The Men in My Life

Before the fall sessions & weddings(!) I have scheduled start to pick up speed, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the men in my life. (AKA My husband & my dad) This summer, we went up to New Providence for a cousins reunion on my side of the family and as is tradition, the men went out to hit some balls with skinny sticks into small holes (AKA Golf.) We had a great time and, as is tradition, I got to drive the golf cart. I think the last time I did this was when I was in high school. Needless to say, it was a gorgeous day, the guys played pretty well and there was some wonderful family bonding time.

My dad is older than those parents with kids my age-he turned 77 this year. Known as the "eternal bachelor" by several friends and family members, my mom roped him in to married life after chasing him from JFK to LAX when they both changed bases with their respective airlines. (I know that sounds bad, because Dad would never be roped into something he wouldn't want to commit to, but after 42 years of bachelor-hood, I couldn't come up with a better verb. But nonetheless, hence I have an older father.) Dad had rotator cuff surgery when I was little and his golf swing has never been the same. It resembles more of a jerky motion rather than a typical follow-through. But, as a 77 year old, he carried his own clubs the entire 18 holes and didn't once say he was sore. . . until maaaaybe the next day. :)

My husband is a pretty good golfer because his backyard was one! Though I think there's a rule that the son-in-law isn't supposed to beat the father-in-law, my dad is a graciously average golfer and doesn't really care. I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking. . . But first, this is what Ella looks like every time Daddy leaves!! She's such a Papa's Princess.

Look at Gerard's muscles! Rawr.


It never ceases to amaze me that golf can be such a puzzling game to men. Look how concentrated they are!

Caught in the act! Candy bar + Root beer = bliss for Joe Williams

I realize these pictures aren't fabulously professional, but they show me that my Dad can laugh at himself really well and it always reminds me to do the same.


This is about as far back as he can go. . .

I love my Dad's smile! (Notice the antique golf bag!)


All day I'd been trying to capture the wonderful Iowa clouds and I think I finally got it right!