My Dad is the best dad

I know we all think we have the best dad, but I really do! :) Today is my daddy's birthday. Just want to wish him a happy happy birthday! I would tell you how old he is, but that might not be polite. :)

My dad is so great. One of the things I love most about him is his sense of humor. I remember back when I was a sophomore in college, my sister had knee surgery and was stuck in bed. Her friends brought over a big stack of movies, and my dad, Andrea and me crowded onto her bed to watch "Bandits" together for the first time. I think the only reason I think that movie is funny is because I watched it with my dad. He laughed so hard, I laughed because he was laughing! I remember another time while I was in college...it was my birthday. We had done the cake and presents, and the other two kids had disappeared. My parents and my grandma and I were hanging out in the living room, just talking. Dad started telling us stories of his trip to Europe when he was in his early twenties. We all laughed so hard we cried.

My dad was a terrific story-reader when we were little. My two favorite books he would read to us were:

Underwear!

and Earl's Too Cool for Me

He would do all the voices. I can still hear him in my head, chanting in a sing-song voice "Earl's too cool for me!" We loved it.

An unknown number of years ago, I started calling him Pappy. It's my special nickname for my dad, and I love it. As a result, to Dallin, he is Grandpappy! He has called me Punkin all my life, and though I went through a period of time in middle school (we would be at a youth activity at church and Dad would call me Punkin....and I would cringe) where it embarassed me, I got over it! I love that he has a special name for me.

Dad, I love you and I am so proud to have you as my dad. Happy Birthday!