Happy 60th!

It was a big birthday for my Dad this past November.  The Big 6-0! It is weird to think my Dad is 60, but if you're around him much, you know he doesn't seem like a 60-year-old at all.

We kept asking him what kind of party or big shindig we could plan. He said he just wanted his family all together.  So we decided that when Shannon & her family came in town we would get a sitter and enjoy an adults-only dinner. Love the kiddos, but it's rare to have a dinner with our entire family and finish an entire adult conversation. :)

We had a great time over dinner laughing and sharing "Dad stories" at one of his favorite places in Arlington, Piccolo Mondo. He is like Norm in Cheers and has been going there for years. Over dinner we presented him with his annual birthday present of Wolferman's English Muffins (see #39 on list) and a list of "60 Things We Love About Dad/Rick/Grandpa." This was a compilation from the grandkids, sons-in-law, and me and Shannon.

1. He is a Watch Dog. 
2. He says Go Bears.
3. He is my Grandpa.
4. He is a good skier.
5. He takes me to games.
6. He lets me go outside.
7. He swims fast.
8. He lets me ....(I have no idea?)
9. He plays football.
10. He loves me.
11. He taught us how to figure the unit price.
12. Every 4th of July growing up, we heard Born In The USA by Bruce Springsteen...loudly.
13. He grills great steaks.
14. Brad likes his Speedos.
15. He taught us that Dads can cook.
16. He taught us that Dads can do the grocery shopping.
17. He doesn't let me win when we play tennis.
18. He held me to our schedule when we trained for a 1/2 marathon together.
19. He loves our dog like his own.
20. He taught the grandkids to body surf/boogie board.
21. He is the Dog Whisperer.
22. Wade likes his car.
23. He takes us swimming.
24. He plays with me.
25. We go to the park.
26. The grandkids like going to his house.
27. Brad says he makes a fine daughter.
28. He has a big TV.
29. He is an overlaugher.
30. His surround sound is mind boggling.
31. He's not scared of babies or changing diapers.
32. He is disciplined in all he does.
33. He set a swimming world record.
34. Every trip with Dad turns into a trip down memory lane.
35. Rock & Roll = Dad.
36. He will probably own the last Beta tape on Earth.
37. He is a total creature of habit.
38. He made us prepare presentations/spreadsheets for any major decisions or purchases growing up.
39. He has had the same exact breakfast for 20+ years.
40. He is a gas snob.
41. He followed through with his retirement "moment of clarity."
42. He is CAL's #2 fan (following his Dad as the #1 fan).
43. He has a good sense of direction.
44. He has a great memory.
45. He taught us to appreciate good music.
46. Corona with lime = Dad.
47. He is a dedicated and loyal son.
48. He is still a true Californian.
49. He can sport the cool '70s moustache.
50. He plays a good air guitar and dashboard keyboard.
51. He turns Christmas morning presents into an all-day process.
52. He appreciates The Nutcracker on vinyl.
53. Smell of chlorine = Dad.
54. Pink Trident = Dad.
55. Goody plastic hairbrush = Dad.
56. He is a great father-in-law.
57. He allowed Shannon to marry a guy with no job.
58. He looks good with his hair shaved off.
59. He is king of the radar detector.
60. He is a great Dad and our biggest fan!

Happy Birthday, Dad! We all love you!