Family and Birthdays

First of all, today is Grandma Daisy's birthday (Larry's mom's mom, one of the friendliest ladies you will ever meet). Happy Birthday, Grandma! Just as soon as you're all better, Sara and I will be coming out for a visit. :)

Saturday was my dad's 75th birthday. Since my family is big on outings, we decided to take a camping trip to the San Mateo campground near San Onofre State Beach to celebrate. This is the same campground through which the Transportation Corridor Agencies wanted to build a toll road. Anyway, to make this birthday celebration even sweeter, my sister Susanne flew in from Germany to surprise my family! My parents had the pleasure of having all four of their kids in the same place for the first time since (I think) Alex and Carla's wedding almost five years ago. It was truly a special weekend.


You can click on the slideshow to view a larger version.

To help mark such a special occasion, I compiled a list of 75 things I love and appreciate about my dad. Here it is:

1. You taught me how to build a campfire.
2. You let me pick the lint out of your belly button when I was little.
3. You rigged up my fishing pole for me no matter how many times I messed it up.
4. You gave me a love of the outdoors.
5. You taught me how to ride a bike.
6. You showed me what a happy marriage looks like.
7. You gave me my love of reading.
8. You’ve always kept your curiosity about the world and its inhabitants.
9. You have never seemed disappointed about having more daughters than sons.
10. You’re a loving Opa.
11. You went to Girl Scout square dances and acted like it was fun.
12. You gave me my dimples.
13. You never put a limit on hugs.
14. You would let us cuddle with you on weekend mornings.
15. You always made us feel safe.
16. You can fix anything.
17. You paid my way through college.
18. You encouraged me to be successful in school.
19. You never minded if I got dirty.
20. You would run the shaver on my cheeks when I was little.
21. You would let me kiss your extra-soft cheeks after you shaved with a razor.
22. You would ring the bell every Christmas.
23. You would hide our Easter baskets out in the yard.
24. You have always had a special “chair.”
25. You nod your head in relief and relaxation if someone tucks you in when you’re napping.
26. You encouraged neatness.
27. You encouraged cleanliness.
28. You took us camping.
29. You would diligently remove every potentially uncomfortable twig or pebble from the pad before pitching our tent.
30. You would make a bed in the back of the bus, which made long car travels extra fun.
31. You would take us up to Big Bear for the weekend.
32. You taught me how to swim.
33. You would throw me in the air across the pool.
34. You would catch critters in your hands and show them to me.
35. You walked me through Bensheim and told me stories about your childhood.
36. You shared your memories of World War II with me.
37. You told me stories about your years in Canada.
38. You always appreciate a good meal.
39. You only brought good people around your kids.
40. You always have a twinkle in your eye.
41. You still take good care of yourself.
42. You’re always willing to come over and help with home projects.
43. You gave me my love of sleep.
44. You very rarely lost your temper with me.
45. You always took care of us financially.
46. You let me talk on the phone all the time at the age where I felt the need to.
47. You gave me my sweet tooth (gee, thanks!).
48. You listen to opera and classical music.
49. You would take us to the beach and let us spend the whole day there.
50. You never acted like your kids were an inconvenience.
51. You gave me my Apfelbaeckchen.
52. You took me to the plant and taught me about your job.
53. You painted my bedroom for me.
54. You let me watch while you gutted fish.
55. You took me out in the Klepper Boot.
56. You play with your grandkids.
57. You would always man the barbecue.
58. You built the patio with your own two hands.
59. You always gave Mama a kiss hello when you came home from work.
60. You have a lovely singing voice.
61. You let Tanja play with your ears and Alex with your forehead and fuzzy eyebrows.
62. You look funny and cute when you put your pinky in your ear and shake vigorously.
63. You took me to school for most of my junior year of high school.
64. You taught me how to drive.
65. You taught me how to change a tire.
66. You helped me make a sundial for my sixth grade science project.
67. You would take us to go ice-blocking at the park.
68. You taught us the value of a dollar.
69. You always took my pulse and checked my forehead when I was sick.
70. You encouraged homeopathic medicine before it was en vogue.
71. You always encouraged us to pursue excellence.
72. You always seemed content with your life.
73. You wanted what was best for us, and we always knew that.
74. You smile easily and often.
75. You’re my Daddy!

Whether a girl is one or thirty-one, she's never too old for her dear ol' dad. :)