Visit From My Best Friend

I have always considered my dad one of my best friends. Some parents are never able to build a friendly relationship with their kids, some parents are more of a friend than a parent, my dad walks the line between the two really well. He calls me out on my crap like a good parent, encourages me, supports me, and listens to all my complaints. 

He's pretty awesome.

He came for a visit this last week. We ran over 30 miles together with Hulk biking 15 of those miles. I had recently removed Hulk's training wheels and had been taking him on short bike rides (while riding my bike) but I had not tried taking him on a run before. I was really worried (especially when my dad said that he wanted to run 10 miles one day) but Hulk stepped up to the challenge.

When my dad visits someone he likes to have a list of projects. I remember visiting my grandparents while growing up and my dad would ask for a list of things to do. That's his love language, service. So on his second day in Ohio when he asked for a list of things that I need done I said, "spend time with your grandkids." He said, "great!" and then fixed two wrist watches, one sticky door, cut down three trees in my backyard, did the dishes almost every night, and played with his grandkids.

Teaching Hulk how to fix watches

Deforesting our yard

Did I mention how awesome my dad is?

I have been coveting double strollers for a few months now. I feel like it would really free up my life (and allow me to go to bed before 2am) if I was able to run while Hulk was in school, or with Hulk on his bike, or basically just anytime without having to wait for J to be available to watch the kids. I knew with Dad in town that we would be running together but he wouldn't want to leave the kids behind. I considered asking around to borrow a stroller that way we could both push one but I never got around to it. On our first run, Little Viking Girls and Teddy Bear did not enjoy being in the seat together. On our final run, Dad thought outside the box (or rather the stroller's seat?). I was convinced child protective services would be called or that the stroller would hit a bump and Teddy would be hurt but we ran entirely on a smooth bike path and no one has noticed despite me sharing this picture with hundreds of people :)

But I am never going to do it myself. Promise. ;)

I love it when family comes to visit (even though I cry every time they leave).