Where's John?

When a father-in-law, wanting to honor the birthday of the father of his grandchildren, peruses his photo files to compile some pictures of said son-in-law, it's reminiscent of the "Where's Waldo?" books. Our John is a great dad and husband. He loves his family and works hard to provide for them, physically and emotionally and spiritually and experientially. But, truth be told, my camera is more often trained on one or more of those three little grandgirls; I have to hunt John down in the background. And when I find him -- look for the hat -- his face is often trained the same way as mine, away from the camera and toward our mutually beloved little girls.

So, John, --- even though you are a Californian and even though we'd love to lure you to Georgia --- Sheila and I are so glad that you are a part of our family now. We are thankful for the great experiences you encourage for Brannon and the girls --- the fishing, camping, walks, beach-combing, music, family gatherings, church, play-yard, reading, gardening, rough-housing. 

I hope you have a wonderfully happy birthday today, a whole year of love and joy and adventure till the next one, and many, many, happy returns.

I managed to find you, John Dieter Carlin, in each picture in this hodgepodge of snapshots:

Clementine on her Daddy's shoulders.

Anyone notice the other guy with Santa in this photo?

Our granddaughters with their their Mom and a masked man ready to fly back to California. Susannah was "in the oven".

Frozen goodies in downtown Rome. 

Susannah and her Daddy.

In our backyard

Waiting below the City Clock for Grandshaw, Granny, Lillian, and Jordan to come down.

At the Rock Garden near Plainvlle.

At the Rock Garden near Plainvlle.

Dad may have jet lag, at Granny & Grandshaw's house.

Clem rough-housing with Daddy.

Susannah's baptism at Faith Lutheran Church.

On a rocky beach along California 1.

Along CA1

Along CA1

Christmas Parade in Vista, CA 2021

Christmas Parade in Vista, CA 2021

At Fall Branch near Cherrylog GA - yes, John is in there somewhere.

At Fall Branch near Cherrylog GA

With Mildred Greear

In Stanley Creek near Cherrylog GA

I love this one; Clem playing King of the Mountain with me at the Town Green, but look there in the background, loving parents looking on.

Whirling in the Sesame Street section of SeaWorld.

Hiking with Daddy in Cherrylog, GA.