In more ways than a Dad can count! Came across this pic of my oldest from 2012 today. It sure makes me smile, and nostalgic at the same time. That girl makes me proud every single day but it scares me that she's not too far away from striking out on her own.

#WinningRightThere.

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Serious awwwwww factor!

Treasure the memories.

It is unfortunate that they grow up way too fast!

Think of how cheap that Federal target pack was back then!

Two 👍👍 for a great dad that loves, raises and teaches his girl how to be a winner in life!

That kinda makes me nostalgic, too....

Definately hold them while you can, turn around and they are grown up

Thanks, guys, you're kinda makin' the old allergies act up a bit.

Great picture and I understand completely. My "little girl" will graduate HS next month and start to stretch her wings as she begins work on an engineering degree. The years go fast...

After my Granddaughters that's the cutest Gal ever posted on the fire!

Just remember, when she strikes out on her own it's what you raised her to do.

When my Son and Daughter struck out on their own I wasn't sad, It was a day of VICTORY as with both of them I whooped the worlds ass and made then to do on their own.

Don't get me wrong, I miss spending time everyday with them but I'm damn happy both are valuable and self sufficient.

Good stuff, Proud Dad!

Most excellent post. I know exactly how you feel.

Beautiful girl. You did well. May GOD and His angels go forth with her.

Precious.

Thanks, Jag, 'priciate it.

And thanks to the rest of you fellers as well...just been hitting me a bit lately that she's not far off from leaving.

Well, I guess after she leaves the nest, I could be persuaded to move in.

😂🦫

That little critter is adorable. Be a proud dad!

Beaver is always welcome at the high desert 'ranch'!

Looks to me like you have her well prepared and ready to take care of herself. Something tells me she will remember the many lessons you have taught her, too. Well done...

Yep, when they leave it hurts. But, life is a circle. They start their family and on and on. Just happy for the time we had together. Now she has kids (grand kids) and most of what Mom and Dad talked to her about over the years, seems to be much appreciated advice as to opposed to the teen years.. Retiring and moving back to family soon. Thank God.

Sock,
I’ve got a 22 yo daughter, seems like yesterday she was that age . She’s the baby . I know how it is. And, She’s pretty good with my .357

Thank you, Sock !

mi casa es su casa.

PS

My bar is always open for friends.

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Be careful what you wish for...

LOL

God gave me and the wife two healthy, God fearing, right wing girls.

They have both hunted big game since they were legally able.

The eldest is a registered nurse in Lethbridge (two hours from home). With only two years of experience, she is the charge nurse more often than not on the Acute Medicine and Stroke Ward. The student loans are repaid and she has bought a new RAV4. She is saving for a house. My job will be completely done when she (hopefully) finds a manly, Godly man (whose family hopefully owns lots of prime hunting land) to marry.

Daughter number two has a Law Enforcement Diploma (Policing) and a Bachelor in Criminal Justice. She has applied to a few law schools. I think she has a brilliant legal mind. She also has paid off her student loans. With 3-4 more years of study, she’ll incur lots more debt. I wish the same for her to find a good man.

The men are what I worry about the most. There seems to be a dearth of men that even remotely interest them or measure up. What’s happened to our society?

Anyways, thanks for the post that brings back memories.

Sounds like you did well! I agree when it comes to the younger 'males' but I've met a few who are good young men. They're out there and I trust my girls to find them. I have no doubt they'll know mine for what they are (real ladies) when the time comes. That doesn't mean I won't remind them that I have guns, a tractor, and a pasture....

Yep, young one married a Marine... I am a retired Navy Vet. Kinda hard to accept. He is a good kid however. They will make their choice, and after 18 you can accept or really let them go.

At some level, I understand this, but it's pretty damned hard to face it.

One of the best threads in a long time congrats guys
Mb

Excellent! you never get those minutes back, so make as many of them as you can.

that dirt looks familiar.

Big Water area?

No sir, a little farther east.

I’m kinda jealous of you guys who have / had a close relationship with your young daughter. For some reason, mine was never interested in doing stuff or even just hanging out....... but, again for some reason, now that she’s grown and successfully spread her wings we are closer than ever. Grateful, if somewhat befuddled.......

Now, if I could just get her thinking “grandkids”, THAT, that would be perfect.........

This tread has been so good - reminds me again and again about how much I/we have been blessed to enjoy lives with such precious daughters.

These were our little shooters and hunters in the 1970s



and in the 1980s



and in the 1990s

Precious

Understand - went through it 4 times - somehow realized that we had our best chance to teach, demonstrate and assess during those earlier years. Reality - best to rely on that knowledge and expect the best outcomes. No guarantees.

Family are everything to us !

These are from last August, when Caroline visited from Toronto with Nathan.

My two little girls are 44 and 48, got a granddaughter turning 18 on the 23 of April. Time flies!!

Thanks for all the wisdom and pics, gents!