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How to Endure and Possibly Triumph Over the Adorable Tyrant
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Written by Alice Bradley and Eden Kennedy

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« Home at last | Main | Four days! »
Wednesday
May192010

Look who's turning 40 today

It's Scott! Everyone wish him a happy birthday! Go on!

Scott, contemplating a hairstyle change.

Doesn't he look distinguished?

For my 40th last year, Scott threw me an amazing surprise birthday party and got me a super-fancy camera. For his birthday, I’m getting him the Gift of Packing and Painting! His two favorite activities!

He is a lucky, lucky man.

Actually for his birthday I am taking him for an overnight stay here. And we will be eating dinner here. It will be fantastic.

But those will have to wait for a couple of weeks. Because there’s packing to do, mister! Get to work!

 

I asked Henry what he loves about his Dad, and he came up with a list. Here it is. I heartily agree with them all. And then some!

winter in the park with his Dad

Forty things I love about Daddy. By Henry.

1. All his love.

2. He takes me to get a snack after school.

3. He gives me an allowance.

4. He buys me Legos.

5. When he calls me “Buddy bear” or “Hank.”

6. And how bushy is that beard? …not so bushy.

7. The man is strong and a good wrestler.

8. He plays soccer with me.

9. He reads to me a lot.

10. He cuddles.

11. He makes me the best macaroni.

12. He draws funny comics with me.

13. He takes me to the movies.

14. My daddy is very, very kind.

15. I also think he is funny…

16. …and he’s cool.

17. I love how he makes all the funny creations when we’re playing with Legos.

18. His movies are good and detailed.

19. He’s always happy to see me.

20. I like the way he wakes me up.

21. I like the way his glasses make him look funny.

22. He thinks that I’m very kind and good.

23. He tells me that he loves me.

24. He plays me Indiana Jones.

25. I love that I know that he knows that I love him.

26. He tells me stories.

27. He trusts me.

28. He tucks me in at bedtime.

29. He’s the friendliest man I’ve ever met.

30. I like that he can work from home, so we can hang out.

31. I like that he is my Daddy.

32. He sets up the best birthday parties.

33. He helps me find Lego pieces.

34. He’s always proud of me when I say something smart.

35. When we get into fights he always gives me a true apology.

36. He always solves the problem, whenever there is one.

37. He helps me when I’m scared.

38. He lets me do things that are very fun.

39. He always goes camping with me.

40. My Daddy is the best.

Happy birthday, sweetie. You are, indeed, the best. I can’t wait to see you turn into a grizzled old man. It’s happening more quickly than I could have dreamed!

Reader Comments (67)

Happy Birthday Scott!

And sweet jesus that list almost makes me want kids, which is a feat, I tell you. A feat.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterjennifer in sf
Omg. This is priceless. And frame-worthy. And potentially that which could be employed to remind dear Henry that his Dad is actually an okay kind of guy (for those surly/angst-filled teen years to come, of course). I especially adored #25: "I love that I know that he knows that I love him." Only the child of a brilliant writer could think such a thought.

Of all those he listed (in my mind anyway), that is the "keeper comment." The one you'll pull from the depths so many years from now to show him he has a sensitive side--and to convey what a wonderful gift that is.

Oh, please say, "Happy Birthday!" to Mr. Salt & Pepper (looks fab, by the way--so distinguished)! ;-)
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMelindawentzel
That is the best list ever! Happy birthday to Scott. Have a good night you 2!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDani
Happy Birthday to Scott!

And Alice, that list? Best! Thing! Ever! "The man is strong." "Not too bushy." Awesome!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenteredj
My sweetie turns 40 in three days. On his 30th, he helped me move out of my single girl apartment and I didn't remember it was his birthday until I'd yelled at him because moving furniture is hard. We're fairly settled in our current place, but I'm thinking his fortieth should be at least as special.

Seriously, though, I'm taking him camping. And I'll even carry some of our stuff.

Happy birthday to Scott!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterNora
Yee-gads, that photo of Scott and a young Henry is SEXY! Happy Birthday, Scott! *wink, wink* Hope you two have a fabulous overnight stay and dinner, you BOTH deserve it!
Happy Birthday Scott.# 25 made me melt a little bit.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterCatizhere
#7 is my favorite. "The Man". :)
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKelly
Aw, great list by Henry! Love this: 21. I like the way his glasses make him look funny.

Happy Birthday Scott!!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkaylen
Happy Birthday, Scott.

I can't believe that Star Wars didn't feature in that list at all!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkelli
Happy Birthday, Scott!



I love the multiple Lego-related items on Henry's list. And the true apology.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAlyce
You have one attractive husband there. Henry didn't mention that in his list.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAmy
Happy Birthday Scott! You can always turn packing into a drinking game.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterCindy
Happy Birthday Scott!

OMG AJFKSJKGJDK THAT LIST IS ADORABLE.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterRenee
BEST. LIST. EVER.
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKristin
What a handsome husband! Good job!
May 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKellynkayperez
Also, you all have the most amazing eyes EVER!
Happy, happy birthday, Scott! You three are one good-lookin' fam.
That was so great. Henry is awesome, as are his mom and dad. And someone please tell me why men are allowed to get better looking as they age, and women....not so much? Beautiful family.

I'll also be stealing this idea for my husband's bday too.
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLara
I just bawled at my desk. Thanks a lot Henry.
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered Commentermisstraceynolan
oh, that list! that's a keeper.
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered Commentersierra
Please frame that. THAT should be his gift, you know, ALONG WITH all the painting and packing.

Happy Birthday, Scott!
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkristi
Oh my word, seriously, Alice. He is some kind of drop-dead gorgeous hunk. With the two of you for 'rents, no wonder Henry is so beautiful!

So sweet, all of it. Happy Birthday to Scott and good luck to all with the move!
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLaura
The List is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with The Internets! Happy b-day to your hubbie-
May 20, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterKaren
Great list for a great dad. Happy Birthday, Scott.
May 21, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterJan

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