Adam's birthday...

Today is my father-in-law, Adam's birthday. He passed away almost three years ago now and we still dearly miss him. He could be a challenging man, to say the least, but he was a great man who we loved very much.
He absolutely adored his grandchildren and it saddens me a great deal that he is not here to see them growing up. He would have loved going to see them play soccer, t-ball, doing school plays and other things. I know he is watching from above but boy do I wish he was here watching.
These pictures are from his last birthday with us. He said that he would only open gifts from the kids. So the kids picked out the gifts and cake.
But, Adam surprised us with gifts, on HIS birthday. He bought me a set of Kenny Roger's CDs that I haven't even opened. I love Kenny Rogers and should be enjoying them but I am worried that if I open them they will get ruined and that would be just awful.
You know what? Adam was the hardest person ever to buy a gift for, yet, he could pick out the most thoughtful and best gifts for people he loved. Like the CDs and the Avatar hat that Katelyn has on in this picture. He gave Connor a rubber snake that he carried around for a long time after, and still has. I can't seem to remember what he bought for everyone else that day but I am sure it was very special.

Katelyn took this picture of him and it is one of my most favorite pictures of Adam!

Happy Birthday Adam. We miss you.... You never liked cake but maybe you could have a bowl of cherry vanilla ice cream today!