Just another happy family-travel pic, huh?

I remember that day.  On a family vacation, we stopped at Four Corners, the only place in the United States where four states (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado) come together at one place.

My brother and I (AKA, the hormonal pre-teen) were obviously underwhelmed and Mom had probably had it up to HERE with both of us.

Now that I’m the mother of a teenager, I crack up even more when I see this photo.

Happy Father's Day to Paul Penick, the man who taught me to:

°    Love writing
°    Have fun with dogs (That's us on a lake in Arizona, with our dog, Pepper. I won't even tell you how many years ago this was! We were about to pull up to the shore and my dad needed to tie up the boat. He doesn't normally stand like this in the middle of a lake!)
°    Value education
°    Feel comfortable in a new environment
°    Talk to strangers
°    Care about spelling.
°    Enjoy chocolate and raspberry together
°    Love my family

Thanks, Dad. I have no doubt that without your influence and encouragement, I wouldn't be making a living as a freelance journalist today. I love my life and (especially now that I'm a parent myself) I appreciate everything you and Mom did, and continue to do, for my brother and me.

I love you!