The cutest mule you'll ever see.

My dad surprised all of us on Christmas morning with the cutest Army mule you will ever see (okay, besides Sean that is).

I wanted to get some better photos of the mule when we got home, but he suffered a little injury in one of the parades that Sean and Paddy were having with little Glory and the mule.  We will be attempting to fix him soon!

Here he is without his back legs...

I wish my dad could crank these out quickly - I bet there are lots of West Point families that would enjoy a cute mule like this one...

Speaking of mules, we went to the Army/Navy game on Saturday night, and Paddy would squeal so loudly every time he spotted the mule.  So cute. 

Two labs...

We saw the perfect wooden toy for Paddy at The Black Dog store in Newburyport before we left Boston.  I took a picture of it and texted my dad to see if he might be able to recreate it for Paddy.  He hit this one out of the park...

Could this be any cuter?  He even cut out little ears for the lab.  Paddy has been pulling it around, and my heart just sings every time I see him with this new creation from his grandpa.

We can't thank you enough, dad :)  Glory says thanks too...she thinks it is a pretty good looking replica of herself :)

"It's all up here"

Years ago, I gave my dad a picture of a Pottery Barn bed, and said, "Dad, don't you think you can make this for me?"  In the next few years following that exchange, I would ask, "Hey Dad, how is that bed coming along?"  The response would be (while pointing to his head)..."It's all up here, Meghan.  It's all up here."  One day, the bed was finally ready, and let me tell you, it was gorgeous.  He did a fantastic job.

Once I knew Paddy was coming, I asked my dad if he thought he could whip up a kiddo-sized coat rack and one of those wooden changing table toppers.  Needless to say, he didn't disappoint!   Again, the quality of his work is amazing.  Sean Patrick is lucky to have such a handy grandpa.  I hope my dad will be able to pass some of his knowledge along to our little man.   I feel so blessed to have such a talented Dad...and one who is willing to go along with my ideas!