I look forward to Father's Day with tremendous enthusiasm. Every year holds the promise for dad's perfect day. A day of family fun doing what dad likes to do. A good Father's Day starts with a breakfast made by the entire family — 2-year-olds included — while daddy sleeps in. The eggs, cracked with little hands, will inevitably be crunchy. The toast, flat and soggy, with one-half inch of butter spread like cake icing. The coffee will be hot, and the orange juice cold.

Next comes the presentation of gifts. Crafts made at school or home that demonstrate the work-in-progress potential of the little beauties who made you a daddy in the first place. Popsicle stick picture frames for the office. Dry macaroni necklaces for date night. Glue-lumpy construction paper cutouts of the word "Daddy," adorned with scant traces of glitter and marker scribble. These are the gifts of kings!

Then comes the main event. Pile the kids in the car, pack the sandwiches and the fishing gear, and head to the lake for some fresh air and fresh fish. As the day winds on, phrases such as "Get out of the water!" "Take the fish hook out of your mouth!" "Stop putting the worms on your brother!" and "Honey, how about that wine?" become more and more common.

I appreciate being appreciated. I like to be recognized on my day. But really, Father's Day never really produces the experiences that make being a father so great.

The main events for dads are carried out in the day-to-day business of being a father to your kids. The first time your infant daughter gazes into your eyes. The first time your son makes clean contact with the baseball off of the tee (elbow up). The first time you were consulted on which pair of Barbie's hot pants are the best for the night's bathtub. These are the main events of being a dad, which raise a personal, conscious recognition that you are building enduring connections with your kids.

So bring on the gifts and give your dad his due on Father's Day. But remember, keep the main events coming.