Oh Daddy!

Happy Birthday Dad!
There are a number of stories I could tell to illustrate my father's personality. I only have time for one...so here it goes.

I grew up thinking my father knew everything, he was a teacher and my dad, so it follows that he knows everything, right? My parents grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. We traveled from Minnesota to Michigan every summer to spend time at the cottage in Old Mission. Often we would also visit Saginaw. One summer, as we were approaching Saginaw on our luxurious, car-packed drive, my father asked "Do you know where Saginaw got it's name?". "Gee, I don't know dad, why don't you tell me." Actually I was a little girl and was dying to know where Saginaw got it's name. My dad said, "From the Indian chief Wanigas. They spelled it backwards". How interesting, I thought. Fast forward to the coming school year. I am in 5th grade, my teacher is Mr. Solsten. He's cool. We are talking about the different states surrounding the Great Lakes. We talk about Michigan. I raise my hand, and yes, tell the class that Saginaw Michigan's name came from Chief Wanigas. I'm sure Mr. Solsten was entertained. I later find out it was all a lie, my dad lied to me and made me a liar. Oh daddy. The list could go on.

But I love you dad, you and your stories, fables, whatever.
You are the best dad, my one and only dad, contrary to what Brad says.







People often ask where I get my big eyes, gee, I don't know.



Nate's home birth.



Most of the children in this photo are not my father's. They are friends from Minnesota, Nate and I are his only children in the picture. I included it b/c I love the yellow turtle neck.

Happy Birthday Dad!