Father’s Day is such a special time at our household. Our girls adore their Daddy and wildly squeal, running with open arms for the “Daddy-sandwich-hug” every time he enters the house. The day needed to be special for him.
This year for Father’s Day weekend, my husband and I decided to take separate vacations. He had a boy’s trip that came together and my dear friend in sunny Florida wanted a play date. Grandparents were keen to it, so husband and I went to the airport and went our separate ways. Very enjoyable for the entire family and would recommend doing this if you can!
The only problem was that since, as you Mom’s know, we usually are the ones to get everything ready for vacations. I had to get the laundry done for all, pack the girls, pack myself, get food purchased for the children, write out the directions for grandparents, and in addition get all the gifts and cards ready for Father’s Day.
Needless to say, I ran out of time and guess what I didn’t do? Yes, that’s right – nary a gift or card for Father’s Day! I was to return home on Sunday bearing gifts and sentiments to not only my children’s father, but mine and my father-in-law who were all going to be attending a dinner together.
I left for Florida early Friday morning and started eyeballing potential gifts in various airport gift shops. Tacky, yes; but no one will ever claim I’m not practical! Unfortunately, no purchases. I’m pretty sure none of the fathers would have wanted a horseshoe-shaped travel neck pillow or a pink Atlanta t-shirt.
Then Florida swept me away…I slowly forgot about the men in my life and the presents I needed to provide. Come on, I was at a spa and poolside for the majority of my trip and you are supposed to “live” in the relaxing moment. You would have forgotten them too!
Vacation is almost over as Sunday morning approaches. I grab a very early coffee, take a once over at the hotel gift shop and proceed to the airport.
I will stop in Kansas City and get it all taken care of. Between the time the plane lands, I can shower, apply some makeup and Visine, and the drive an hour to the in-laws for the dinner celebration for the special men in our life. I can do this. I can do this! Move over Helen Reddy, I am woman, hear me roar!
Well, let’s say I got the grandfathers in attendance covered, but last minute I informed my hubby we were going to have his special celebration of Father’s Day on Monday. It wasn’t fair to just throw this together in such short time. This would give me all day on Monday to shop, find a card, make a nice meal and find my inner June Cleaver by 6:00PM. (He gets this 2 times a year: birthday and Father’s Day). SUCCESS!!
Now I thought when I mentioned to my girls that we weren’t going to give Daddy any gifts at the family party, they would throw a fit. They love parties and gift giving AND cards with hearts scrawled all over in pink and red crayons. But no tears?! No whining?!
Munchkin #1 said, “Mom, we will have a big surprise for Daddy tomorrow. Remember he doesn’t like pink cakes, but he DOES like ice cream sundaes with whipped cream and sprinkles!” That’s all it took for her. A promise that I would provide her Daddy with an ice cream extravaganza was the way she needed to celebrate her love for him.
Munchkin #2 said, “He needs a Princess and the Frog toy.” Interesting choice, but I obliged her. As he opened his gifts on Monday, he thanked his girls with all the gusto in the world because he truly is an exceptional father. With this action, he made his two preschool daughters feel as if they were both special and brilliant for their gift decisions. That’s why he needed a special party. Happy belated Father’s Day, Hubby!
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