoulders, giggling the entire way there. It was her first time running in the rain and she seemed to be having the time of her life. Once at Joe and Lisa's, we sat on their wrap-around porch for the next hour or two, having a beer at 10am, listening to the rain fall around us and enjoying their great company. One of my favorite things about cabin life is watching the stress melt from Andi's shoulders. It's the best kind of medicine for him. I love seeing him so happy.

Daddy and daughter, watching the rain

Tory took an epic nap in the afternoon and Andi and I decided to take one, too. I can't remember the last time we all fell asleep in the middle of the day. I guess it's easy when all you hear is quiet wilderness and the sound of rain outside the window.

Later on, we ran into town to the Cheese Factory to pick up a few local cheeses, crackers and gelato. We came back to the cabin, Tory went to bed like a champ and Andi and I relaxed in the hot tub for the rest of the evening. Seriously, paradise!

On Sunday, Andi's parents, sister and grandma came to the cabin to celebrate Father's Day. The weather was beautiful and we spent most of the day outdoors. Janie and Lindsay brought brats, corn on the cob and watermelon for lunch. Tory took another awesome nap so Andi and I took Jim and Lindsay for a pontoon ride around the lake and Janie and Grandma Marion stayed back with Tory. It was the most relaxing boat ride I've had all summer! Not that I don't enjoy time on the boat with Tory, but it's not quite as relaxing wrangling a wiggly baby the entire time. On Sunday, I put my feet up and basked in the sunshine.

After Tory woke up from her nap, she enjoyed a little toe dip in the lake, too. She thought it was pretty special.

Dads and daughters
Grandpa Jim, Tory, Andi and Lindsay

For Father's Day, Tory gifted Andi a framed photo of herself holding the letters D-A-D. Tory and the nanny also made him a picture mug. Now, Andi will be able to gaze at his beautiful daughter all day long with photos for his desk and a mug for his coffee at work. 

Happy Father's Day to the best dad around!