You’ve been my dad for eighteen years now, so here’s eighteen things I love about you.

Your eyes, because they’re my eyes too.

Your laugh. It’s always a good day when Dad is laughing.

Your responsibility. I know we don’t always make that easy, but at the end of the day, we do appreciate you saying “no” and keeping the family afloat.

Your work ethic. Thanks for passing it on to me.

Your adventurous spirit when it comes to traveling. Trips are always spontaneous when it’s our family you’re talking about.

Your commitment to Mom. I’m one lucky kid for growing up in a home where the promises my parents made to each other matter.

All the pictures of you with me as a baby— they’re precious.

Your passion. You only want the best for your kiddos, even if there are days it doesn’t manifest itself to seem that way.

You, me, and gelato. Need I say more?

That you taught me how to swim. A lot of kids learn in swim classes, but not me. You gave me my own private swim class in Gammie and Pop-pop’s pool.

And to ride a bike without training wheels. That’s just a priceless milestone in a kid’s life.

You’re a gentleman. Chivalry is still alive in this household.

You try so hard to continue evolving to make us girls with our never ending demands happy.

Dogs. We have two dogs.

You can build and fix just about anything. It’s pretty amazing.

You made me me.

You’ve shown me the unconditional love of a father.

You’re my dad.