Father's Day is a time to celebrate the bond between fathers and their kids, but sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to make time for those we love most. With life being so short and unpredictable, we’ve got to seize the moments we have and make lasting memories. My Pops lives over in South Carolina, and since I reside in the Hill Country outside of Austin, it’s hard for us to get some good ol’ fashion 1-on-1 time. A couple of weekends ago, I flew him out here to hang out. Here’s a rundown of our unforgettable day filled with laughter, lessons, and a whole lot of fun. Hopefully, it’ll inspire you to take a Saturday and embrace time with dad.

An Unexpected Start
Our day began with a bit of an unexpected adventure (as it so often does with this guy). Pops, ever the outdoorsman, decided to take a scenic route on our way to the golf course. Of course, this route led us to cruising around 250 acres in the pristine Texas Hill Country in a couple of Land Rover Defenders. One old, one new. Not 20 minutes into our cruise, he got our new Defender in a precarious spot (pictured below). Naturally, I gave him a taste of some good-natured ribbing, and after a quick tug, we got it back on level ground. The adventure continued, and only minor damage was done (Bobbi, if you read this, sorry I didn’t tell you about this part).

A Friendly Wager on the Course
Once we arrived at the golf course, it was game on. Dad and I have always enjoyed a bit of friendly competition, and today was no exception. We decided to make things interesting with a small wager. Despite my best efforts, Dad’s seasoned swing and cool composure on the green had me beat. The loss was humbling, but paying up on our bet added an extra layer of fun to the day. Plus, it gave us more reasons to laugh and banter throughout our round. Pretty sure him whipping my tail was payback for my jabs earlier when he got the Defender stuck.

The Go-to Taco Spot
After a morning on the course, we were starving. We headed to a taco spot that’s one of my favorites in Spicewood, an unassuming food truck on the side of Highway 71. If you’re ever in the area, look up the fine folks over at Ortegas and ask for “The Special”. You won’t regret it.

Since Dad was the new owner of my crisp $100 bill from the golf wager, tacos were on him.

I love sharing my local go-tos with my Pops when he’s in town. As we sat down with our plates full of mouth-watering tacos, we swapped stories from the morning and reminisced about some of the hell I gave him growing up. As a father of a 2-year-old little one myself, I have no doubt some of that hell will come back around when she turns into a teenager.

Pool Sharks (We Wish)
With our stomachs full, we moved on over to an early happy hour at Poodies, one of America’s top watering holes (in my biased opinion). Named after Willie Nelson’s road manager and #1 roadie, this bar is a must-visit when swinging through Austin.

Shooting pool with Dad is always a blast because it's not just about the game; it's about the time together (and, of course, the razzing). We ordered a couple of beers and let the games begin. The pool table became a battleground of skill and strategy. I’ll be honest, he was the only one who brought the skill and strategy. I, on the other hand, did not bring my A-game. As we played, we joked, we competed, and we made more memories that I’ll cherish.

Life Lessons Over Drinks
While shooting pool and sipping our beers, the conversation naturally drifted into deeper territory. Dad shared some of his life experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Listening to him, I realized once again how valuable his insights are and how much I’ve learned from his guidance over the years. It was a reminder that life is short, and the wisdom of a dad is such a gift.

A Moment of Reminiscing and Reflection
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on the many adventures we've shared over the years. From family vacations to seemingly mundane moments, we reminisced about the good times and even the challenges. These stories reminded us both of the importance of making time for each other and cherishing every moment, no matter how big or small.

Planning Future Adventures
Before heading home, we made a pact to plan more days like this. Life can be hectic, but making a conscious effort to spend time together is essential. Whether it’s another round of golf, a fishing trip, or just a simple dinner, the key is to prioritize these moments. After all, it's these memories that we’ll look back on and treasure.

This Father’s Day, remember that the best gift you can give is your time—and hey, don’t let me stop you from getting him a great belt too (shameless belt-salesman plug).

In all seriousness, life is fleeting, and it’s the moments we spend with our loved ones that truly matter. So, plan a day with your dad, embrace the adventures, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more unforgettable father and son days!

Cheers to all the dads out there!
JM