The Big Day

Well the party has come and gone, but that still doesn't change the fact that today, today is Papa's birthday! Yes a scant 60 years ago today Mike's Dad made his appearance in the world. And, without question, we are all better for it. Happy Birthday Day Dad! Of course you realize this mean it's time for another birthday list.

1. To Abby there is not much better in this world than Papa.
2. He knows a lot of stuff. Really. Alot.
3. He's been involved in just about every renovation type thing we've done here.
4. He's taken Abby shoe shopping. By himself.
5. He once walked several blocks carrying Abby's little pink purse.
6. He can dish it out and take it.
7. He took the day off work so he could see Abby get on the bus her first day of school.
8. He checked in with me part way through the day to make sure Abby was okay and didn't need Papa to pick her up.
9. He was there again to meet her bus when she got home.
10. He can usually be bought off with a chocolate pie.
11. Or, in a pinch, an apple pie. Well really any kind of pie. Except blueberry because he wouldn't give you a nickel for a car load.
12. He has some pretty strict food rules like no cheese and mustard on the same sandwich, but he'll eat sardines.
13. He helped Abby with her prize winning vegetable entries.
14. He's still friends with people he went to highschool with.
15. He has an incredible work ethic.
16. He's loud and boisterous.
17. His friends are louder and more boisterous.
18. He's a jack of all trades.
19. He's appreciative of his family.
20. He's interested in and kind to our friends.
21. He's very proficient in baseball chatter.
22. His team won the championship last year.
23. Every year he claims "this is my last year playing ball".
24. Every year he signs up again.
25. He loves the movie Quigley Down Under with Tom Selleck.
26. For some reason he keeps calling it Quincey Down Under.
27. He is the inventor of the "Dad Dance".
28. It's still in use.
29. The endless stories about Marshall's International 806.
30. 3 inch deck screws.... for everything.
31. He also has a fondness for iso bolts.
32. He has an impressive list of "dad"-gets.
33. He saved Michael from bursting into tears during his wedding speech with a well timed joke.
34. He's more sensitive then he likes to let on.
35. He and Mike share a love of International Harvester, Sparrow Lake and the fair.
36. He once owned a pair of red baseball shoes.
37. Would do anything for his granddaughters.
38. Would do anything for his kids (me included).
39. He's read every Louis L'Amour books known to manh.
40. Once took a microwave cooking class so his boys wouldn't starve.
41. The things he lets Abby get away with he would have kicked Mike's ass for.
42. Has a severe bleach addiciton.
43. Took me to see the stage production of the Lion King one Christmas.
44. Really enjoys his rain gauge.
45. Brags about the girls, just a little bit.
46. He's generous.
47. He's more than helpful whenever and wherever it's needed.
48. He has endless stories we never get tired of hearing.
49. He has a laugh that fills the room.
50. He was a huge help and comfort during Maya's rocky entry to the world.
51. He was there right after Abby was born to meet her.
52. He travelled two hours to attend Dave and Mel's wedding.
53. He takes Abby on errands with him.
54. He's already trying to make sure Maya's first word is Papa.
55. He bought both girl's their first tractor.
56. He goes with them to parades.
57. He's really great at keeping Abby amused.
58. He bought Abby her first fishing pole.
59. He's an excellent role model.
60. We're lucky to have him.

Happy Birthday Papa!