Happy Father's Day DADS!

Before I tell you about all the terrific dads that were nominated on SBParent.com, I need to acknowledge my own husband...I am going to embarrass him by doing this but if it wasn't for him being so involved -- I would never have been able to start SBParent.com or expand it into ParentClick.com. Jamie travels a lot for work but when he is home, his priority is family...he makes breakfast most mornings, drives our kids to school, attempts art projects, takes our girls hiking, swimming and camping. I am so thankful that my daughters have a father that approaches fatherhood as a privilege rather than an obligation.

I know that there are many times with friends that we gripe about our husbands having the easy part of parenting since many don't do carpool, volunteer in the classrooms or have the pressure of juggling everyone's schedules and at the end of the day when moms are feeling worn down, dads walk through the door and kids will drop everything to greet them. But what is different in our generation of parenting is that dads are so much more involved with the day to day parenting. This involvement allows moms more choices when it comes to whether they will volunteer in the community, go back to work or pursue other hobbies. It was evident to see through all the entries we received how many dads are committed to their children. We were also able see how many roles are changing with families where the dad is the stay at home parent. Although I know my husband would be much more fun as the stay at home parent, I shudder to think what our house would like at the end of the day.

I wish all our Dads & Grandpas a fun and relaxing Father's Day!

Rachael

DADS of the YEAR:

Ray George

Nominated by Kelli George
When I married Ray I knew he would be a great dad someday. He has a natural, unteachable way with children - they are drawn to him. What I didn't know when I married him was that we would eventually have twins born 3 months prematurely both eventually being diagnosed with autism and then we would have another baby, giving us three children under 3, two of which have many special needs. Short of quitting his job, Ray gives every waking moment to helping care and nurture our children. I have discovered that parents with special needs children don't get a break from those needs however, Ray is always willing to care for our children so that I can get away with my friends or just have occasional time by myself. He, on the other hand, never takes a break, unless he travels for work, which is hardly considered a break. I would like for him to carve out time to work out, hang with the guys or whatever but with all of the needs at home, he doesn't consider it a priority for himself. He is completely selfless. I treasure the man I married and we do our best to stick together while caring for the children God has given us, knowing that they may never live independently. My husband is the most committed family man I know and he is definitely deserving of any recognition that comes his way!

Mark Regester

Nominated by April Regester
I am nominating my husband for many reasons...... 1. For being with me every step of the way through two pregnancies and births! 2. For deciding to take a non-traditional role as a father, and be a stay at home dad. 3. For cooking the most fantastic meals for our family. 4. For teaching our kids about things that our important to us (music, diversity, love). 5. For tolerating dirty looks at playgrounds filled with stay at home moms because he is a stay at home dad. 6. For making me laugh. 7. For being the best husband and father I could have ever dreamed of.

Dan Habecker

Nominated by Ethan & Emma Habecker
My dad Dan is the best dad in the world because he is always there for my sister and I when we need him. When we are ever struggling on something SUPERMAN (dad) comes to the rescue and helps us with it. Whenever he comes home from work after being stuck in traffic for 4 hours and had to wake up at 5 in the morning he is always in a great mood. Not many dads can do that. I want you to know that we appreciate everything that you do. Our Daddy is the best "Tickle Monster" in the world and we love him so much. He is always there for us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

June 24th at 12pm - Summer Solstice Parade 

Starts at Cota, up State Street to Micheltorena, and ends at Alameda Park where the festival begins. The Parade has a wild variety of floats, giant puppets, and more. Festival 12:30-8pm.

June 25th at 11am - Kids Creek Fest

 Bring your family out to the Watershed Resource Center from 11am-3pm - for FREE! Activities will include: Chumash Storytelling, live birds by Eyes in the Sky, steelhead game, watershed model, sea creature art by Art From Scrap, wishing pole native plantings, and more! 682-6113.