Every year for my birthday, I really only want one thing… to go sailing on my Dad’s beautiful sailboat on Lake Michigan. This year, the weather was absolutely perfect and our sails were calm and relaxing… so we even got a chance to take the dingy out for some pictures while we were on the lake – a first! Some of you know the story behind the boat, but for those who don’t… this 44′ ketch has been a lifelong project for my Dad. He started building it when I was 2 years old. He finished it when I was 28. During those 26 years of hand-crafting every inch of “Jubilee”, he also built our family’s home, helped my mom raise my 2 siblings and me, taught high school math (best math class ever!), took our family camping every summer, worked on countless other projects around the house, served in our church, retired after 30+ years of teaching, and demonstrated sacrificial love daily… so I really treasure every sail with my Dad and can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday weekend. Thanks Dad – I love you!!
.jpg "chicagoland_photographer_070511")
Amber - What an amazing blog post. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ashley Goodwin - Ummm HELLOOOO! I LOVE The colors on the sailboat! LOVE!!
jodi - happy belated birthday Al!!
Margo - Allyson, that photo of Eden and your dad is so sweet. Thanks for sharing these. It makes sense that such a talented woman would have such an awesome dad!