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They taught us how to play catch in the backyard. And they let us dance on their toes at our weddings. So on Father’s Day, we want to show our dads how much they mean to us. Find out how these A-plus pops are able to make their children their priority and what they are most looking forward to on June 20.

 Tom Wells

Tom Wells
Father of Jennifer, 34; Corey, 30; Bryce, 22; Samuel, 21; Michelle, 15; Karleigh, 12; Jason, 8; and Emma, 6. Foster father of Celeste, 2. Grandfather of Nicholas, 4, and Owen, 18 months.

Jon and Kate have nothing on Tom Wells and his clan. With eight children (five of whom are adopted), one foster baby, three dogs and a horse, Wells and his wife, Holly, have their hands full—but they like it that way.

Four years ago, as president of local printing company, Heritage Graphics, Wells decided it was time for a change. To spend more time with his growing family, he took a sales job where he controls his hours. “Whenever I need to be with them, I’m with them. It makes it pretty easy now although it took a long time to get to that point.”

With more time at home, Wells is able to experience the small things that make his family life special. “Every success and every smile they put on their face is special to me,” he says. “My son Jason, who’s autistic, makes me laugh everyday and that’s a cool thing. Just having him understand and get it and smile is a special moment every day.”

Jennifer, the self-proclaimed “daddy’s girl,” says one of her fondest memories is from her high school cheerleading competition. “I don’t think there was a bigger cheerleader than my dad,” she says. “We have it all on tape; he was going ballistic. It’s just the funniest thing, and he was just so proud.” —V.J.