Emma has cousins. In fact, she has a much older cousin (Tay), a cousin about a year older (Paige), one about a year younger (Peyton), and the girls love each other. I took Em up to visit them a couple of weekends ago, and she had a ball running around the backyard and splashing in the wading pool with Rampaige. Just a few cute shots to share, the rest are here.
So there’s this dude named Doug. I’ve known him for…oh… like15 years or so. He’s been officially my step-dad for the last 8-ish years. He’s mostly pretty ok. I mean, we’re not THOSE kind of people who proclaim their love for each other in any way besides calling each other names and punching shoulders and generally giving each other a lot of crap.
If we WERE “those” people, I’d probably say something like this: He might be quiet, but he’s present. He might be gruff, but he’s strong. He might be young, but he’s an old soul. And he might not be a blood family, but he would shed blood for our family. He’s an amazing “gampa” to Em, a good husband to my mom, and a good man for those he loves. And we are lucky to be counted among that group.
But he’s still a dork, and he can bite me. ::clears throat, sniffles::
Anyway, I digress. Em and I decided to get Doug a Nascar ride-along experience for Father’s Day. For a guy who stays pretty quiet, he was unusually effusive when he opened the card. And on a few Saturdays ago, I rode down to Kentucky with Mom and Doug so that I could take some photos. I’ve narrowed down to some of my favorite shots, but as always, the rest can be viewed here.
Frautography 