Happy, Happy Birthday!!!

Happy 60th Dad!!!

Mikkel, Britt and family...lunching it up!

Opening the gag gifts!

Silly grandkids........The fam..........

We drove to Pocatello Friday night and stayed with my sister, Brittney. I know, I don't really have a sister, but since we've been best friends for over 25 years, we have adopted each other as true family. We couldn't stay with my parents because we had a big surprise party planned for my dad the next day. Saturday we got up and made lots of food, went and picked up balloons and headed to Ross Park to set up the party. The weather was cold and very windy! I was worried as we set up if people would even come. Slowly friends and family arrived and before we knew it the pavillion was full. It was so nice to see old friends. Robert kept teasing me about who was having more fun, me or my dad. I miss those people though. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by really great families. And even more fortunate, was I, to grow up with a dad like mine. Alright, so it was his birthday Sunday and he turned the big 6-0...so I am going to brag on him a bit.

Those of you who know me know that my dad is my biggest hero. He has always been such a great example in my life. He is a humble, happy, hard working, caring, spiritual, funny guy. It is rare to find my dad in a bad mood. He is a simple man who doesn't need a whole lot to make him happy. He has never been one to pursue materialistic things, just the love and happiness of his family.

When I was younger I remember my dad always spending time with us kids. He would wrestle with us, give us pony rides on his back, tickle us with "the claw", and read stories to us. He loved ice cream and would make us malt milk shakes all the time. He would get up every Saturday and make us a yummy breakfast. We still beg him to make his "special eggs." He always grew a garden. I remember loving picking peas, carrots and radishes from the garden. As I got older it was my dad who would get up early and run us to basketball or cheerleading practices. He worked a sales job and could sneak away in the afternoons. He never missed a game or event. My friends all adored my dad. He was so friendly and nice to them when they came to the house. He had some silly song or nickname for most of them. He was always cracking jokes and having fun. It is rare to see my dad without a big, cheesy smile on his face.

My dad was always involved with some type of sport. He loved competing and staying fit and healthy. As a kid, I loved running around at his softball, basketball, and raquetball games. One of his favorite things to do was to ride his bike. I remember us driving to my brother's baseball games and passing dad as he was riding his bike there. Even today he takes nightly bike rides with his dog, Max.

My dad was always serving others. Each year for Christmas he would have some plan to help a family. He made sure to teach us the true meaning of the holiday. He continues to serve others. He has always been a faithful home teacher. I was grateful growing up for his father's blessings and his love for the scriptures and gospel.

Still, as an adult, my dad is one of my greatest friends. He calls me on the phone nearly everyday to see how I am doing and inquire about the grandkids he loves so much. He loves to play and wrestle with them, go to their games, take them for walks, and let them know how much he cares. He is always there for me. I am so grateful for the life he gave me and for the wonderful person he is. Thanks dad for being you because I think you're pretty fantastic. I just ask for one little favor......can you live for another 60 years?!