Generations Homestead: Happy Birthday Dad / Grandpa / Great-Grandpa!!

Jo here ... sorry Dad, I had to do it! I know you hate being praised and I think I understand why ... you just did what was right. Even still, thank you! Some of us Smiths are not big on words or emotions, so I just want to be sure that there is never any doubt of how thankful I am that you hung in there through thick and thin, and whether you realize it or not, you have been a blessing to all of us. So, here's a 'happy birthday' tribute to you, Dad [and grandpa, and great-grandpa]. We love you!!!

I really was not sure how to order these, so I guess I'll just do it loosely by date / decade???? We'll start with his toddler picture ... because ... why not! He's so cute!

I have SEVERAL photos of just me and Danny when we were little, but not many with dad in them ... I assume that's because dad was the one taking the photos. Here's one of the few:

This next photo does not physically have him in it, but it's so typical of our childhood! Danny and I LOVED the headphones and rocking chairs!!! We always felt so 'grown up' listening to albums of our choice :)

I don't really have many of Matt & Steph when they were younger ... I guess probably their mom does?? But, here's one in the hospital, taken just after Matthew was born ... I think?????? So that's dad with baby Matthew (? he's 8 years younger than me, and 9 years younger than Danny ... do Danny and I look 8 and 9?? If we look 12 and 13, then dad is holding Stephanie), me, and Danny.

Now a few with dad and my children when they were younger. We spent a lot of time together!

dad & Corban

A quote to go along with this next photo of dad & Brianna. Dad said to Brianna, "It's ok if you are not smart, honey. As long as you look pretty." Thanks, dad! LOL!!!!!! I'm guessing he said it because he knew how much I H.A.T.E.D. the sparkly ridiculous dress up things.

dad & Brianna

Dad was always very sympathetic towards Brianna :) :) :) I know he was the same towards me and Stephanie, too ... a softie for the girls. Side note: camping, camping, and more camping. And hiking. Lots of hiking. That's how I spent my childhood, and that's what we still enjoy doing with dad / grandpa / great-grandpa.

We spent A LOT of time at Grandma & Grandpa's house (dad's mom & dad), and Grandma was really big on celebrating everything. I don't think ANY of us actually enjoyed it like she did, but we endured it for her sake. And that cake ... Grandma always made that same cake with the same decorations. It's basically a Devil's food boxed cake mix with a can of cherry pie filling. This was June 12th and I had Corban July 8th, and he was a few weeks "late" ... so here I am about 38 weeks pregnant ... just thought I'd point that out since no one would have ever known otherwise.

Danny's birthday, 1997

Not sure what was going on here?

I'm sure we just got done eating at Spaghetti Works?

Hiking.

Hmmm ... no one would ever guess who I look most like?

A rare occasion with us all together. :)

Botanical Gardens

Roaring River

On top of an Ozark hill at dusk - one of my favorites :)

Well, maybe this next photo is my favorite??!!!!???!!! Way too fun!

And then I asked them to smile ...

Dad even pitches in with work when he's here! As far as I know, I only have one photo of that ... he came to see the work Corban was doing at the new gym at the private Christian school in town, and then they asked for help hanging a picture in the school building.

I do not have many pictures of Matt & Steph and their children [dad's other grandchildren] ... sorry! But, here are a few. Side note: my sister, Stephanie, just had another baby ... so as of right now that puts 28 1/2 YEARS between dad's oldest grandchild and youngest grandchild. How fun!!!

At the ocean in Eureka, CA almost 2 years ago; Phoebe

Taking a nap :)

Dad & Steph very recently.

Dad & Matt's daughter, Emelia :)

The last photos have all been taken within the last 4 years and include the 'great grandchildren' era :) I am not putting them in age / time order.

Great Grandpa with Elvia

Grandpa / Great Grandpa taking a walk

Great Grandpa and David

Great Grandpa and infant David :)

Great Grandpa and David with Corban

Great Grandpa and David ... and Chico Bob

with David & Elvia (and Corban & Megan, and Brianna)

Dad grilling at Brian & Brianna's

We have played games my entire life - LOVE IT!

Dad & David

Dad & his name-sake, Steven

The last photo and this next one were taken a month ago - we had Thanksgiving at dad's this year :) That's Uncle Jay, dad with Steven, and Tylor with Elvia. We were SO THANKFUL to be able to get together with our loved ones!

The next two were taken at the goat show this year :) Who would have ever imagined "dad" and "goat show" would be in the same sentence?! LOL!

Dad with Brianna & Austin (Corban's baby)

AND ... as if he's not already the best dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa anyone could ever ask for, he's even a great goat-sitter!! :) :) :) Here he is taking care of our first herd sire.