Father's Day Gifts That Keep on Giving

When it comes to gifts, we're more "experience" people than "object" people - at least Jim and I are (the kids, of course, want it all). But while making a wonderful memory is our favorite way to spend a holiday, it's always nice to have a little something to remember it by.

Last year for Father's Day, I set out looking for ideas on really nice gifts the kids could make - something more than a rock paperweight. And I'm pretty happy with what I decided on.

For Noah, we decided to start an album to record pictures of him through the years. I dressed him in Jim's cycling uniform - from helmet to shoes - and stood him in front of Jim's bike. We took an identical picture today and will continue to do it every year. I can't wait to see how he grows into Jim's clothes over the years.

For Ava, I bought an 8x10 canvas, painted the background and let her paint the rest. Again, we'll do the same every year and once we get a few, we'll be able to display them as a collection.

Finally, I videotaped the kids wishing Jim a Happy Father's Day and telling him all the things they love about him. Each year, they'll record a new message and we'll be able to watch it from the beginning. Even with just the one year we have (two as of tomorrow), it's wonderful to watch.

Here are Noah's first two photos filling Daddy's shoes:

Father's Day 2008

















Father's Day 2009