On our drive back from Washington Mike and I were using our box of "dinner conversation" cards to help us stay awake. One of the cards asked "What do you admire most about your parents?" Mike and I took turns answering for each of our four parents. This is why admire Kenn. I can't really put these in any particular order, they just are.

First, I know how much he loves his children and his grandchildren. He is one of the most loving fathers I know. He has endeared himself to me many times over through his very sincere love for Mike and concern for his physical and emotional well being. I don't think there is anything he wouldn't do for any of his kids if it needed to be done and he could possibly do it. Having a houseful of girls, I have especially loved observing the tender relationship he has with each of his daughters. It thrills me to think that Mike and our girls will follow that path as well. As far as grandchildren, it has trickled down to each of them. The Team Ellyn Autism Walk still brings tears to my eyes.

Second, his testimony and his commitment to his callings. When we lived in Washington I was able to witness Kenn's calling in YM and the time and effort he put forth in serving the young men in his ward. I know he cared for each of those boys. At one point he had the shaved head to prove it. I have heard him bear his testimony and felt the spirit. We still have the notes he wrote for the talk he gave at Jane's baptism. I remember being so sick at the Stinchfield family reunion and having my husband and all of my Stinchfield brothers and my father in law walk into my room to give me a blessing. I was in awe and oh so grateful for the power of the priesthood. Each of those men that had lived worthy to hold that power and they were led by the example of their father. That same trip they gave little Sadie her baby blessing.

Third, the guy knows how to have fun and he makes sure everyone is having fun with him. He has been so generous with his time and his, um, resources. We have had so many great adventures with Kenn. He made sure I made it to Mike's boot camp graduation and then rented a car to take him to AIT so that we all could have another day together. He came to visit us in Oklahoma and took us down to Texas and the water park and Six Flags. Trips to Disney World, visits in Georgia, a trip to Charleston. A visit to Germany where, while we were in Salzburg, we decided to swing on down to Venice. How fun was that you may ask? Very doesn't even cover it.

Besides the trips, there are the other great things. Decorating the jeep and house with Christmas lights, the fire pit on the patio where we have spent many a summer evening laughing and eating, the hot tub, the BOAT, the MONEY DROP for the kids. Dressing up as Santa, the Kenn and Barb dancing bobble heads, the remote controlled helicopters. The list has and could go on forever (Barb, I know you are a part of these too).

FOURTH, the great relationship he has with Barb. It is wonderful to see how much the two of you enjoy being together. Truly inspirational.

And so... Kenn, I want to wish you a happy birthday from the Mike Stinchfield clan and tell you how very, very grateful we all are that you were born.