Happy Daddy's Day

I was so excited that we were in Pittsburgh this past weekend because I was able to celebrate Father's Day with my dad!!  Its probably been at least 12 years since I was with him on Father's Day (I haven't lived with him since 2nd grade).  My brother and I used to spend every summer with him, but then I became a teenager and got a summer job, so the luxury of visiting for longer than a week went away.  Then, college started and I was consumed with that life and worked all summer as well.  Next thing you know, I'm married and am an adult...how did this happen?!?!

I always considered myself a daddy's girl growing up.  Whatever he thought was cool - I thought it was too.  Heck, this went as far as liking Billy Ray Cyrus' "Achy, Breaky Heart" a million years ago - haha!  Now, I still think he walks on water.  The only bummer is, I don't get to see him nearly as much as I'd like...it rather sucks living in South Carolina when he is in New Jersey.  But, we make the best out of it and I'm super excited that we get to spend a week at the beach with him, my stepmom & sisters in July! 

Here are some pics of one of my favorite moments with my dad - my wedding day: 

He and I went to breakfast that morning, just us!  It was like the good old days - we used to have a daddy/daughter date night every summer where I got to pick somewhere to eat and then drag him to a movie (like Pocahontas...lol).  After breakfast, he taught me how to play roulette (Will & I got married in Vegas).  Its still my favorite game to play at a casino.  We played for a few hours & just got in some quality time...then, I went to get ready for the wedding.  My only regret was that we didn't have our father/daughter dance at the reception (since we didn't have a dj).  But, he made my day very special & I love him more than he knows!

My stepdad came into my life when I was about 10.  I won't lie, I hated him.  Really!  I threw stuff at him and was a straight up brat when he started dating my mom.  It wasn't because he was mean to me or a bad guy...he just wasn't my daddy.  However, I actually grew to love him dearly and can't imagine how I would have turned out without him.  He accepted both my brother and myself as his own.  I'm truly grateful to have him in my life!

At Great Strides this year

Then, there is my father-in-law who has to be one of the kindest men I have ever known.  From the moment Will & I started dating, he welcomed me into the family.  There is nothing he wouldn't do to help those he loves.  He is a strong, loving man who I am bless to know and have in my life.

As you can see - I am surrounded by some awesome men.  They are smart, strong, dependable and loving.  Will is also an amazing man and was a great dad to Sophie.  I hate to admit it, but I think she liked him more than me sometimes.  Should Will and I decide to have two-legged children one day, I know he too will be an amazing father.