Great Dads!

Happy Father's Day everyone! I just wanted to write a post about some pretty great dads that I know.

JARED
When I was dating Jared I asked him what he wanted most in life, and he said he wanted to be a good dad. Well he definitely is. I know it is hard for him to wake up before 5:00 everyday and go to work, but he does it because he wants to provide for his girls. Just as important as providing finacially for his family, Jared provides his girls with lots of love and a wonderful example of a worthy priesthood holder.

They love their dad and literally "clap their hands and jump for joy" when he comes home from work. Their favorite daddy activities include: going on walks, "helping" him in the garden, wrestling, reading, and checking the mail.

Jared has always had a special gift for getting the girls to sleep on his chest. I think his trick is to fall asleep before they do.

Here is Jared at graduation with his two girls. His classmates and teachers were amazed that he was able to do so well in PA school despite the extra demands of being a father of two.

Jared holding our sweet Maddy in the hospital. This was a hard time for him as he was trying to balance being Elder's Quorum President, taking care of me on bedrest, and some very demanding roations, but somehow he did it all.

Jared as a new daddy holding Abby in the hospital. Little did he know what he was getting into!

GREAT GRANDPA DONALDSON

This is my dad's dad. He is an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He raised 9 wonderful children (including 8 boys all of whom have served missions and been sealed in the temple to their wives). He lived through the Great Depression, served in WWII, and worked as a microbiology professor at BYU. He has lived a rich life full of many interesting experiences that he loves to share with us. He is wonderful about putting his family first and spends his free time doing family history work.

Here is a picture of my grandpa at my sister Rachel's wedding.

Here he is holing Abby in the hospital right after she was born.

GRANDPA DONALDSON

My dad has a great curiosity and enthusiasm about life and learning. He was always ready to give us new experiences and teach us about life and nature. Most of all I appreciate his teaching me about the gospel. Although it was difficult with 6 wild kids, he tried to make sure our family had scripture study, prayer, and FHE together. He was also great about "slave labor" (making us work in the yard) to teach us to have a good work ethic. My dad works hard, but he also knows how to play hard. I have a lot of fond memories of family vactions, camping, and playing board games together. My dad still loves to tease and play around with his grand kids. Abby loves to play games like Spider or tickle monster with him.

Growing up I remember him teaching us about nature and here he is doing the same thing for his grand kids.

Here we are enjoying a delicious seafood dinner cooked by my dad.

I really appreciate my dad flying all the way out to Philadelphia so that he could be with us for Maddy's baby blessing.

Here is my dad holding Abby shortly after she was born. Don't they look cute together? Grandpa Donaldson is still Abby's special friend that she loves to tease and play games with.

GRANDPA COLLETT

Grandpa Collett is a great dad who raised 5 wonderful sons, all of which are worthy priesthood holders. He has a quiet dignity and patriarchal nature, and has set a great example by serving in the Boise Temple every week. He has done a great job in teaching his sons the importance of hard work, as well as how to work in the garden and fix things.

Here he is with his 5 sons.

Grandpa giving his oldest grandchild Emily a big hug.

It was great to have Grandma and Grandpa Collett fly out for Jared's graduation.

Grandpa helping Maddy open a present.

These are just a few of the great dads I know. The others include my wonderful brothers and brothers-in-laws. To all you good fathers, thanks for being so great. The world needs more of you!