Father's Day is upon us. Bryan and I are headed up the turnpike tonight so that we can celebrate with my dad, and then back again tomorrow night to celebrate with his. Because Penses love holiday traditions, we of course have a traditional Father's Day meal that we prepare for Daddy: lemon grilled shrimp cocktail, iceberg salad with Roquefort dressing, grilled rib-eye steaks, smashed potatoes and luscious strawberry shortcake. The entire menu came from my favorite cookbook, Celebrate! by Sheila Lukins. So, we'll make that tomorrow in honor of my dad.

When I think about my dad, certain images come to mind: him floating on a lounge in the pool, fast asleep like a turtle in the sun, or playing records and doing his signature dance move, or the time when I was little and Beth and I watched The Nutcracker on tv and begged him to hold us up over his head like ballerinas, the way the dogs surround him anytime he sits down, fighting for his attention, his wild cats and birds that he feeds twice a day every day, his love of picnics... all these characteristics that make up my dad's personality. They always bring a smile to my face.

When Bryan and I got engaged, I new right away what song I wanted for the father daughter dance. I don't remember the title, but it was so sentimental and beautiful that I would get weepy every time I heard it! I soon decided that I didn't want to be a hysterical, blubbering bride, so we settled for "Isn't She Lovely," a nice happy classic. Anyway, here are some of my favorite pics of my dad at our wedding: