Had a fun night with my oldest tonight. We don’t get much time with one daughter alone so I cherish what I get. I was also very flattered that she put on a special dress, her favorite necklace, and lipstick (she is only 6!) just for the occasion. It was really fun just listening to her talk, which she did the entire night. While we were waiting to be seated for dinner an elderly lady leaned over and told my daughter “My, don’t you look pretty.” She lit up and said “I’m on a date with my daddy.”
Did a little informal #crossfit competition today. I don’t recall when I have pushed my body that hard. Above any performance goals, it was awesome for my girls to cheer me on. It means a lot to be on this path of health, but its even more to be an example to these two. I will fight now so they won’t have to go through the same battles. #crossfit #fitness #family #health @goldsgymhenrycounty
Why we do what we do… It gets really hectic at time balancing out work, family, workout schedules, and everything else under the sun. But these two precious things are worth it all.
My youngest had a special lunch at school today. I snagged the time off work and really enjoyed getting some one-on-one time with her. Don’t get it nearly enough. When I dropped her off at the grandparents house, she cried because she wanted to go to work with me. Broke my heart. Thankful for every little bit of time I get with them.
Had a blast with my girls today. Quite a different story than 2 years ago when I didn’t want to go to the park at all. Now I can run and play with them to the point where they have to sit down and rest to keep up with me. (Taken with Instagram)
Pardon the break from the fitness stuff for a second….
Today my oldest started kindergarten. My youngest started Pre-K. Do they look ready to you? LOL!
As a sappy, over-protective dad, today was a tad bit emotional. Last week was really challenging on a personal and professional level for me, but at the very end of the week we got some great news involving our youngest which made it all better. Our girls walked into school like champs and it made me feel good to see their confidence. Little Emily even said “Daddy, I’m not gonna cry.” They both did so well and the atmosphere this morning at the house getting ready was even different. Much more upbeat. This weekend has been awesome and we have been getting them excited about starting school. Not sure what all has changed but both my girls have been much more “attached” to me lately and I can’t get enough of it. I love my time with them and I love that we are a close family.
Anyway, since I took the day off to be able to take them to school and pick them up, I am going to use the free time to get a little swim in this morning.
Then & Now
Our youngest is sick, and instead of keeping our oldest stuck in the house all day, my wife suggested a daddy/daughter date. We stay so busy that one-on-one time is rare with our girls and something we need to make more of a priority. Our time together is so precious.
We went and did some shopping and it was great to let her roam around the store at her pace, not having to be anywhere at a certain time. We went to eat together and then got some frozen yogurt. On our way home, she said “Daddy, can we drive around for a while so I can spend more time with you?” I just melted. So we went and took a late night dip in the pool. Is bed time really that important every single day? She was a daddy’s girl today for sure and I loved every minute of it. It gave me the time to tell her face to face how awesome she is, how beautiful she is, how smart she is, and how very proud I am of her. I never want her to question any of that nor question how I feel about her. And yes, I told her she is allowed to live with me until she is 239 years old.
When we were getting yogurt, I took a photo of us (on the right) and sent it to my wife, who sent back the photo on the left and said “The picture has changed a bit”. Back in December of 2010 we made a choice to change. Though the road has been bumpy along the way, I am thankful we have stayed the course. There will come a time when my little girl won’t always chose to be in my arms all day long. So while she wants that, and wants to get out and do things, it is important to me to have the ability to do that and keep up with her.
Spent the morning at the gym. Heavy deads (PR), some snatch work, 5K row (PR). The rest of the day was spent at the lake, enjoying time with our family. Much needed down time and laziness. A lot rumbling through my mind, and the only word is thankful. Thankful for this change we made in our life. Thankful for a happy and healthy family. Thankful for the time we get to spend together.
Pretty cool weekend if you ask me…
I celebrated the fact that my wife has officially tolerated me for 10 years. A milestone indeed. It doesn’t feel like it has been 10 years at all. We had a night away and it was a breath of fresh air for both of us.
Yesterday, our oldest was invited to a skating party, her first, and it was a really great experience for us. She was afraid at first and wanted to quit. She sat in my lap and cried at one point. I told her I was proud of her and that I would be there if she wanted to try again. She eventually did and while she was very wobbly she got out on the skating rink, not letting go of my hands. I encouraged her to try it on her own and that I would never let her fall. At one point she lost her balance and I caught her. I said “See, daddy isn’t going to let you fall.” From that point, she let go of my hands. She stayed close to me but had the confidence to skate out to the middle of the rink. I just kept repeating how proud I was of her. And I was.
My wife, in many ways, has provided the same support for me over the years. Times when I wanted to quit or never start at all, she has been the catalyst I needed to get going or the foundation I needed when I felt weak.
I love my family and am so very blessed to have them.
Our girls watching their mom (That’s her in the white.) at CrossFit.
So proud of my little girl. Last night was her first ballet recital and she did great, in front of a packed house to boot. It’s such an amazing thing to watch your children achieve. Yea, I’m sappy dad!
Yesterday I got the 5K a little early and was just walking around, taking in the weather. My wife was asleep with our 2 year old taking a nap. But our 5 year old was awake playing on her iPad. She took this video and then sent it to me. Unprompted and on her own.
I had to walk over to my truck to get some composure.
I am so thankful that I chose the path to health. I am so thankful that I will be around to walk my girls down the isle one day. But just as I have invested in me, I have also invested in them, putting off certain things that I would like to do so that I can be a part of their life. I mean, what good is doing all of these races if I am never spending time with them, right?
I am just so thankful to be healthy and to have an impact on my little girls.
Just hate it when they’re sick.
Our youngest was up sick from midnight to about 4 this morning. Gina had planned on hitting the gym this morning bright and early but with us not getting any sleep that didn’t happen. Took Emily to the doctor this morning and think we got it all sorted out. The plan is to give her meds, fluids, rest, and a lot of TLC.
My daughter executing perfect form and displaying the only acceptable method for finishing your cereal.
