Father's day fun surprises

What a difference a couple of months makes.  Kevin was traveling this week so Chase and I were flying solo.  The last time he traveled, Chase had colic and I cried more than he did.  It was awful... with a capital horrible.  This time around... the birds sang a sweet song, the unicorns roamed the backyard, and keebler elves made cookies for us in the kitchen. 

You know that feeling when you scored the PERFECT gift and you want to tell the recipient about it immediately.... and time slows down to a stop as your patience wears thin?  You know... that feeling?  Well, I have been planning Kev's father's day gift for weeks and I almost told him about it 13,496 times because I could hardly contain my excitement.  More on that later.

Kevin was sad to miss The Nest's Anniversary Party!   All the kiddies sang happy birthday to the day care and we all cheered and celebrated.  It was truely a celebration for us, and a gracious thank you.  We have come a long way since the "Colic Days" and we owe so much of it to our dear Nana.  I know for sure this is the best place for our Chase Papacito. Nana is so special to us and our little man!

Chase was THRILLED to see his daddy Saturday morning when Kevin came in to get him up!  I could really tell how much Kev missed his little guy, he jumped on every dirty diaper, feeding, nap routine and bath time.  He couldn't get enough of Little Dude.  And there was so much to catch up on.  Wild-man has been tearing it up at home! His jets are on full blast and he getting into everything-- leaving a path of destruction (and much needed baby proofing) in his wake.

Saturday night we met up with Ryan, Aleis, and Logan for Taste of Reston.  We went last summer when Chase and Logan were just lima beans and this year we went tent to tent with tots in tow.

The weather was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the boys just went with the flow. We never thought we'd call an outing with the baby "relaxing."  We used to worry about meltdowns, bottles, and bedtime...but things have changed!  Chase just rode along with a happy-tastic smile way past his bedtime. He smiled the whole the way home and happily went to bed.  Kevin and I smiled at each other knowing "that was magical..."

For Father's day I decided to send Kev on a scavenger hunt throughout the house.  His clues were based on things that make him a good daddy.....

I set-up everything up in the middle of the night and could hardly sleep with excitement.  In the morning Chase kicked off the hunt with the first clue...

And then we were off. Chase helped daddy find his prizes and clues.  I don't know who was having more fun... Daddy & Chase were having a blast, and I was smiling ear to ear!

Daddy got a great haul of his favorite treats (sour patch kids, cheese wiz, Chase-art, and beer)

... but the most fun find were these incredible cookies by my friend Amy.  She makes the most adorable and delicious cookies and was happy to surprise Kevin with some sweet treats in honor of his first pappa day.

After a weekend like this, we are learning how far our hearts can stretch before they finally explode.  Life. is. good AMAZING.