And the cards. I've kept nearly all the cards.

It's not that I don't appreciate what my daughters have given me through the years. They know what I like, even if I can't always remember what that is.

Mostly, Father's Day feels unnecessary, even a little undeserving.

Do I sound ungrateful? I'm not.

I'm not looking for payback or celebration. I don't need a special day to know my children love me.

They tell me every day.

But my children love Father's Day.

Now, I have young children, so that biases my view. Still, in so many ways, Father's Day is more for them than me.

They embrace it like a birthday or Christmas. They giggle during their planning when they think I'm not listening.

One year, they put their hand prints on a piece of wood. Those hands look so small now.

They've made breakfast, too, with a little help from their mother. I'd prefer that to going out, like we did a few years ago.

I hated that expedition, but I didn't say a word. We were at our favorite coffee shop, and I found myself missing the waffles-and-bacon platter that normally sits at my end of the table.

Most of the fathers I know cherish these simple gestures over a fancy gift.

Sure, they'd like a new aloha shirt just as much as I would. But as one friend told me, the real joy is "something from my children's own hands."

And they want to spend time with their children.

They want to go to the beach. They want to go fishing. They want to watch an afternoon baseball game on TV.

Makes sense to me.

Children grow up so fast that you can't waste an opportunity to connect with them.

Age brings change, independence. Before you know it, they're coloring inside the lines and getting embarrassed about holding your hand when it's time to cross the street.

When my daughters are older, I suspect they will buy their Father's Day cards at the mall or print them off the Internet.

But they can save their money. I'd rather get a signed palm print, burned toast and an afternoon at the beach.

Reach Mike Gordon at 525-8012 or mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Paramount Pictures

What's happening in Waikiki this weekend? A lot, including "Sunset on the Beach" today and tomorrow at Queen's Surf Beach, and "Brunch on the Beach" on Kalakaua Avenue tomorrow.

Tonight's "Sunset" movie is a magnet for sci-fi fans: "Star Trek: Nemesis," which unfolds on that 30-foot screen at about 7:30 p.m.

Tomorrow's featured film is "The Recruit," starring that randy Colin Farrell and actor's actor Al Pacino. "Sunset" begins at

4 p.m. with food booths and entertainment and all the ambiance of Waikiki you can handle. And, of course, it's free. 523-2489.

"Brunch on the Beach" includes lots of food, and, best of all, The Brothers Cazimero. How often do you get to listen to their sublime sounds for free? Hours are 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

A swap meet where kids learn about money

Youngsters can learn about economics — and maybe clean out their toys and other kid stuff at the same time at the Children's Discovery Center's first Keiki Swap Meet, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. today at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

Children of all ages can participate, and parents, grandparents and the general public can stop by for some quick shopping.

It works like this: Kids gather toys, games, books and other clutter and put them on display to sell at the swap meet. It's the child's duty to price the items and handle the cash transactions.

The event is designed to teach children about the value of money in a fun and educational way. Spots for vendors are already filled.

For more information, call 524-5437 or check out www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

Taiyo showed up with his daddy, Robert Uchida, at last year's Daddy Baby Look-A-Like Contest.

"He looks just like his father!"

You've heard the talk, now it's time to walk the walk — or at least sit with your baby and see who's got whose eyes and nose and chin. The Daddy/

Baby Look-A-Like Contest returns at 9:30 a.m. today at Ward Warehouse. The contest is open to all babies 30 months old and younger and their daddies. A $10 entry fee gives you a shot at trophies and prizes simply for showing up with a chip-off-the-old-block ringer, and also benefits the March of Dimes.

If you haven't already registered, head for the Ward Amphitheater stage between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. The contest starts at 9:30 a.m.

R2-D2

Sometimes, education and fun mix so well you can't tell which is which.

"Robotics" is one of those instances. The interactive exhibit tells where robotics technology is today and how it's changing the future. It's the Bishop Museum's latest traveling exhibit, opening today at the Castle Memorial Building.

On the surface it may not sound that cool, but you can play basketball with a robot, learn why robots can't tie shoes and try to outwit one in a race against the clock ... and more.

Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 2.

Make your reservations for a very cool walk under the moon and stars, with lush tropical plants all around you. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is opening its gates for picnics from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today. After you fill up, slip on your walking shoes, put on insect repellent and break out a flashlight for a moonlight stroll, until 9 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required, so call 233-7323.

Blues and jazz on tap at The ARTS at Marks Garage

It'll be a night of cool blues and jazz when Quedellis "Que" Martyn and Bobby Thursby team up for a free lecture demonstration from 7 to 9 tonight at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

Presented by the SFCA Folk Arts Program, the National Endowment for the Arts and The ARTS at Marks Garage, Martyn and Thursby will share their apprenticeship experience. Martyn, who was part of the downtown Honolulu music scene in the '50s and '60s, returns to the Islands with his cool blues groove. Originally from Texas, Thursby will wow the crowd with his musical versatility that includes R&B, rock 'n' roll, soul and jazz.

The ARTS at Marks Garage is at 1159 Nu'uanu Ave. 521-2903.

The Big Top — or in this case, the Big Wheel — is coming down after this weekend, so it's now or wait until next year to check out the 50th State Fair at the Aloha Stadium parking lot.

This is the fourth weekend for the annual event. You can try ring-toss, catch the boat ride, get a candy apple or send your kids on the bumper cars.

It also makes for a great date destination. Cost is $3 for general admission, $2 for children 4-11; kids 3 and younger get in for free.