Father's Day 2013

Everett, Juliana and Giselle ADORE their daddy.  Waaaay more than they care for their mommy.  I don't say that to garner sympathy or disagreements, it's just the honest truth.  Will is the kids' ultimate hero.  When he speaks, they listen.  When he asks, they obey.  When he cracks jokes, they laugh.  None of those are guarantees with me.

Dinnertime each night consists of an on-going argument of whose turn it is to sit next to Daddy.  I could eat dinner in the corner and I don't think the kids would blink an eye.

Giselle thinks Will is the best.  In fact, she often goes around talking to herself repeating that very phrase, "Daddy is the best!", to no one in particular.  Each morning when she awakes, Daddy is the first person she looks for.  If he's gone to work before she wakes up, it makes for a rough morning for me.  Giselle does whatever Will asks and he is her number one choice for just about everything.

Juliana reminds me the most of Will in terms of appearance, temperament, and talents.  She is sweet, sensitive and a friend to all - all things she shares with her Daddy.  Juliana loves love (like her Mom) and gets the most animated when Will gives me a hug or a kiss.  I love that Will is an affectionate Daddy to all his kids, but especially his girls.

Everett wants to be just like Will.  Since they are outnumbered, the boys have to stick together in the Giddens household and Everett lives for alone time with Daddy.  He takes being a man and doing "boy" things very seriously.  He is often found following Will around, asking questions and paying close attention to every little thing he does.  It warms my heart that Everett has such a wonderful example to guide him through life.

I told Will this morning that I knew he would be a good father and that was one of the reasons I snatched him up when I did.  He laughed, but it's true.  His capacity to love, cherish, teach, discipline, play, and have fun with our children is nothing short of amazing.  I feel like I hit the jackpot in terms of a wonderful companion and a terrific father to boot.  The kids really should thank me!

Our Own French Open

There are two sports I always wanted to play when I was growing up and yet, never did: soccer and tennis.  Is it any wonder that Juliana played spring soccer and is now taking summer tennis lessons?  Yeah, that's what I thought.

One of the things I love about the area in which we live is that the Parks and Rec program is extensive and inexpensive.  So when I saw tennis lessons available for Saturdays in June for a steal, I jumped on it.  I am a pro at encouraging enthusiasm and excitement and Juliana is my most excitable child, so to say she has been looking forward to this morning all week is a gross understatement.

 Between getting her a racket, a can of tennis balls, wearing her tennis shoes AND headband this morning, our gal was set.

 She's with a group of three other girls and Coach Carolyn is sweet and patient.

 Look at that form!  Look at that follow-through! (Actually, I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I assume that's what this picture is showing).

 She had so much fun and I have to admit, so did I.  She's inspiring me to pick up a racket myself and knock, "Become a totally awesome tennis player" off my bucket list.

 I love this shot.  Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams got nothin' on this chick!

"Spring"ing Into Soccer

Both Everett and Juliana played spring soccer at the YMCA in April and May.  Although since St. Louis apparently had "the rainiest spring on record" according to Juliana's coach (I have no official verification of this statement)*, it was more like Will and I paid to SAY the kids were playing spring soccer.  

Juliana rocked the uniform with her ponytail and headband.  This particular Saturday she busted out the pigtails and headband and ended up running faster that she ever had before.  What I loved about Juliana playing soccer (her first time!) was her enthusiasm and effort.  She ran as fast as she could, usually with a smile, she was a friend to all and was always excited about her next game.  

A rare non-smiling picture of her on the field.  She would often say after games, "I love playing soccer!"

* According to the University of Missouri's Climate Center, this January through April was the SEVENTH wettest on record. Shows what that coach knows!  Don't mess with me, Coach.  I'm a Print Journalism major and I'm not afraid to Google.

This was Everett's third go-around the soccer pitch and I was impressed with how much he improved.  His coach was passionate, loud, sarcastic (in a fun way) and knowledgeable about how to teach 7 and 8 year olds the game.

Although not pictured here, Everett is turning into quite a goalie.  It causes me some anxiety (talk about a high-pressure position!), but he got be to pretty good at it AND he enjoyed it.  Win-win.

He had a double-header on his final Saturday (to make up one of many rain-outs) and it. was. hot.  His team eeked out a win over a very competitive team, so all's well that end's well, I suppose.  Until fall soccer!