Being that he’s often guest starring in blog posts and today is his birthday, I thought I’d pass along some of the valuable life lessons that dear old dad passed down.
My dad taught me –
That you should always have your family’s back…
…even if they maul you.
How to throw my hands up in the air…
…and wave them like I just don’t care.
To never leave home…
…without my shades.
The importance of being able to blow up one’s muscles…
They keep blowing…
… and blowing…
…and blowing.
That pink isn’t just for gals…
…tough guys wear it too.
That sequins should be in my everyday attire…
…by giving me my first bedazzled top ever.
That it’s OK to stand out in a crowd…
…and be FANatics, even when your team sucks.
That giving is better than receiving…
…unless you’re three and don’t realize it’s not your birthday.
The importance of slathering on sunscreen daily…
…as long as there’s someone to rub it in for you.
The significance of jazz hands…
…because you never know when you’ll need to use them.
How to travel on a road trip…
…with rot gut vodka, a plastic cup and using your finger to mix.
That there’s more than one fish in the sea…
…especially after I shed tears over this one being dead.
That being the life of the party…
…is never a bad deal.
Ever.
My dad taught me that shots…
…are cocktails, too.
And the family that shoots together…
…stays together.
That it’s important to share…
…even while eating at the Iowa State Fair.
How to relax…
…after a long day (preschool was so exhausting).
You showed me you’d always be there to carry me through hard times…
…with a broken foot…
…a broken ankle…
…and when I’m just too drunk to walk.
You taught me that it’s OK to spoil people…
…especially when their nails are wet…
…as long as you return the favor.
Most importantly, you taught me that not all heroes wear capes…
…some wear their daughters on their backs.
So let us all raise our glasses today…
…and cheers your birthday away!
Those are just a few of my lessons from…
…The Man, The Myth, THE LEGEND.
Better get those shot glasses out and ready to celebrate this weekend…
Happy Birthday Dada!
CBXB
Cowboys and Crossbones 
How did I miss this? It’s so sweet! The first photo is priceless. I love how country your Dad looks – I have a soft touch for country. Country music, billcaps and overalls, cornfields, Texas. Darn I love it.
Thanks Girl! Yes, country – as country as small town Iowa can get. Which, is pretty damn country. 🙂
Awesome post! I’m getting misty here…oh that’s just my sinus cold.
I hope your “cold” has passed… 🙂
Working on it
I want to be adopted by your pops! Happy Birthday, man!!! I love how much you two love each other!!!
Consider yourself adopted, my friend! But we’ll be beyond late for Christmas at your house because my dad is cheap and won’t fly. And he drives about 5 miles under the speed limit, so expect us around New Year’s. 🙂
Awesome! Love the old pics, especially that Iowa tailgating! Happy Birthday to your dad!
Thanks Andrew! You’re always welcome at our tailgate!
You’re dad is pretty amazing and he can really rock the pink! happy belated b’day papa crossbones! xoxo N&N
I think my love of pink must come from him! We’re both still feeling the aftermath of our weekend celebrating today….
Your dad looks like a great guy! Happy birthday!
Thanks Lady! We really lived it up this weekend while celebrating, making for a long Monday…
This post is fantastic. 🙂 It warmed my heart with putting a smile on my face. 🙂
Thank you for the lovely compliments! So happy to make you smile. 🙂