What says "Father's Day" more than baseball, golf.... and pasta?

Andy got a pasta maker for Father's Day this year.  Ever since we've taken a few cooking classes at King Arthur Flour that featured fresh pasta, we have been debating whether homemade noodles are actually delicious enough to offset the time and effort it takes to make them.  When Andy argued that he could make the dough at home on his lunch break and let it rest so it would be ready to roll and cut after work, that was the tipping point.  We've already made one batch of fresh linguini in Andy's new pasta maker, which we ate tossed with basil oil and parmesan cheese... definitely delicious, but the jury is still out on how often the time factor allows us to prepare this special treat at home.  The kids LOVE to help, but it takes about 1000% more time when they do!  Ah, well, slow food is good for you, so they say... I'm sure a lot of old-school Italians would agree ;)

In addition to fresh pasta, Father's Day weekend also featured Aiden's first time playing golf (real, not mini) and a Fisher Cats baseball game in Manchester.  The golf went well, according to both parties- it's now Aiden's newest obsession, and Aiden did come home in one piece, so I'd say it went well for Andy too.  At the Fisher Cats game, kids and their dads were invited down onto the playing field to have a catch, which was exciting for Haley and Aiden.  Shiny new Fisher Cats baseballs were handed out to all the kids, too.  The Fisher Cats completely slaughtered the Erie Sea Wolves, 21-1, but we all know that's not what going to a baseball game is actually about.  It's about popcorn, hot dogs, and ice cream, and being a part of the general excitement of the crowd, clapping, stomping, and shouting accordingly.  We nailed it.

Playing catch on the big field!

I have to admit that Father's Day was a really difficult day for me this year, having no dad to call up on the phone or give a great big bear hug to anymore.  It was sad for me, and I know also for Micah, but I tried as hard as I could to focus on the wonderful Dad that Andy is and how much the kids appreciate and adore him.  Amazing dads create amazing future dads, and for that I am thankful.

Golfing at Twin Lake!

Haley and I took the secret passage to the library on a rainy day

Aiden at a recent workshop at my work - learning about trees