Our June 2014 feature subjects are Jennifer Herron and Jeff Horton, the husband-and-wife architect team, and their kids Ava and Jake.

It’s June and that means Father’s Day! Advertising abounds for the latest BBQ sets, television remote boats, nonsensical gadgets, Bermuda shorts, camo gear, and of course, neckties. Comedian Bill Cosby once said, “Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.” Dads are usually pretty good at being happy with whatever is gifted their way. It’s just really about showing them we appreciate them.

We've always had fun over the years coming up with Father’s Day ideas for my husband, Scott. We’ve never given him soap-on-a-rope, but there has been a wide array of egg carton art, cheap plastic doodads from school fundraisers, pictures, posters and Play Doh creations…oh my! We do throw in nifty sports gear or gift certificates for massages for good measure. In the spirit of full disclosure, we have given him neckties. He loves neckties though, so it’s actually a really great gift for him.

Bill Cosby also said, “Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.” Isn’t it wonderful when dads feel this way? Dads are so important to children. Dads come in all shapes and sizes. They may be a child’s biological or adoptive father. They may be a father figure through school, church, an activity or a sport. A dad is someone who puts themselves second in order to nurture a child. Great dads are ordinary men who are viewed as extraordinary by those who love them.

I think I love my husband most when he’s giggling and wrestling with our kids (even though it drives me crazy at bed time), talking like Chewbacca from Star Wars, pretending to understand classical dance with our daughter, and exemplifying the kind of man I want our son to be. He’s humble, honorable and loves us like crazy.

Our June issue is full of stories about parents who love their families like crazy too. They are trailblazers at home and in the community…making their positive mark on society. Page after page this month, you’ll find fantastic family fun ideas and ways to help you along your parenting journey. Also, Little Rock Family is now on Instagram!

Follow @LRFamily to keep up with us when we’re on the go--at photo shoots, central Arkansas events, and even the carpool line! We’re all in this together.

So, give your dad a copy of Little Rock Family and a necktie or whatever gift makes the best sense for him. But, don’t forget to hug him as tightly as you can. Tell him you appreciate him for all that he is and does. And, top the whole thing off with a good old noogie! He’ll appreciate that.

Click here to browse the digital edition of the June 2014 Little Rock Family, or look for a copy on newsstands now!