Happy Fathers' Day!

There were many reasons that this year was a great Father's Day. First of all, George got to spend the day with two of his children. Some years, we haven't been close enough to have any of our children there, but he had two this year! George with Amy and Craig.
George and I with Craig and Cassie.

Jeff and Amy with Garrett, Isaac, and little Lola--who is tired of all the pictures.

George and I with Jeff and Amy and their family.
Jeff on Father's Day with his little family.

We had a lovely dinner at Jeff and Amy's house which Amy prepared. Afterwards, the guys and Lola watched a little of the U.S. Open. Amy, Cassie, and I basically just mingled during that time.

Then George, Amy, and I took Garrett and Isaac to their favorite train park as requested by Garrett. We had such a great time. Even though it was 100 degrees, that didn't stop the boys from loving the outdoor time a little after the sun starting going down.

The other thing that made the day so special was the fact that after about 32 years out of our 41 years of being married, I am finally getting a husband back to sit by me at church. With his church callings which required him to be at various wards or on the stand, I have basically sat alone with the kids or just myself for all these years. George was released Sunday as the 1st Counselor in the Jacksonville West Stake after 9 years. He was in the Gainesville Stake Presidency for over two years before that. We loved the nine years with President and Sister Austin and Connie Tilton, and President and Sister Tommy and Minty Jensen. They became just like family and are very special to us. We will miss the association very much, but we look forward to new callings and new assignments in the church. We have been so blessed through those callings. It is difficult to say that we have had to sacrifice at all.
Finally, it was a special day as I think about the wonderful father I have. He is now 86 years old--a Stake Patriarch for 14 years having given nearly 900 blessings. He still goes to the law office for five and sometimes six days a week. He has never retired. My mother passed away seven years ago, yet he continues the family traditions and always remembers everyone in the family. He is and has been such an inspiration in my life, and I love him dearly. I barely got to talk to him on Fathers' Day because even on that occasion, he was giving blessings.
My dad with his seven children. He has taken us all (including our spouses) on a cruise for the past two years so we can all have some together time. We love all being together!

George's father passed away several years ago, but he was also a mighty man who inspired so many. With only a seventh grade education, he managed to be a very successful master plumber who also was a great businessman. He loved the gospel and made a wonderful home for his children. He was a great influence on George for which I am very grateful.

George's brother, Dwayne; his nephew, Jeff; his dad; George; and his brother-in-law, Malcolm

So, you see, it was a great day. George got to talk to the other five children on his special day, so it made it all so special.