Last year we started a tradition for Father's Day and my dad's birthday of celebrating with an annual workday at the Gilbertson Ranch (a.k.a my dad and stepmom's house, which is not really a ranch at all, rather it's a big house with some land, a river, and a lot of plants...). In lieu of gifts, we all get together for a day and give my dad something that means much more to him than presents--we give him our hard work (with many snack and beer breaks included) and our time all hanging out together. It's a ton of fun and since there are so many of us, we get a ton done! This year was no exception. While the boys hauled mulch and wood, the girls weeded, pulled moss, and painted. We then ended the day relaxing on the deck with good food and more time together.

I love that we get to celebrate my dad in this way. He's such an amazing dad. Throughout my entire life he's been working so hard to provide for us and to make our lives better. Even now that most of us are out of the house and on our own, he's still working to provide us with a wonderful place to relax and spend time together. I love my dad. He's the best.