Happy Birthday, Dad!

I'm the family rebel...I waited until the day AFTER my dad's birthday to post a special birthday shout out! Didn't want it to get lost in the mix with this one, this one, or this one. Not because I, ahem, forgot. I wouldn't do that! So now that I get my own spotlight to highlight my dad, I'll take it. Here are just a few reasons my 53-year-old dad really is my hero:

1. He's the most generous person I know. While touring London after my mission, I'll never forget him giving money to a homeless man on the street. He'd rather err on the side of giving. And he gives ... all. the. time.
2. He's a DOer. If you need something done, ask my dad. He won't sit and think about what he needs to do, he'll just do it!
3. He's extremely motivated. If he makes a decision to make something a habit, it's a habit (like his current working-out habit...I couldn't be prouder!)
4. He really does love everyone around him. There's not a fake bone in his body.
5. He loves shopping! (Probably more than I do...which doesn't say a lot...but I do love shopping with my dad!)
6. Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. He's great at keeping in touch with old friends.
7. He loves his kids and grand kids...and he cries when he tells us!
8. He loves the Gospel, and lives it!
9. He's the reason Joe and I sometimes justify saying the "D" and "S" words. Since my dad sometimes says them, they must be OK to say, right? Ha ha!
10. He can fall asleep ANYWHERE.
11. He loves eating out.
12. PEPSI is his drug of choice. And he's trying to make it Parker's, too. Thanks, dad!
13. I have NEVER questioned whether my dad loves me. (Except maybe when he chased me down the hall.)
14. He adores my mom.
15. And I'm his favorite.

I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!!!!