That’s my hubs on the surfboard below, and this post is his gift today.
Isn’t he cute? he’s 56 and as handsome as he ever has been.
We’ve been married since 1979.
I don’t mean to sound like a know it all, but I pretty much know everything about him.
And so do his kids.
Hayden James wrote his college essay about my Johnny, about the person in his life he most admired. This is what he said about his Pa:
“One aspect of my father’s personality that I try to mimic is his treatment of others. He treats everyone the same way, whether he’s talking to the nine-year-old kid he coaches in lacrosse or his boss at work. There’s no condescending tone and he talks to you as an equal, no matter who you are.”
Nice, huh? He really is a genuine good guy dad with a heart full of love. Allison likes to say that we won the family lottery. We like to hang out together, go figure!
On his birthday this past year he got the “I love you dad” letter from sweet LBC. (It was a little about me too, but that’s not the point today) I made him forward it to me and I read it over and over.
It made me feel so good - I read it aloud to him a couple of times too.
Here’s my favorite part:
“But I’m not scared of love, and I have the two of you to thank for that. I know that it’s hard, and it takes a mountain of patience, a forrest of compromise, and a few oceans of good communication, but you’ve taught me that it’s possible. And while it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, if you put in the time and the effort and if you really do love someone and they’re ready to love you back, amazing things can happen. That is by far the most important thing that you have ever taught me, and the beauty of it is that you didn’t teach it to me, you showed it to me through your love for each other and your love for all of us, and for that I am forever grateful. “
Blessings on the best dad of all time, I love you forever John Cook.
Dana and Andrew tied the knot! And everyone was aglow – I’m sure it was because of all the love and joy in the room. 
The rooftoop wedding was stunning and the rain waited till after the ceremony to lend it’s winter chill. 
The location, Loft Seven was a great site – and delightfully intimate for this party of 130 friends and family.
These are 2 of the 5 sisters. My favorite daughter of another mother, Tash was ebullient all night long. 
I loved this clever winter wonderland display for table assignments. 
