I’m very happy to announce that we’ve teamed up with our dear friends and long-time partners Colonel Littleton for a serious giveaway to celebrate Father’s Day. As most of you know, Colonel Littleton produces some of the finest leather pieces in the world, right up in Lynnville, Tennessee. Their designs are very thoughtful, handsome, and heirloom-level. I’ve been using their products for years, and can personally attest to their quality.
To celebrate Father’s Day, we are giving one great dad a serious upgrade to their current business set up: a 1943 Navigator Briefcase:
Simply put, the Navigator is THE leather briefcase to carry. The briefcase is constructed with full-grain, polished American Steerhide leather with solid brass custom closure, hardware, and a personalizable plate. The size is just right: 15.5” W x 10.5” H x 4” D (expanded). Finished off with convenient interior dividers and pockets that fit all necessities.
The briefcase will almost definitely outlive you, but that’s the point. Use one of these until you retire, then pass it along to your son.
To enter, you must do the following:
- Leave a comment on this post with your favorite thing about being a dad.
- Follow Colonel Littleton on Instagram
- Follow Red Clay Soul on Instagram
- Tag three friends on the Red Clay Soul Instagram post (click here for the link)
***You must do all four of these to be eligible to win***
Since we are celebrating Father’s Day, you must get your entry in by Sunday, June 5th at midnight ET. I will announce the winner on Monday, June 6th after lunch.
Good Luck!!!
A VERY special thanks to Colonel Littleton for providing the bag for the giveaway
All of the little moments! Smiles… funny faces…”I love yous”.
No one ever tells you how much joy you derive from simply watching your children participate in sports!
My favorite thing about being a new father would be without a doubt the moments your kids say wrong things. There’s nothing funnier than hearing them say the wrong words or phrases and being able to teach them. I always get a good laugh when they do things like spelling triangle “chriagle”
Being a Dad is so rewarding, there are SO many things that I love about it. My absolute favorite thing about it so far though is when they RUN to see you when you come home from work. That big hug and smile couldn’t get any better. Those days are almost gone, as my youngest is 8, but I look forward to the things that will replace that feeling like helping them get ready for the big dance, long talks about “important” issues, helping them move into their first place, and the ultimate reward… Grandkids ?
So much to love, and I try to not wish any days away, knowing they’re limited.
There are so many things I love about being a dad but I guess the best is just being with my kids and listening to them when they share their experiences and watching and sharing with them as go through life experiences/challenges and being there for them
My wife and I have 4 month old twin boys (Henry and Layne), and my favorite thing about being a dad is getting to watch these little guys grow into their own personalities and getting to know who they are. And I’m looking forward to helping guide them into men and gentlemen. It took us 9 years to conceive, so I’m loving every new experience with them.
Hands down, the best part of being a dad is watching your child do something that they are proud of themselves for doing.
The look when they discover something for the first time.
@ccgraves3
The smiles when my son first wakes up and when he looks at us with his toothless grin.
My favorite part about being a father is hearing “You raised your kids right.”. There’s a lot of meaning in that sentence. There is a great responsibility to having children and the unspoken, knowing look that I share with my wife when our two teenagers are successful or put effort into overcoming an obstacle, is worth all of the sacrifices that parents make for their kids. Happy Father’s Day to all of those who enter, and thanks for the great contest!
Without a doubt, its the first time they hug you back. No better feeling in the world!
@cjeiii
All the smiles, the laughs, and endless play dates!
When my little girl looks up at me to show me what’s she learned, and how proud she is to me…. Or abs when my son lets a huge fart rip – *tears up* – that’s my boy.
Hearing the sound of a flushed 7 iron
How excited she is when she first wakes up in the morning. But everything with her is truly the best.
The sheer joy my son gets when I come home or he sees me. Can’t put a price on that.
Watching your kids learn a hobby that you enjoy and being able to share those memories. Ie – they are learning to fish and has been awesome.
Favorite thing about being a dad is cultivating my sons’ love of music. They always request Bob Seger!
Getting home from work and seeing our little girl’s face light up when she finally sees her “Dada” is everything in the world to me. She’s reframed everything in the world for me over the past 11 months. Excited for this first Father’s Day as a dad!
Loving the newborn snuggles right now with baby # 1.
So many things to list, but if I had to pick one, it would be the moments when we are doing something- sports, playing a game, fishing, hiking, riding around, etc.- and one of my kids will say “Dad, this is the best day ever.” Yes, they all are. I hope they always feel that way.
Watching him discover new things and seeing him laugh.
Will officially join the dad team in 8 months and am looking forward to seeing that first smile.
Hearing “Daddy, I love you” and being able to teach them how to be gentlemen.
Saturday mornings. With three kids (ages 8, 6, & 4), a Saturday morning holds so much promise as a Dad.
It usually starts with cooking breakfast (called “Saturday food” in our house), then finding things to do with them that involves spending quality time and making memories. Fixing things around the house, giving each one a turn to “drive” the lawnmower, playing games at the pool, etc. I hope they will treasure the memories of these Saturday mornings as much as I do.
My favorite thing about being a dad is taking my almost 4 year old daughter to the golf course or out on the farm and I just watch her learn and grow as she encounters different situations. I’m thankful she loves being outside in God’s creation and I believe it will serve her well as she gets into teen years and beyond.
The greatest thing is to see your son walking beside you wanting to do everything he sees you doing. The funniest thing is, when he sees me putting on moisturizer he starts rubbing his face. He’s only 19 months!
Creating memories is my fav thing
When he gets tuckered out and I have to carry him. I wouldn’t trade it for anything
The dynamic duo feeling when you aid each other in annoying the wife/mother
Watching my wife become a mother and seeing our son learn and grow.
Seeing the world through their eyes, and learning from their perspective.
Having a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 7 month old is sometimes overwhelming but yet so very rewarding. The best part about being a father is seeing their smiling faces, getting all the snuggles while their young, but my greatest joy is teaching them about Jesus. Although sometimes are very busy and I don’t feel I get to enjoy my children as much as I want to, hearing the words “Daddy, I love you” is one of the greatest joys of my life!
Being a young father is so fulfilling yet can also have its challenges. I have three wonderful Children 3yo, 2yo, and 7mos, so my wife and I are very busy. Waking up each day and seeing their unique smiles is something that helps me push through hard times or bad days. But the best thing about being a father is hearing them say, “Daddy, I love you” and getting to teach them about Jesus. Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers out there!
We have a 2 year old (boy) and a 24 month old (girl). Watching our little guy be protective of his sister and so gentle to her (which is hard for a 2 year old) has been so rewarding. He was made to be a big brother, and we couldn’t be more proud!
Those post work hugs when they run to you yelling “Daddy!”
The best thing about being a dad right now is when I put my son to sleep and I pat him on the back he pats me on the back as well.
Best thing about being a dad is watching my son’s curiosity and determination expand on a daily basis. Also, shamelessly, when I can make him laugh hysterically.
My Don could use this every day ghost for hos businesd
I am so blessed to be a gramps and a mapsy to 6 grand kids .
Who knew it would be even better than being a dad- to see your sons as dads! Wow ! blows me away every day .
Nice
Teaching them something new
Watching my boy explore and discover
The best part of being a dad for me is something I had to think really hard about because of all of the little things that jump into my mind. Such as when they greet me at the door with a smile and yelling DADDY! Also when they run to me with a boo boo and are crying asking for a big boy boo boo strap, which is what we call in our house a band aid. However if I had to pick the absolute best part, I would have to say that it is the change within me that I can feel and others can see. It’s the feeling inside when I look at them knowing they have made me into a better man.
My dad really enjoyed playing baseball with us, we had a blast!
I enjoy passing on all of the traditions and wisdom to my children that I was blessed enough to have given to me by my great parents.
I enjoy passing on all of the traditions, insights and wisdom to my children that I was blessed enough to have given to me by my great parents.
Not a dad but commenting for my dad; the best thing is spending time and adventures!
Favorite thing is watching him grow up to be a responsible, courteous young man.
Favorite thing is watching him gave fun hunting and fishing
I am blessed to be able to show my boys how to love God and love others! They know when I am proud of them for it and that is an unbelievable feeling!
Watching them learn new things every day
The unknowns!
This would be for my husband. His favorite part of being a dad is watching our little ones grow and learn about the world.
Love this
Best part about being a dad is when your kids give you a hug. Especially the teenagers that are “too old” to give their ole dad one. Also love it when someone brags on them. Makes you believe you did something right.
The best thing about being a dad is to hear my daughter call me dad! I love seeing just how much she is like her ol man. I love watching her grow into the beautiful young lady that she is. I wouldn’t trade for anything in the whole world.
As both mom and dad, I love seeing the amazing caring and compassionate woman my daughter has become.
Honestly, I never knew if I would be a dad, but I knew I wanted to be a dad! I now have 4 kids under 5 years old (4yr old boy, 2yr old girl, and twin 1yr old boys). I have no idea what I would do without this crazy tribe. It is my greatest joy to watch them grow! My oldest is about to go on his first canoe trip soon, and we are currently shopping for his first fishing rod. A child’s excitement is absolutely contagious, and I am forever thankful that I have 4 built-in best friends!!
The best thing about being a dad for me has been watching my daughters grow, learn and become happy, healthy and vibrant young ladies. We are very blessed!
Teaching a skill is the best. Showing the boys how to do something that I know they can use later in life.
I am proud that I taught both of my boys to be respectful to women!
Watching my six grandkids grow up.
Watching them grow and learn.
I may not be a father, but my hardworking RN/full time MBA student husband is!
His favorite this about being a father is the look on the kids faces when he gets home after a long shift and they run to greet him!
He so deserves this! ?
I love being a dad. I learn something new from my kids everyday.
My favorite thing about being a dad is watching my four children, now adults, bring their own children into the world. Three of my children are expecting in November This will bring my total of grandchildren to 6. It’s like having babies all over again, only without the sleep deprivation!
Having a son and sharing the joy of watching him grow into a man who has a profession of helping people preserve the memories of their loved ones. There is nothing more satisfying than having that bond of love between a father and a son.
Hearing them say Da Da and listening to their laughter
Having no children of my own, I have been blessed with three great step-children that I have had the pleasure of co-parenting. Each is unique in his or her own way, and each has become a successful adult person and parent. I hope my interaction has been instrumental in some way with their success.
To be honest I am not sure yet – I just found out I am going to be a dad! I look back on cherished memories with my dad – and hope to not only create those memories with my child; but emulate the great father my was to my child to come.
Being called every day to move at “the savoring pace” by our kids (4, 3, and 2) who aren’t rushed, hurried, or anxious about their time, but just delight in new experiences as they learn and grow.
Favorite part of being a dad: having grandkids!! All the fun without the fuss!!
The best part of being a Dad is always being there for your children. I follow @red_clay_soul @colonel_littleton
I tagged 3 friends.
My soon to be hubby could use this as he started his own mobile business and this would help him look more professional
The best part of being a dad has been seeing my daughter at almost 30 as a free thinking, self sufficient adult. The hard work paid off!
All the memories we create from taking trips to just spending alone time with them being silly.
My favorite thing about being a dad is embarrassing my kids with so called “Dad Jokes” plus watching them grow up and get taller than me!
My favorite thing about being a dad is seeing my daughter’s smile every morning when she wakes up.
The way my girls can cry about a wrong and I will come to their defense every time…
The fact that is so hard and so important at the same time.
Favorite thing is watching with pride as they grow and achieve their dreams, and the memories they create with us along the way.
Being able to pass on my knowledge.
My dad has past but he loved spending time with me and my siblings so much, he really enjoyed playing baseball! and we collected coins and stamps together as a hobby, so much fun!
Watching my children grow and become the people that would make any Dad proud. Also being able to have in depth conversations on their take of things in this world vs. the conversations I had with my Dad in a different era. They keep me in the know and on my toes.
My favorite part of being a dad is watching the differences in my kids transitioning from little kids, to teenagers, to young adults. The difference in likes, tastes, and growing into making their own decisions and choices.
My favorite thing about being a dad is sharing the values I have to the next generation and being able to contribute to my Children’s lives
Favorite thing is to watch my kids grow up and spending time with them
Seeing the world through a child’s eyes once again! It’s also amazing to share with them their victories and losses. We are all in this together.
My favorite thing about being a dad is getting hugs from my daughters every day.
I love it when my boy lays his head on my chest!!
Just being there.
The best part about being a dad is of the unconditional love!
Favorite thing is watching my son grow up to be a strong, intelligent, independent man raising children in a moral way that will transcend to the next generation.
Grandkids
My favorite thing about being a dad is having someone to do the yard work for me. In the early years they are in training mode, watching me have so much fun doing it. They naturally want to join in on the party, so I gradually let them do manageable tasks, and then one day, they are doing it all.
My Instagram name is 1froglegs
The first smile of the day from my four month old when he wakes up in the morning
very classy case, I would carry it with pride
Everything! I especially love seeing her smile when we go outside and she sees something that catches her eye like a bird, or a bunny, and then the ensuing laughter afterwards is incredible.
Watching them grow up.
Loving dad
I’m not a dad but I’d love to gift this to mine as a thank you for his patience and kind heart!
My two children were adopted from the foster system. Among the countless blessings I receive as a dad is knowing that I am helping to change two people’s lives for ever.
As time marches on, new memories created and milestones reached, the one thing that will never get old and is the most rewarding, is greeting, smiles and hugs I’m met with every afternoon when returning home from work.
I have three kids and I love watching them grow. The different personalities, It amazes me how different they can be even though they are under the same roof.
Robert: “Getting to be a kid again.”
Well Im a Dad and Step Dad so I get double the love and trouble! But its ok..the love evens it all out..and I wouldnt trade it for anything else!
The “I love you”s just hit different when you’re a dad.
Seeing my kids grow up into the wonderful people they are has been the biggest blessing of a lifetime. Watching them become parents as a Pop and seeing the cycle continue has made my heart grow and love more than I could have previously thought
My favorite thing about being a dad (and have my first son due in 2 weeks) is reading books together before bed. It’s our time to learn and explore and dive into books together!
Strolling across the street to the Lincoln Park Zoo in my J Peterman safari/adventure shirt during the day…. Then unbuttoning that second from the top button on the shirt later in the day to take the wife out to a romantic dinner in suburbs at the Olive Garden.
Taking my son on the adventures I had with my father, and planning all new ones for the future.
A great prize.
I sure would like to win.
Favorite thing about being a Dad? This is easy. I have three girls (9,7,5) I get to assist in their spiritual formation. I think about this often and the weight of it because my wife and I believe that if they have a good foundation in Jesus, it will set them up to be successful in their life. That success may look different than many peoples ideas but eternal success is what we are striving for. Soli Deo Gloria!
In just once year, I watched my son take his first step in this world. Now when I do acrobatics, he’s able to watch, learn and imitate my moves at the age of eight. Amazing!
The honor of raising God’s children
Fatherhood is your opportunity to live out the pretend superhero you were as a child. You can literally do no wrong in the innocent perspectives of your children and often “save the day” multiple times each week. The title Dad comes with great responsibility though; we must lead by example through humility, love, and toughness to protect our kids but also allow them to explore life and write the story in their own way. Honoring traditions and creating new ones with each kid is one of the most special parts of being a Dad.
Favorite moments are when she wakes up in the morning with a huge smile and a soft giggle! Makes my day ever day!
My favorite thing about being a dad is being that loving role model that helps my girls self esteem all the time! I love teaching her to empower herself!
Taught my daughter to ride her bike without raining wheels
We go out on our bikes together for a few miles
Such a joy to ride with her
going to see my daughter show horses and the love of being a grandpa to Rose, a miniature schnauzer, my first grandchild. .
I love the teach and learning moments of being a father
I enjoy the family vacations the most!
Seeing my children grow every day to be wonderful young adults
Watching my children grow up into wonderful adults… all three of them are amazing in their own rights and as well in their careers…helping people on a daily basis..one by taking care of the sick; another keeping our country’s freedoms and the last one with leadership and teaching skills. I am thankful and humbled God chose me to be their dad.
My daughters! I could go on…❤️
Getting to show my boys how to work on the family farm and a good work ethic
I’m in it for the wrestle time, arts and crafts, Saturday morning cartoons, and big snugs. I love it because they still say I love you, even after getting consequences.
My favorite thing is to hear them make plans, whether for the afternoon, week ahead, or five years down the line.
@hgglass
My favorite thing about being a dad is that I’m a superhero in my child’s eyes. He looks up to me with so much admiration that it initially felt a little intimidating. My behavior is the guide to his own behavior. To him, I’m big and strong and his protector. It’s an amazing feeling! The look on his face gives me pride and makes me proud to have such an amazing kid.
Before I had my son I didn’t know I had the capacity to love this deeply. It was quite a revelation for me, and it transfers to all other aspects of life. It has allowed me to see life through new selfless eyes, and that love extends outward through a deeply held sense of responsibility.
My favorite thing about being a dad is seeing my kids face when we do a project. We do home depots kits, lowes, we made cookies, soaps, clothes for there toys and best of all movie night. We love to all get together and just eats snacks and watch new disney movies.
I have 5 sons. All the years of work, sacrifice, and worry as my wife stayed home and raised our boys, in the hopes that they turn out to be better men than me. And the joy you feel when they do.
Best part of being a Dad is that the joy of fatherhood continues well into our children’s adulthood. Teaching our kids how to ride a bike, fish, and swim evolves into teaching how to drive, invest their 401-k and shop for a home. I’ve kept every Father’s day card from the crayon drawings to the eloquent hand written notes. It will never get old. Dads, enjoy the journey.
My favorite thing about being a Dad is watching my kids grow up and to watch them thrive at everything they do. My wife passed away last year and I am raising my 3 sons alone but I am enjoying every bit of it, going to concerts with them, watching my oldest son thrive in his piano lessons, my middle son is into tech and I love seeing him get excited when he learns new things, my youngest is artistic and has very little speech but I am giving him the best school that he needs and he is doing so good and learning how to talk. My life is extremely busy with my job, my kids and my photography and I am loving all of it especially my sons.
I’ve been a dad for a month and anything resembling a hug just makes my heart melt.
As a dad I failed my son but as a grandfather I’ve been able to do some good. I got my grand-daughter out of the foster system in Texas. I did this while in the middle of a divorce which was no small task. She has shown me the joy of being a good guy.
I just want to win .
Winning is nice .
My favorite thing about being a dad is watching my little girl learn something new and watching the world through her eyes! Every day is a new adventure with her.
as a dad I get to watch my son’s make the same mistakes I did and then tell them “I told you so”
I love when my kids want to be like me and express interests in things we now enjoy together.
My favorite thing about being a dad, that I receive daily, is the greetings I get when arriving home from work. Their excitement on their face and in their voice, the smiles and hugs. No matter how the day was, it’s instantly perfect.
I have been a dad to three and now a granddad to eleven.. I would love the briefcase and gift it to our first grandson at his graduation.
Being one of the people that he looks up to and always can rely on
Listening to my oldest two boys make plans for what to do today, next week, or five years from now.
Watching her be happy. Nothing makes me happier than when she is smiling and laughing
I want to win .
I love seeing my kids grow into successful and responsible adults utilizing the tools & experiences that I provided them throughout their formative years.
The best thing about being a Dad is watching your kids grow up to be kind, successful, loving individuals. Raising your children to be good persons is the greatest thing you can do..
Being able to teach my boys how to work on the family farm and to have a good work ethic.
Seeing them grow every day, and watching their minds grow.
Watching them develop a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Nothing better!
The best part of being a dad is seeing everything again for the first time through their eyes and getting to experience it all together. It reinvigorates my life every day.
Watching them experience the world for the first time.
Favorite thing about being a dad? One has to be the smile on the son’s face when you two get to hunt together. Even an unfruitful turkey hunt can prove to be one of the most memorable days
Watching my kids grow into great successful adults is very rewarding.
Watching the way our oldest admires our youngest
I love all the teachable moments that I get with them, from helping with homework to teaching how to ride a bike. These help me to recognize the importance of my role as a parent to form my children to be the people that this world needs them to be.
My favorite part about being a dad is doing my best to prepare my children for their future.
Still waiting for my first to be born, but I have loved watching them grow and develop throughout my wife’s pregnancy and can’t wait to meet the newest family member in just a few short weeks
Becoming a dad has been life changing. My dad wasn’t very present so now I have the chance to have that incredible bond that I missed out on. It’s so amazing watching them grow and learn from his mom and I.
Making memories with my 5 year old son watching our favorites sports teams!
Making memories with my 4 year old daughter as a girl dad and all that entails!
Knowing that no matter how much you’re helping them they’re helping you be a better version of yourself. The immediate smiles when they see you and their life becoming a version of yours. Getting to relive your favorite things all over again like it’s the first time. Took my 5 year old to her first concert (Jupiter Coyote) and it was like going to my first concert again. Nothing better.
I’m not a dad, but my favorite thing about my own father is his patience – and maybe his cooking (but don’t let him know that lol)