353/365

353/365, originally uploaded by britrosewhite.

Today is my dad's birthday! Happy birthday, Daddy!

Lauren and I made him dinner while mom cleaned up after us. That's the best way to cook.

But before I get to the meal, let me share my favorite part about birthday posts: pictures from the past!

Starting with:


My parents back before the kids came along. Short shorts, pastel colors, and a ton of love.


And love formed me. This is my dad and me and my aunt Christine at the Ft. Worth water gardens.


Dad moved from pastels to neons. I don't know whatever happened to this hot pink hat. I think he'd still be able to pull it off pretty well.


My dad rarely keeps his face hair-free. Normally it's his head.


And then Rachel was born! I'm guessing this was Easter. I think mom made those dresses for us. And my aunt Mary Alice made that banner! One of the greatest traditions we have.

PS - Looks like dad went back to pastels.


This was at our old house on our old deck before they built a mall there. The Statons came to visit! My dad wore awesome shorts for the occasion.


There was a period of time there when I couldn't remember what my dad was like when we were really young. Now that there are babies in our family again it's been so fun to watch him interact with them. I imagine people told him that he was a great dad all the time because he is really, really great with little kids.


Here he is on another birthday! My grandparents are cute. If you can tell from the cake, my dad has enjoyed hunting for a long time.

And this one is a bit more recent:

Hard to imagine the pastel/neon guy taking on this look. But he pulls it off! Just like everything else! There was a time when I used to sing country music at a few different places and my dad, being the ever-supportive father that he is, totally embraced it. A lot of people said he looked like Garth Brooks. Maybe it's the lightening shirt?

Okay, back to present day.


We made him venison burgers with blue cheese, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and bacon pieces on ciabatta from Panera bread.

Go ahead, check out the recipe from a place called Father's Office in Santa Monica.


It's yummy.


And for dessert, Lauren made warm banana pudding. If you make my dad cold banana pudding, he'll put it in the microwave.

This stuff knocked me out. I could not believe how awesome it was.


Orange isn't my favorite color but, like I said, ever-supportive. I know that he has a Belmont t-shirt somewhere, but Lauren is OSU football CRAZY and I know her heart flutters when my dad wears orange.


Rachel is missing. She had to work but she really didn't want to work.

So, my dad. Fiercely devoted. To his job, to his family, to his passions. I think it's probably the best way to describe him. Whatever he's working on, he's doing the best that he knows how. He taught me that - to do a job right the first time. Which is why I put all of my best efforts into that burger.

I love you, daddy! You sure are the best.