Only a few weeks left until Father’s Day and it’s crunch time to figure out something cool for your special dad. Usually I’m backpacking in Yosemite with my dad for Father’s Day. It’s been our tradition for a decade. But as it turns out, Butterball probably wouldn’t like the mosquitoes and hot sun so much at his young age, so my dad and siblings are making the trip without me. I’m really sad, but I can’t leave Butterball alone, and I don’t feel comfortable taking him either.
So, it’s time to divert some energy into making my Butterball’s dad’s (aka my husband’s!) day a special one. Here are some ideas:
1. Plan his favorite bbq. For my husband, he can’t turn down a juicy filet mignon. He also loves grilled veggies. Pair that with Dad’s favorite beverage and you can’t help but win his heart with a good meal. The kids could play the roles of mini chefs and serve their dad like he’s the king for the day. I remember watching the original Parent Trap…remember how the girls set-up an elaborate dinner for their parents, complete with a show? That would be cute to have the kids put on a little performance.
2. Father’s Day Off. My mom used to advocate for this (but for Mother’s Day). She believed it was a day to have off and do whatever you want. She would have not gone for my next suggestion below…the family outing. I can see her point…for some people it’s not their style to make the day about their kids and spouse.
It could be as simple as letting him watch his game in peace all day, or something as elaborate as sending him away for the weekend. As we speak I’m trying to convince my husband to go to San Francisco with his buddy for the weekend. I know he has wanted to take a break from the chaos we know as having kids for a while…and Jetblue is having some good deals.
3. Family Outing. Plan a little excursion to celebrate the day as a family (with Dad as the guest of honor, of course). Here are some ideas: picnic, hike, zoo, aquarium, amusement park, beach, park, small road trip, go to something touristy that you wouldn’t normally do (for us, that would probably mean going to Hollywood or something in L.A.)
4. Make him a keepsake. Something he’ll remember the kids by when they are grown with kids of their own. Something with pictures, handprints, or even a video. It isn’t really about how much you spend, but the sentimental aspect of it. Let your kids make him a card in their writing. That will be infinitely more special down the road when Dad can look back and see the crooked letters of his little girl or boy…almost like a moment frozen in time.
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