Happy Birthday Daddy!

Jan 2nd ushered in another year to celebrate for D and Riley was so excited that it was his Daddy's b-day.  He insists that D is two and that he is now tree!  We had a 2nd b-day party to go to on Sunday before Christmas and Riley was so confused after just celebrating Owen's 2nd year, celebrating Daddy's day and now Logan's 2nd b-day, the poor boy was calling Logan-Owen and Evan (who we saw at Christmas) remained nameless as Riley just didn't even attempt to keep it all straight anymore.  At the last minute I decided we would send Daddy away for the weekend of Feb 19th for the annual Duck's Unlimited Fishing tourney which just a few days before I had laughed about even considering saying yes too.  I really didn't want him going away merely 13 days after she is due but then I figured I could
a. rally 
b. actually accept help that is offered
c. remember that all babies do is sleep and that if I can't make it 24 hours on my own I am doomed for when Daddy get's busy at work again! 
d. Keep calm and carry on! 

So I collected money from my bro-in-law and signed the duo up after receiving confirmation that others would also like to go and from here D is in charge of organizing-like he always is. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!  We love you more than you realize.  You are our rock.  You are so easy to love and I aspire to be more like you (when I grow up of course ; ).  I am sure our newest little will be enamored with you just like Riley is and soon when you walk in the door you will be showered with double the hugs and double the squeals of joy and excitement.  Thank you for always putting us first and picking us up when we falter.  You are the most patient and loving person we know.  I did not know I could love you anymore and then you proved me wrong.  I can't wait to see you hold our new baby and I can't wait for her to get to love you also.

P.S.  This Daddy took his big boy ice fishing for the first time last week and he was so excited about it!  Riley did awesome according to D and even caught his very first perch.  D dutifully caught the whole thing on camera and the video is so freaking cute I can't hardly stand it!  Riley is sitting in a tiny little fold out chair jigging his pole like a pro and answering "no yet Daddy" when asked if he has a bite.  When he finally did get a bite he reeled it in like a pro and held it up proudly with no trepidation.  D has been so excited to take Riley out and enjoy the hunting and fishing like he did growing up and didn't expect to be able to do it with Riley being so young but he CANNOT wait to take him out again and we will likely be aquiring a fish house before the end of 2011 hits! 
I on the other hand normally enjoy a night off but missed the boys tremendously and just couldn't wait to get them home this time.  My time alone with just the 2 of them is coming to a close and I just want to soak it all in while I can.