Happy Father’s Day!

This post is for our hero. Daddy, you are amazing in so many ways. We love you so much!

I bookmarked this site http://lifetoheryears.com/50rules because it is so apt for the two loves of my life. Just sharing a few snaps together with some of the texts from Dad’s Tips for Adding Life to a Daughter’s Years:

Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she adds years to her life… add life to her years.

Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

Teach her how to ride a bike. Watch her confidence soar.

When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

I know that our daughter has the best childhood because of you. Here’s to more happy memories and more life to our years.