Happy Father's Day!

Just a quick post to tell my dad how much I appreciate him.

Our dad was always around when we were growing up. If he wasn't at work, he was usually home with us. He always made time for us. There were days he'd get home from work, change, mow the yard and then still play outside with us or go on a walk with us.

Dad loved doing things outside with us. I have fond memories of tossing the frisbee, washing the cars, playing lawn darts (the actual GOOD lawn darts!), going on bikes rides, launching rockets, and even just sitting on the deck and telling us stories from his childhood.

Dad is very patient. He gets that from my grandma. He would let me climb up on the roof with him to help put up the Christmas lights (while Mom stood below panicking that I was going to fall off). He let me help him paint the back of the garage. He taught me how to ride a bike...which was no easy task. He put up with my tears as I did my math homework and would explain things over and over when I still didn't understand. He even taught me how to drive, and was fairly calm even when I almost took a corner on two wheels.

I've watched him have that same patience with the boys. Even when I know they're probably driving him crazy, he always makes time for them and plays with them.

Dad is HILARIOUS. Not many people get to see that side of him. He's got that whole introvert thing going on too. Sometimes he's just super awkward...I totally get those things from him. He's got dad jokes though.

Dad is always willing to help (and/or forced into it by mom). He has helped us girls move countless times. He's tried to help when our cars are making funny sounds...although usually he can't hear the sounds. Haha! He's put together bookshelves, end tables, dressers, entertainment centers and more for us.

He's also caring. He's not overly affectionate, but he'll just randomly do something nice for someone. One time when I had influenza and was sick as a dog, he brought me soup, medicine and  magazines from the store and dropped them off at my apartment. Then ran away like I had the plague!

I feel very blessed to have him as my dad and I love that he gets to be Pa to Daniel, James and Katie.