Liisa and I try to spend time alone with each of our daughters for some one-on-one time. This can be difficult to do! Life is busy, but we want our kids to know that they are special. I found a couple snapshots from a couple daddy-daughter moments this summer.

Jasmine loves riding in my 4Runner. The bumpy stick-shift ‘88 jalopy seems to instill a sense of excitement as Jasmine climbs into the back seat and slides open the side window. I’ll plug in my phone for Veggie Tales music as we barrel down the neighborhood street, and we’ll sing along with whatever Silly Larry song comes blaring through the old speakers. (I say “old,” but the vehicle is a year younger than me… no comment.) When this photo was taken, I was curious why Jasmine was completely silent in the back seat, and this is was I turned around to see. A mixture of satisfaction and joy filled my my heart to see her having a fun time with the simple enjoyment of the wind hitting her face.

Madelyn is our snuggler. She will randomly stop what she’s doing to come give Liisa or me a hug and say “I love you.” This photo is from July 4, when we were at some friends’ house for a BBQ. We all sat/stood around watching all the kids play together and torment each other. As I stood counting how may pop-its I had left to throw at the ground, Madelyn tapped the side of my leg—“Come here, Daddy.” I followed her to the trampoline, which is usually occupied by several kids jumping like popcorn on the stove. The spring-powered diaphragm was now empty, and Madelyn was determined that I would help her enjoy it. After I removed her shoes and helped her up, she spent the next several minutes showing me how high she could jump. Honestly, it was only a few inches of air, but it was a few precious moments of connection with this bundle of joy.

Needless to say, I love my girls. We have a lot of fun, and I try to soak in every daughter moment I can get.