If your dad is anything like mine, he rocks.

He’s the dad who literally drops everything anytime I call, and if I need something, he shows up within 24 hours to help.

He has taught me how to work hard, and do hard things. (Side note: I Do Hard Things is actually a solid peek into our relationship. Enjoy.)

My dad is a #girldad. He loves chick flicks, and will NEVER turn down an opportunity to watch The Princess Diaries or The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

He taught me how to fish, paint (well, mind you), hold a flashlight, and how to do the Electric Slide to virtually any song.

Throughout my entire life he showed me what it was like to be treated like a princess, and cherished every day.

When I wanted to play softball, he coached me every chance he could to make me the best player I could be.

He is so supportive of everything my sister and I aspire to do, and is our biggest fan.

He loves margaritas, the beach, and time with his family.

When I first told him I started a blog, I knew he wasn’t quite sure what I was doing with it, but he reads every week and almost always leaves a comment.

He loves me endlessly, and is a rock for everyone who knows him. I’m so blessed to have the best dad in the world. He teaches me every day how to be more like Jesus, and I couldn’t ask for a better example.

In my humble opinion, Father’s Day should be a bigger deal. Mother’s Day is in my holiday rotation for work, but Father’s Day is just a regular weekend. WHAT.

Our moms are incredible, they really are. I personally think dads need to be celebrated just as much. My parents deserve to be celebrated all the time, not just one overlooked holiday a year. Plus, what they really want is some quality time, and if it’s relaxing, even better. I have come up with a list of things to do over the summer to celebrate my parents for being the best parents in the world. But I guess I’m partial.

1. Beach Days.

   This one is number 1, because, well, it’s summer, and my parents LOVE the beach. Its relaxing and beautiful and we love to just hang out with our toes in the sand, having a picnic and catching up. It’s a day of no distractions and good quality time.

2. Random dinners just because.

   For the New Year, I decided that every day is a special occasion. So I’m going to try to have some random dinners with my parents just because. We don’t need to have things to celebrate to have some steaks on the grill and enjoy a meal together.

3. Movies.

   Our local theater just opened again, and to increase their attendance, they are selling movie tickets for $1!! It’s a STEAL. And my dad loves going to the movies, so I’m hoping to make several movie dates with the fam-bam this summer. So if you’re in Middletown, head over to Westown Movies and catch a movie!

4. Little Gifts.

   Small gifts show that you pay attention and think about someone. It could be a coffee, or a replacement for something that broke or went missing. It’s the little things. Like ratchet straps. For whatever reason, my dad loves having 1,000 tie-down straps. Half of his are older than I am. The man cannot be tamed.

5. Happy Hour!

   Okay, if your parents don’t love a good happy hour, they’re wrong. EVERYONE loves happy hour. Even if you don’t drink, who doesn’t love hanging out having some snacks and lemonade? (or whatever it is that you drink) Every so often I call up my dad after work and ask him if he wants to stop by for happy hour and he HAS YET to say “No, Rebekah, I don’t want to hang out with you and have a beer and some guacamole.” It just doesn’t happen. It’s fake news, if you will. If you haven’t seen your parents in a minute, ask them to come over for a happy hour. I don’t care what brand of human you are, NOBODY says no to guacamole.

   On a completely unrelated note, if you don’t like guac, we can’t be friends.

   Kidding.

   Kind of.

It doesn’t matter how you celebrate your dad, it just matters that you do. Dads are amazing, and we wouldn’t be us without them. So take your dad on a beach trip, fishing, or invite him over for a happy hour. Whatever it is, tell him you love him, and that he’s your hero. I know mine is.

Love you, Pap!! Forever and always, no matter, no what, no how. Pinky swear, and a fist bump.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

“I will be a father to him, and he'll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I'll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I'll never remove my gracious love from him.” 2 Samuel 7:14-15