MVP Award: Vinnie Murphy
Provider. Playmate. Professional Chaos Coordinator.
There are people who keep a household running, and then there are people who somehow keep it alive. My husband Vinnie falls firmly into the second category
He works hard. Like, really hard. Not in a loud, look-at me-way, but in the steady, dependable way that shows up in every bill paid, every long day survived, and every “I’ve got it” moment when things are piling up. He carries a lot, and he still walks through the door ready to be present for our kids.
And when I say present, I don’t mean sitting on the couch recovering from a long work day while the kids climb the walls around him. I mean fully in it.
With the babies, he has this uncanny ability to turn everyday chaos into laughter. The kind that doesn’t just make them giggle - it makes them laugh so hard they hiccup. The whole house changes when he’s in dad mode. It gets louder, messier, and somehow lighter at the same time.
Don’t Try This At Home
Then there’s Mia.
If you ask Mia about her favorite thing about her dad, she will probably saying doing “run jump with dad off the steps.” (don’t try this at home). The second thing she will tell you is he is her favorite playmate. The kind of dad who turns any open space into an obstacle course. Living room? Gym. Hallway? Racetrack. Backyard? Olympic event. She follow him around like he’s the main attraction, because honestly… to her, he is.
He meets her energy in a way that feels effortless. No hesitation. Just pure “okay, let’s go” and suddenly they’re off creating memories that will probably be retold for years.
Now important note for accuracy: Vinnie is capable of many things. Strength, stamina, full-body toddler entertainment, emotional support dad moments - you name it.
But there is one limitation.
Do not ask him for an Elsa braid or to paint nails.
That is where the system crashes.
And honestly, it’s kind of perfect. Because while Elsa braids and nail polish might not be his skill set, running, jumping, laughing and loving our kids absolutely is.
He Shows Up When it Matters Most
At the end of the day, that’s what matters most. Not perfection. Not Pinterest moments. Just a dad who shows up, makes the kids laugh until they hiccup, and turns ordinary days into memories they’ll carry forever.
Being a dad of four isn’t exactly a relaxing hobby. There are diapers, tantrums, endless snacks, sleepless nights, and enough laundry to outfit a small village. Yet he shows up every single day.
He works hard for our family.
He creates memories without even realizing it.
He carries sleepy babies to bed, helps Mia practice new things even in the chaotic moments.
This Father’s Day, I’m thankful for the little things and the big things. The sacrifices nobody sees. The long workdays. The bedtime cuddles. The silly games. The countless memories being made right in the middle of our wonderfully messy life.
Our family wouldn’t be the same without him.
Simple Father’s Day Ideas (Vinnie Approved)
Let dad sleep in!
Breakfast with dad at home: nothing fancy but it better be filled with protein!
Backyard or living room obstacle course: run, jump, roll and bonus - tire everyone out!
Family movie + snack night: popcorn, blankets and something kid friendly. Let him pick the movie and kids can pick the snacks.
Easy Gift Ideas
A long, kid free gym session
His favorite coffee “Dad coupon book” (Mia can decorate it")
One “no responsibilities for 30 minutes”
Handprint or footprint keepsake: babies + paint + paper = chaos BUT also something he’ll never throw away. You can turn it into “Hands Down the Best Day”
A “Why We Love Dad” page from Mia: have her draw pictures and dictate funny things about him (He wants a new pillow for fathers day is my current favorite)
A favorite snacks basket with a funny “Dad Survival Kit” label
This year Father’s Day looked a little different - there was no sleep to be had the night before and Vinnie had to work the morning. However, we still made it special when he came home! We spent part of the day with just Mia, taking her to see Toy Story 5 and soaking up some one-on-one time with our first baby. Watching her laugh, talk about the movie afterward, and sit on dad’s shoulders reminded us how quickly these years are flying by.
Then we came home to our beautiful chaos waiting for us - triplets, toy, and tantrums! We kept it simple and ordered from dad’s favorite restaurant and then after the triplets were asleep played Guess Who - Bluey version. There were no grand plans or extravagant gifts. Just time together.
The older I get, the more I realize that these ordinary moments are the ones we’ll remember. Years from now, I won’t remember what we ate or that we only had half the day to celebrate. What I will remember is laughing with Mia, eating dinner with Archer covered in pasta sauce, and ending the day surrounded by family.
And that’s what Father’s Day is all about.
Happy Father’s Day Vinnie. Thank you for showing up, loving us well, and making this crazy, beautiful life so much fun.
“ I loved him first. Now they do too - and somehow. I love him even more for it.”
