Dad's Special Day

Yesterday was Chuck's birthday...I won't tell you which one. He's kinda sensitive about that stuff. Now, I must confess, I am not good at picking gifts for him. He's like his parents, they don't really want anything, and if they did they wouldn't tell you. They put others first, and themselves last. For example: that man has been driving the same car for almost 20 years. (and it looks like it!) It's not that we haven't had newer vehicles, it's just that he always gives them to me to drive. His family is first, always. Well, the girls and I wanted to make something special for him. So, we devised a plan: surprise. Something else I'm not good at because he can guess every gift, no matter how you package it. He just has a knack. :( SOOOO we chose to take him frisbee-golfing after church on Sunday. Something he enjoys, but we haven't done in years. WHEW! Plan set, money accounted for, timing perfect.
Friday night I asked the typical pre-weekend questions: " honey, do you have any plans for this weekend?" His answer: "I thought we'd go frisbee-golfing tomorrow. It's something we haven't done in a long time, and I thought we could spend time together as a family." He was so proud of himself. I was so...disgusted. I just looked at him. Faith ran and starting whispering in my ear "Mom..can I tell him?!!" Distraction techniques were definitely out at that point. sigh.
So, I fessed up. I told him the plans, he felt bad for spoiling our surprise (again) and we all went our way.
Saturday he asked the question: are we going frisbee-golfing today, or are we waiting until Sunday? Heather (God bless her!) piped up with: Let's go hiking around Mission Dam! Oh, salvation! He hadn't been there, so it was fresh. The weather was cool and lovely, so off we went! Here are some pictures of our lovely day - a 2 hour hike and family bonding!


The first challenge: cross the river without wetting your toes















The path widely travelled












The streams you can drink from..safely









A happy family




We all had a wonderful adventure, and plan to do much more of this. There are some beautiful places hidden back here, just waiting to be discovered by us. And...leg muscles to develop! I must confess to some very sore calves after this hike, and 3 hours of frisbee-golfing. Apparently, fun comes with a price :D