Here’s to the dads in our lives.

The last 12 years of parenthood for Shawn and me have been anything but typical. During those first five years, Shawn wasn’t just an incredible dad — he was also building a farm and starting a business from the ground up.

Our days revolved around pig feedings and baby feedings — between those two things alone, there wasn’t much time left in the day. At the same time, we were learning a new culture, a new language, and figuring out how to build a life here in Ecuador. Every recipe, every process, every product was created from scratch and slowly evolved into the business we have today.

Back then, everything that needed to be done was done by one of us. When you’re running a farm while raising three small children born within four years of each other, survival mode becomes a lifestyle.

I’m proud to say we made it through those years and came out stronger on the other side.

Our life is still far from typical, but now it feels incredible. The kids have grown into these amazing little humans — funny, thoughtful, caring, and full of personality. So much of that comes from the example Shawn has set for them. He’s tough but compassionate. He teaches responsibility, helps guide them through problems, and shows up for them every single day. He stands beside

me as an equal and continually pushes me to become stronger and better too.

So this Father’s Day, here’s to the dads and father figures who quietly carry so much responsibility, love deeply, and show up day after day.

Treat them well.
Feed them well.
And make the day special.