2015

A Weekend Getaway that turned into a perfect First Fatherhood Moment

A Weekend Getaway that turned into a perfect First Fatherhood Moment
[caption id="attachment_19112" align="alignright" width="360"] Can't start our trip without saying hi to the YVR Moose. Can't start our trip without saying hi to the YVR Moose.[/caption]

Father-Daughter moments are precious. I don't care who you are, if you're a Dad you know exactly what I mean. 

As a Dad, I struggle with Lifestyle Management (forget about Time Management)


The last 12 years, since my first daughter Chardonae was born, I've struggled with " lifestyle management " - yes, note I didn't say time management.

Dads and Moms everywhere know exactly what I'm talking about. When we bring our children into the world they become the focus and the reason for everything. It wasn't about me anymore, but instead this little person I helped bring into this big, beautiful world. Along with this tremendously overwhelming sense of responsibility came an internal struggle to balance all life's commitments - between work, finances, personal health and fitness, and a continued drive for personal development, I found my newest title of "Dad" trumped all. My kids are not (and never will be) an excuse for why I can't do something, but instead they are THE reason for everything I do. And I love every minute of it! Can you relate?

An epic Daddy-Daughter weekend makes for a First Fatherhood Moment


[caption id="attachment_19148" align="alignleft" width="300"] Daddy Daughter in Union Square San Francisco Nothing like getting a selfie with the big hearts of Union Square in San Fran[/caption]

This past weekend I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to share a very special experience with my youngest daughter, Brie. To further raise the level of awesomeness, it was a First Fatherhood Moment for me - our first trip alone together. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of trips with the family, and 1-day excursions solo with my kids, but this trip was unique. It was our first daddy-daughter weekend getaway just the two of us outside of Canada!

Our weekend started with an early morning flight to San Francisco from Vancouver. Me, I get up early all the time, but Brie however, well, early mornings aren't in her 10-year old's repertoire ( yet! ). But she surprised me and was out of bed with a jump, dressed, teeth brushed and hair flat-ironed! It was the fastest I've ever seen her get ready, period.

The first day in San Francisco saw us doing a ton of walking, riding trolley cars, sitting at Union Square and just talking. To be honest, the latter was my favorite. Sitting in the sun, people watching and talking to Brie -- a perfect day.

The NBA Fantasy Camp Experience - another First Fatherhood (and daughter) Moment!


The crux of the trip was centered around a VIP NBA Fantasy Camp experience with former NBA superstar Robert "The Big Shot" Horry. Myself and Brie, along with a handful of other Dad-and-kid pairs, were handpicked to attend this special one day DoveMen+Care event.

[caption id="attachment_19106" align="aligncenter" width="618"] #DoveMenCare #FathersDay #RealStrength with Daddy Dai and Daughter Brie Me and Brie practicing our dribbling... believe me, she's got mad skills![/caption]

We spent the afternoon doing warm-up and practice drills, playing basketball skill testing games and at the end a little scrimmage, climaxing with a massive game of knock out with The Big Shot himself in the mix. It was a lengthy game and a lot of great shots made by all who played, but in the end it came down to just two of us - Robert Horry and me. A little back and forth for a few rounds and then I missed! And if you miss on a giant 6 foot 21 inch, 270 pound former NBA star who has 7 NBA Championship titles under his belt? Well, you guessed it, he knocked me out and won the game. But! I was close - and to me being that close to a win is awesome! LOL!

[tweet_box design="box_12"]82% of men globally believe that having a child changes the way they think about what it means to be a man. #RealStrength[/tweet_box]

The rest of the weekend was nothing but fun times and first experiences. I spent a great deal of time reminiscing about a trip I took with my Dad when I was about Brie's age - we traveled across the US by car and stopped in a ton of small towns, urban communities, parks and of course larger cities - of which San Francisco was one.

Nostalgia coursing through my veins, I took Brie around to a lot of the sites my dad took my brother and I. Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Union Square, Market, and the list goes on... an epic experience which both my daughter and I will cherish forever.
Do you have any first time experiences that are so vivid in your memory you can replay them like pushing play on a DVD? Leave a comment below and tell me about it. I'd love to hear about it (and who knows, I might have to add to my growing "to do" list of things I want to experience with my kids.

Speaking of first experiences, check out this new film celebrating the emotional strength 13 real men openly express upon learning they’re going to be a dad for the first time... (warning, this video is awesome - be sure to share with other dads that you know...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0-5HORRXU0

Photo Gallery from the weekend that was...


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