This morning, I took my Dad to the airport.

He had been here since Christmas Day.

I am so thankful for my father and I am grateful that he will come and spend his vacation with us. This is his vacation and not much is required of him, other than occasionally playing bartender when a round of his famous Whiskey Sours are requested. But I have to acknowledge that even a pure observer in our busy home will experience a sense of exhaustion.

Now, I wouldn't want you to think that while here he was purely an armchair observer. This is quite contrary to the nature of Alan Dedrick. A small and incomplete synopsis of his vacation:

• He made buttermilk pancakes twice!
• He replaced my kitchen faucet, which turned into an all day project, eventually requiring a hacksaw.
• He is working with Noah to identify the 50 states.
• We played Scrabble no less than 20 times.
• He assisted and advised me on the preparation and cooking of a 20 lb turkey and prime rib.
• He accompanied us to OMSI (the Oregon Science and Industry Museum)
• He helped to sort through and organize the 3 weeks of garbage a recycling taking over my garage after missing normal garbage pick up because of the snow storms.
• He hugged on his grandkids and gave horsey rides on his knee.
• He treated us to Zoo Lights with our new Oregon Zoo membership
• He babysit so that we could enjoy a dinner out, and found out what it means when we say "Maggy just isn't a good sleeper" :-(
• He fixed the mailbox that I knocked into the road with the front bumper of the van last summer.
• He shared and offered insight.
• He read 3 books.

Each year, Dad makes his plans to come visit for those few weeks after Christmas. Each year,I enjoy the time with him more. I am so blessed to have such an incredible man in my life, loving and caring, speaking encouragement and wisdom. Thank you Dad, I love you!