I remember the anticipation of going on a date with my dad. The most memorable for me was a trip that we took downtown to an ice skating rink. It wasn't so much what we DID, but more that it was MY night with dad ... MY time.
I always thought that if I ever had a daughter I hoped that my husband would make her feel special the way my dad made me feel special. I used to tell my friends that my dad would take me on dates and they would look at me with a mixed expression of ... 'that's weird' and 'i'm jealous'. I am sure that the one on one time that dad and I spent together growing up is one of the reasons for our close relationship now.
Last night, Annie had her first date with Tommy. I will tell you that my husband is an incredible father. He spends a LOT of time with our kiddos - and they would probably tell you that they prefer him over me most of the time. Annie was so excited last night as she was getting ready for her 'prince' to take her out. Her suggestion was to go to Zaxby's ... but, Tommy asked her if he could do the planning.
Tommy suited up in a coat and tie and headed to a favorite place for BOTH of them .... the mall! They stopped in Macy's and picked out a perfume of her choice to wear .... after that, the little 3 year old with a ponytail and a big white satin ribbon marched her patton leather black shoes down to the food court for her favorite meal ... Chick-Fil-A. She and dad 'shared a diet coke'. After that ... the sweet girl got to do something that mom always says, "not today" ... ride the carousel. The night ended with a stoll through the American Girl store ... I like to imagine people seeing them walking down the mall - a girl in her satin dress and patton leathers ... and her dad in a coat and tie - too cute for words.
What a night.
I know that Annie will remember her dates with her daddy like I do. By the way, Tuck and I had a mighty fine night at Target ... getting slurpies and strolling the toy aisle. Then, we had some running races in the parking lot before we stopped by Chick Fil A for an ice dream on the way home.
Our kids are wonderful. I get sad thinking about the time ahead when they could prefer to not be around us as much .....
6 comments:
oh heather...how precious!!! i know cute little annie had a blast!! i can't believe how big the kids have gotten...crazy how time flies!! hope yall had a great christmas!! leah
I think I'm tearing up. Are you busy next Saturday night? Maybe we could have another date???
Love, Dad
xoxoxoxoxo
I'm tearing up at your DAD's comment!!! Love the blog, heather! I was so anxious to get on and see what you had added. Hope your christmas was merry - ours was very sickly! Love you!
Christy
Heathie... I know who got the writer's genes in the fam! Your posts never cease to make me tear up! Love you.
The funny thing was, I think I was more nervous than she.
Her beauty is intimidating, and part of that is she's mostly unaware of it, so I have to bear the burden the whole time of people wondering, "who is this yahoo holding hands with this delicate and incredible little girl?" Told she's beautiful all the time, she can't possible understand the evocative things I and everyone who watch us feel when they see her delight in the world around.
Yes, the Lord knew what he was doing when he made little girls. At any age, they astound us with their beauty, madden with their emotions, embolden with their abrupt spontaneity, and challenge us with their passion. I laugh at myself at the notion of figuring all this out, because it was all designed by the creator, and meant to be an awesome mystery forever.
Ultimately, I can't wait for the next date! It reminds me of Heather and my courting days, only boys who take out daughters are woefully unaware of the immense meaning of it all. No wonder fathers are notorious for feeling these jabrones are not good enough for their daughters ... they aren't!
That is way too cute! What a great pic too! She'll always remember the sweet moments she shares with he daddy. :)
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