We had so many nominations for East Valley Moms Blog’s Super Dad contest, we can definitely say that the East Valley has some AWESOME (and very appreciated) dads! We’ve spent the last few days pouring over the finalists and are pleased to present you with the 6 finalists!
The dads you nominated are all truly super dads and choosing even 6 was no easy task! While you’re taking the time to vote, we hope you remember that EVERY dad is a super dad in their own way!
Please take time to read about each of these special men and how much they mean to the fabulous people who took the time to nominate them!
Here are your SUPER DAD finalists! {in alphabetical order}
::Brandon Burtnett:: Brandon is the dad who walks in the door empty handed and all 6 of his kids drop everything they’re doing to squeal with delight and tackle him to the ground EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s loving, affectionate, playful..5 girls and 1 boy who look up to him like he is the most important person in the world. He is showing our daughters how a man should treat a woman, he is showing our son how to be that man. He is our rock and we lucked out with this one!
::John Barr::
“I would like to nominate my husband, John, for “Super Dad”! John is our unsung hero. He works very hard providing for our family as a Firefighter for the City of Maricopa. He humbly devotes his off shift days to caring for our three year old son (and his mini me) Brayden, as I also work full time.
These two are partners. They thoroughly enjoy one another’s company. John does not think twice about sacrificing everything he has (whether it’s time, his energy, money) so that Brayden feels love and enjoys life.
John is FIERCELY passionate about his family and I know without a shadow of a doubt that he will protect us until his last breath. He is the best Dad a kid and wife could ask for!!
There are many times when he is exhausted from a long shift, and still gives us his best. He is always there for us.
This Super Dad is an amazing role model for Brayden. He has persevered through tough times and always overcomes. I love his determination, persistence, and character and my hope is that Brayden will pick up these qualities and become a great man like his Dad. These same things drew me to him …. always opening my car door, donating/helping whenever there is an opportunity, showing respect to others, running to the car to get my sweater … little things that show a person’s heart.
John is compassionate and his profound love for Brayden is a true joy for me to see.
I know Brayden would nominate him if he could. Brayden is currently in the Superhero phase. He loves all things Spiderman, Hulk, and Captain America. If this gives any indication of how much Brayden adores John …. we recently asked him which one was his favorite Superhero. And his reply? “It’s you, Dad.”
I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am that our son has such a devoted father. I would love nothing more than for him to have a bit of recognition that I believe he deserves, yet has never searched out – because he does it for the love of being “Dad”.
Love,
Kelly & Brayden Barr
::Rick Cruea:: This man has given his all to his family! He raised three boys and remarried to my mother who had three children under the age of 5. He was the dad that he didn’t have to be. He took on three toddlers and raised and loved us as if we were his own children. Still to this very day, with all of his kids being raised with families of their own, he works out of the country, away and missing his family, and doing it all so we can all have a great better life. This is the most selfless man I have ever met in my life. Every move he makes and every action in life he takes is with his family in mind front and center. My dad is my best friend. When we were little my dad and I had this weird “team” thing we did every night at the dinner table. We would put our thumbs together sitting across the dinner table, and yell “yellow power rangers!” I’m married with a son now, and still enjoy having my team cheer with my dad. The man who didn’t have to be dad, but I thank God every day he did.
::Charlie Danielson:: Charlie Danielson has been a super dad to our three children from the beginning of his fatherhood experience. After our oldest child was born eleven weeks premature, we knew we could not place her in childcare as we had planned. Charlie became a dedicated stay at home parent for the first two years of her life. He attended Little Gym classes, swim lessons and took classes to learn to support other new fathers. When Charlie did return to the work place he chose employment opportunities that would continue to allow him to continue his active role in our growing family. Charlie volunteered weekly in our daughters first grade class and attended her field trip this school year. He was the assistant coach for our son’s soccer team. Our third child was born on the last week of school this year and he attendeded all of the end of the year activities on his own. He also arranged to FaceTime me during performances to allow me to share in our children’s special moments while in the hospital. Charlie is a loving, dedicated father and I couldn’t think of a more deserving winner.
::Nathan Ford:: Nathan’s journey as a Dad began in chaos as our twins were delivered prematurely, fighting for life. Their Daddy followed them to the NICU and became Super Dad ever since. He asked every question, learned every medical term, and became their advocate. He overstepped every uncomfortable boundary to be there for them and help them thrive during those long 4 1/2 months. Placing feeding tubes, cleaning surgical sites, and administering IV fluids were like changing a diaper to him. Every thing was done with love and care. Three years later he continues to be Super Dad in our eyes. He is his daughter’s legs because hers can’t walk alone. Mid conversation he can see her want to be a part of something, and he is instantly at her side making the world accessible to her. He believes in both of his daughters, and builds them up to be so confident and happy in themselves and life. The extra mile of parenthood will always be traveled by Nathan. He was once so nervous of the Dad he would one day be, and I am so happy to celebrate him as the Super Dad he is!
::Loran Willis:: Loran is a single dad of 5 fantastic girls 4 biological and the 5th he has continued to raise as his own after separating from her mother. Even with all the struggles that he faces he always puts his children first and loves them with all his heart. He’s fun, creative, loving and caring. He’s always willing to help anyone who needs it and works 2 sometimes 3 jobs to support his family. There is no one more deserving of being recognized as wonderful dad other then him.
To Vote:
Fill out the form below. Each person is allowed to vote for only 1 nominee, and you are only allowed to vote once. An email address is required to verify and submit your vote, but will not be used further unless you choose to be added to our email list! Be sure to share this post on your Facebook page and on Twitter using the hashtag #EVMBSuperDad and with all of your friends and encourage them to vote as well!
Voting will end Tuesday, June 16th at midnight and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 17th!
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