Jeep Rides With Dad

I was hoping to have this post ready for Father's day . . . that did not happen.

I was hoping to have it written for Paul's birthday . . . that didn't happen.

So now it will simply be written as one of my "Thankful Moments"

 

I knew Paul would be a great Dad way back when we were dating. As you watch someone, you can just tell that sort of thing. I have not been disappointed.  Recently he downloaded pictures from his I-pod on to my computer. Among the pictures of machines (work stuff) & train videos (for Jacob to watch) I found a few gems! Times when Paul took the younger kiddos out for a ride in the Jeep, sometimes to keep my sanity & other times to keep their sanity.

 

I love these pictures because they depict kids who are allowed to be kids; to get dirty, to get wet, to get messy & have fun. There was no Mom around to step in & "ruin" the fun by reminding them to "be careful" or to wipe their hands & faces. They were allowed freedom to explore & discover.

My kiddos treasure this time with their Dad. He so kind & patient with them.

Best of all these adventures are usually contain a treat; the favorite being a candy or slushy from the gas station.

I am ever so thankful for a husband who loves to spend time with his kids. Who enjoys making memories with them. Who is willing to put aside his own interests to make time to play.

All these adventures are made possible because of Paul's old Jeep. It was new once, he purchased it brand new right before we met. He humbly sacrificed his Jeep when he became a Dad by selling it to Grandma Sue, so that I could be a stay at home mom. We were a one car family until after Sarah was born when my Mom retired & "sold" us the Jeep.

That old Jeep is 15 years old now, on it's second engine with rust spots on the hood & roof. He drove it for almost 4 years with no air conditioning (in the Arizona desert) & has added some desert pin striping (scratches from bushes) on his many adventures. He never complains that he drives an old beat up vehicle, but instead proudly uses it to drive to work everyday (on the dirt roads) & treasures the times when he can take his kiddos for a ride!