My Dad Turns 80!

My dad turns 80 this week and as is customary with such a milestone, my family got together to celebrate. If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good family party!

His birthday was one of four this time of year for our family – including my nephew, my sister, and my son.

So. Much. Fun.

We had dinner at Lola’s Lakehouse in Waconia, and my mom put together an entertaining quiz on Dad’s life as we started the evening with some celebratory cocktails in the bar. Here are just a few of the tidbits we recalled:

First dog? Dusty – a German Shepherd. My dad has a slight penchant for naming his dogs with the same names. He has had two dogs named Dusty (Dusty I and Dusty II) and two named Buffy. (Buffy I and Buffy II). His current dog, incidentally, is the second dog he has had who is named Lobo. Lobo is a gorgeous Siberian Husky.

How long has he been farming? Since 1963 to be specific … so 57 years!

First shoes he wore when he starting farming? Wingtips. Allan Edmonds wingtips to be specific. Practical? Perhaps not. Stylish and well-made? Always.

Where did he take my mom on their first date? The Bird Island (MN) Liquor Store. It was the first time he had ever been there – and consequently, the last time he would go there, too. My mom, though? She had staying power. 😉

First car he ever owned? A 1941 Packard given to him by his Uncle. And I’m pretty sure he didn’t even have a driver’s license yet.

Total number of cars he’s owned? It may be impossible to quantify without access to his car files (which he keeps meticulously). As someone recently said, “Your dad changes cars as often as underwear!” This, of course, is a slight exaggeration.

Favorite pie? While he loves lemon meringue, his heart belongs to cherry pie.

How long did he attend the University of Miami? Two months. It ultimately wasn’t his thing. But he loved the University of Minnesota, where he got his Associate of Arts degree, and remains to this day one of the biggest Minnesota Gopher fans I know. (Along with my Mom, which works out rather well.)

True story: when I was a kid and our family would go on a road trip somewhere, my Dad would go through the drive-through of McDonald’s. My brother, sister and I would tell him what we want; however, when it was his turn to order, he would simply say ” five cheeseburgers, five French fries, and five Cokes.” Every single time – much to our annoyance! 😉

Now of course, that story lives in infamy … along with my dad’s skill at making fantastic cocktails (sidecar, anyone?); his love of current events and politics; his obsession with Big Ten sports; his mastering of the charcoal grill; and his enthusiasm for being his kids’ and grandkids’ cheerleader always.

Yep, our family is very lucky. (Thanks, Dad – we love you!)

What follows will be a somewhat gratuitous look at our evening, mainly so that our photos are preserved on the blog. 😉

Grandma and Grandpa with their ‘Grands’.

My sissy, the birthday girl, and Miss Morgan.

Gifts included a Minnesota Gopher bow tie to go with a Gopher fan parking sign and some really good bubbles.

And we couldn’t let the evening go by without a little joke gift that really got us all laughing. 😉

Another funny story about my Dad: when he graduated from high school, he ordered napkins for his grad party that said “Thanks for the socks, you cheap SOB!” (He’s a bit of a smartass like that – LOL!) So for his 80th birthday, it seemed only appropriate to bring back those memories by having these cookies made. (Thanks, Sweet Blessings Cookie Shop!)

Aren’t my parents simply the cutest?!

My family. My heart. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Enjoy the start to your week, friends!

XOXO – Lara