Fathers' Day

This past Fathers' Day--Kevin's second--I finally managed to get it together and produce a day worthy of honouring the world's greatest dad. I made breakfast. (Although he had to tell me his recipe--I'd never made pancakes before.) I mowed the yard and weeded the vegetable beds. (Although, I should be doing those things myself anyway--he never wanted a yard.) I even went to the grocery store while he took a much-needed nap. (He's sick--again.)

But how I thought I really outdid myself this year was in coming up with the perfect gift for my husband, the theoretical physicist who "doesn't need anything and doesn't want anything." Waiting in his seat at the breakfast table this morning were "The Young Mad Scientist's First Alphabet Blocks," from the same talented artist who craft my beautiful mushroom puzzle. Colin is really into building and stacking right now, and so I thought these would be something fun they could play with together (although the blocks feel a little too precious for everyday use). I also imagine the day, once Colin is a little older, when he asks his dad about all the curious things carved on the blocks and Kevin can share with him his love of all things scientific.

However, just as I was feeling rather smug about my greatness as a wife and mother on Kevin's special day, I got my much-needed comeuppance. During our trip to the swimming pool this evening, Colin broke away from my grip and made a mad dash across the pavement. I thought he had had enough of swimming and was ready to leave, but instead my normally cautious and clingy 16 month old scrambled right up the steps of the baby slide all by himself and slid down into the outstretched arms of his smiling papa. I didn't see it, because I was still scrambling after him, but Kevin said the smile on Colin's face was absolutely priceless. Turns out, Kevin already had the perfect Fathers' Day gift, although I can't take all the credit for it.

How did you honour the fabulous fathers in your life?