Today’s post is in honor of three of my favorite dads today.

The first, of course, is my own Pops. There are so many things I love about him and am grateful what he’s done for my life.

He’s taught me not to be afraid of the work it takes to get the job done. (Which is very likely THE reason how I’ve kept working on a college degree with 3 little tots in tow.)

He’s taught me to how to be generous for the people we care and provide for. He always encouraged us to invite the entire class to our birthday parties, and provides a spread at family functions. It’s important to him that we feel special and that we all belong.

He’s still teaching me now, parenting an adult child who has a family of her own. I’ll be offering my opinion on religion, politics, raising kids, etc. and he’ll unashamedly chime in with gentle corrections or insights I hadn’t considered. Even if I don’t always take his advice, I take it seriously. (And can think of the times when I regret not taking that advice!)

I love my dad. He’s so good to me, my mom, and my 3 sisters.

I love you, Daddy!

My father in law, Michael, is also one splendid man. (Everyone calls him Mike, but he insists on addressing me by my full name, so in turn I call him by his 🙂 )

Michael is very different than my father in his mannerisms, but just as loving. He’s a gentle and soft person to approach about, well, anything. I’ve enjoyed our deep and insightful conversations, knowing that he is a safe place to share my thoughts with.

Prior to getting married, I never expected to be “adopted” by my spouse’s parents. As a happy surprise for me, my in laws have really reached out in ways to make me feel like one of their own. Michael in particular has pulled me aside from time to time to tell me that he loves me and he considers me to be a part of his kids too. I never know how to respond (because I don’t know how to appropriately respond to loving gestures), but I so appreciate this man loving me too.

You’re the best father-in-law ever, Michael! I love you!

Finally, my very favorite person in the whole wide world: Taylor.

Anytime Taylor is praised for his fatherhood, he is quick to redirect to the upbringing his dad gave him. (And I give a lot of credit towards Michael for raising Taylor into the man that he is.)

Taylor’s number one priority in life is his family. He cares deeply about the relationships we cultivate at home. He observes our children’s developments and their talents and their funny ideas. He sincerely enjoys spending as much time as he can with them. He makes character development plans for them, tends to their tiny (and tiring) wants, and quizzes them on math facts 🙂

At any given time, our babies are quick to run to their daddy’s arms, because they know he is a safe place for them.

We love you so much, Taylor!

Father’s Day was celebrated today by visiting my side of the family. We visited with my grandpa, who gave me solid advice on some land we thought we were interested in buying. (The land in question isn’t going to work out, and that’s ok!)

We then had dinner with my parents, including this glorious cake that my dad invited Taylor to eat from one other side while he ate from the other until they kissed. Here’s how Taylor felt about that:

And of course, presents were had on this day of fatherhood celebration!

I don’t have a picture for Michael, but we/Taylor gave him a “Trail Mix Sampler” that he seemed pretty happy about. For the men in my family, I made lemon curd for my grandfather and for my dad. Aren’t those “jar hats” so stupidly cute?

Taylor asked for a simple toolbox & butterfinger (both from Home Depot) and was pretty delighted to have his dream recognized.

It was a such a lovely day to celebrate these wonderful men. Love you all so much!