Happy Birthday Ol'Man

My Dad.

 {This is his all time favorite photo - mainly because it shows how awkward he was.}

He is the little guy on the left.  Mark Edward. The fourth child of nine. That hat, well it has a story - just like everything in my dad's life.  He is the definition of an Irish story teller. I love him for that. 

If you know me at all, you know I am a huge fan of the man (my mother rocks as well - I'm a lucky lady).  He has such a zest for life, and even with 4 crazy children (well, 3 -because I was an angel) and a demanding job, he made our lives spectacular.  It's why I have such a Pollyanna-esque outlook on life - he makes the most of each and every day, and taught us all to do the same. 

Today is his birthday, so I thought I would share with the internet a few awesome things about him.  Just a few, for there are many.

• Hearing him sing on the guitar is my favorite thing in the world.
• He is the biggest fan of my mother. The BIGGEST. To the point we were annoyed as kids.  Now, it's cute.
• He drove me out to California when I was transferred for my job at the time, and it was the most memorable/ life changing trip ever.
• He still cannot behave in church
• He loves the ocean - it's the only thing that shuts him up.
• He actually bought me the pony.
• He is a complete and utter sap and he will fall apart at our wedding in August.
• He loves his family, more than anything.

Happy Birthday Ol' Man - I love you like a crazy person, even if you eat cupcakes for breakfast.