Happy Birthday, Papa!

My dad turned 70 over the weekend, and while this was a milestone as far as birthdays go, he is one of the youngest people I know.  Seriously.  My oldest son is named after him, and Papa is such a wonderful role model for my boys, who follow him around like little puppies.

I’ve always thought of my dad as a true Renaissance Man and a Jack-of-all-Trades.  He’s like Hawkeye from The Last of the Mohicans and Crocodile Dundee, with a little Lonesome Dove thrown in for good measure.  He loves to hunt and fish, and he clears mesquite and builds fences in the heat of the Texas summer.  For fun.  He’s also a retired math teacher and a veteran, and he helped me with my homework, patiently taught me to drive and to balance my checkbook, and guided me through my first long year of teaching middle school.  In my eyes, he can do anything, and I know my sons feel the same way.

Last Saturday, my family gathered to celebrate our beloved dad and Papa, and it was a wonderful day.

(Papa laughing with his older grandboys.)

(The littlest grandson, up from his nap.)

(Lots of delicious barbecue, my dad’s favorite.)

(And his favorite chocolate cake.)

(And plenty of playtime for everyone.)

I’m so blessed to have a wonderful dad, and his birthday party was the happiest of celebrations.  I wish you a wonderful year, Daddy!