daddy daughter date

This weekend was my cousin Taylor's wedding in Portland.  It was a busy time for Tony and the kids and Mom just had foot surgery (what a beautiful BYU blue cast you have!) so that left Dad and I as the Rippy family ambassadors.  We made a quick trip to Portland, had a delicious dinner with the family at the Spaghetti Factory and met Grant the fiance.  After dinner we visited with Dad's lovely cousins Chris and Connie.  We drove to McMinnville, stayed the night with Betsy, and spent the morning in our pajamas talking.  The wedding at the temple was simple and sweet.  We said our goodbyes and were back on the road by 6:00--whirlwind!


It would have been nice to have Mom and Tony there, but since circumstances didn't allow, it was a real treat to have a Daddy Daughter date.  I'm sure after 12 hours in the car with me,  Dad was ready to chop off his ears to stop my incessant talking, but I loved discussing my gospel and parenting questions with him.

I can't spend much time talking with my Dad without quickly being reminded how much he loves my Mom.  I found out on this trip that he fell in love with her because she was, "beautiful, smart and funny."  I thought he just liked that she laughed at his jokes.  He told me that when they first started dating, a previous beaux came up to the two of them and said, "Hey Jim, you are clipping my grass." (Translation: you are moving in on my girl.)  Mom promptly responded, "Fred, you haven't even planted a lawn!"   Of all the great things my parents gave me, their commitment to  each other seems to be what has given me the most confidence, security and stability.

It wasn't all just frivolous conversation.  I insisted that Dad give me all the details for his funeral.  I also introduced him to a couple of bloggers such as Middle Aged Mormon Man.  And Burgerville.

It was nice to take a trip like this so close to Father's Day.  I am one lucky girl to have Jim Rippy for my Dad.  The only girl on the planet who has a Dad as great as mine,  is my daughter Eliza.  I hope she enjoys her Daddy daughter dates as much as I do.  I love you Dad.