Nothing Happier than Parades, Drive-in Movies, & My Dad

What makes you happy?  I have a goal to find, recognize, and remember the little things that make life happy.  Read more about the nothing happier series.

Here is this week’s list of things that make me happy:

Parades

Nothing makes me happier than parades.

When I was growing up, every Fourth of July we would go to my grandpa and grandma’s house a celebrate.  My grandpa was born on the Fourth of July and it was a family tradition to get together and celebrate with him.

One of my best memories of our patriotic celebrations was getting together with all my cousins, aunts, and uncles and watching the parade.   There is something inherently happy about watching fire engines and high school bands march through the street while kids scramble after candy.

Drive-in Movies

Nothing makes me happier than drive-in movies.

Drive-in movies are one of my favorite, simple summer activities to do with my family.  I love the casual conversation before the movie.  I love watching the sunset while waiting for the movie to start.  I love cuddling up in the back of the car while watching the movie.

There aren’t many drive-in movie theaters in Utah, but we are lucky enough to live about 5 minutes from one.  For me, going to the drive-in is about the casual evening with the family, the relationships built, and the memories made.

My Dad

Nothing makes me happier than my dad.

I love my dad.

He is a great listener.  When you are talking to him, he has a way of making you feel like you are the only thing that matters and the coolest, most important thing in his life.  Whenever I need advice for my toughest problems, he is there to talk through the problem.

He is always supportive.  When I was involved in extracurricular activities growing up, he was always there to support me.  I knew he loved me and was proud of me.  He lives in Portland, but makes every effort to come to visit us in Utah for birthday’s, special events, and holidays.

He is tech savvy.  I remember being one of the first of the kids in our neighborhood to get a computer.  His example and helping us feel comfortable with technology early on has helped shape my love of technology.

He is a cool guy. He is very charming and is able to make friends everywhere he goes.  I have always admired (and envied) this ability.

He loves his grandkids.  When my daughter was born (the first grandkid), he rushed to the hospital to meet her.  He has maintained a great relationship and friendship with my kids and makes them feel special.  Whenever he is in town my kids get giddy that they get to visit their grandpa.

He is an amazing cook. He is always introducing us to new recipes and new food and helping us to learn to enjoy the finer things in life.

If there is one thing I know in life it is that my dad loves me.

I love my dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

What is making you happy this week?