Best of Friends

Back before Dan and I were even dating, I knew he'd be a great dad. Working with him in youth and children's ministry (seems like a lifetime ago) he was always so wonderful with kids. He is fun and interactive and very much a kid at heart. 

When Kip was born there was a bit of a learning curve with the whole newborn/baby phase but it was an adjustment for all of us. Eventually Dan got the hang of the infant gig but once Kip was a toddler, that's when he really fell into his dad stride. 

Since the pandemic and working from home I've been able to see Dan with Kip much more. Mandy started calling them "best friends" which was a joke but also 100% true. They are pals and play together SO much. I've been collecting these photos over the last several months (all the way back to the apartment days!). It's a regular scene around here. Mandy will randomly start singing the "Best of Friends" song from Fox and the Hound when she sees them together like this.

They play trains and build elaborate LEGO constructions. They make cinnamon rolls together on the weekends and build tunnels out of Magna tiles. Of course Kip plays with me and he also has special things he does with Mandy, but Dan is truly his best friend.

Dan has an unmatched level of patience. He is slow to anger and quick to love. He doesn't yell and he has a strong and secure presence that is very calming. Kip's personality seems to be taking more after me. Easily frustrated with big emotions. But I'm hoping this tight bond with Dan will rub off some of my rough edges and raise Kip up to be a gem of a gentleman just like his dad.