Happy Birthday, Dad!

Here are just a few of the reasons I love you!

1. No matter where you go, you are ALWAYS wearing a Hurricane shirt (or hat!) In every family picture, no matter how far back you go, you are always in some shade of orange and green! Some of my best memories are times spent in the Orange Bowl and following the Hurricanes all over the country with you.

2. You are hilarious! The Ugg slippers saga was the funniest argument I have ever listened to between you and Mom! You are the only person I know who gets more pleasure out of returning things than buying them! All of my friends love you and love to be entertained by stories of your antics! I saved the voicemail you left where you barked like you were Rusty for months. Whenever I needed a good laugh, I just hit play!

3. You are such a great example of service. Your ward is really so lucky to have you. Every time I visit you guys, your house is like Grand Central Station! The phone rings off the hook! You are always doing something for someone else. Whether it's paying for someone's bus fare or bringing dinner to a family, you can always be counted to do the Lord's work. I can remember as a kid, you always gave a couple dollars to people begging for money. That was such a great example to me and something I look for in guys I date now!

4. You love Rusty so much! As sad as I was to give Rusty back to you guys after his time at Club Curry, I knew he would be in much better hands. You and Rusty are best friends forever and it is so sweet how much you love each other!

5. You love Roxy too! As much as you protest, mom and I always see you sneak a pat on the head for Roxy when you think Rusty is not looking! Roxy and I will always be so grateful to you for taking care of her eye!!!!

6. You are Mr. Khaki. I don't know anyone else in the world who asks for "mock turtlenecks" for Christmas! If it is wrinkle-free and comes in some shade of khaki, you are all over it! Your love of all things generic makes me think of how you tried to convince Mom that you guys should each have your own metal tray with compartments to eat your dinner off of!

7. You are really fun! I have had such fun times with you like our trip to Omaha for the College World Series. Even though you only let me eat Crystal Burger for 1200 miles, we still managed to have a good time and not kill each other! Another favorite memory I have is driving around Birmingham late at night eating Krispy Kremes and looking at cars!

8. You know EVERYTHING. I mean it. Everything. If I have a question about anything, you have the answer or you will find out for me.

9. You came and read to my first ever 5th grade class in my first year of teaching. The kids loved you and, even more, loved the fun quiz you put together about England. Not only did you help me out by coming in, you went all out and made a truly memorable experience for the kids. Even the next year, they would remind me of things you taught them about England. I never heard the end of "Cheeky Monkey!"

10. Last, but definitely not least, you take care of your family. I am so blessed to know whatever it is, you will always be there for me. Whether it's setting up my retirement fund or changing my oil, you are always taking care of me and mom.

I love you so much, Dad, and as I've gotten older I've really come to cherish the times we spend together even more. I know I am so blessed to be a part of this family and I am so grateful for the examples that you and Mom set for me. You are the best ever and I miss you every day!

Happy Birthday, Dad!