Joshua Nichols (left) picks up his Father of the Year prize from Maricopa Ace Hardware’s Mike Richey. Photo by Raquel Hendrickson

Joshua and Katrina Nichols have been married 15 years. They are raising four children.

That includes twins. That includes adopted children. That includes children with special needs.

Maricopans since October 2013, the Nicholses have home-schooled their children, ages 7 (the twins), 12 and soon-to-be 14, at their Tortosa home to this point. Katrina Nichols saw that as an added challenge and thought her husband deserved a little recognition.

Katrina nominated Joshua as InMaricopa’s Father of the Year, or, in her words, “Best Dad ever.”

“I’m just really touched that she would do that,” Nichols said.

InMaricopa readers voted online for four finalists in what turned out to be a tight race that came out in Joshua’s favor.

“Josh is the best dad I have ever met,” Katrina Nichols said in nominating her husband. “He loves with his whole heart. He makes each of our children feel special and finds ways to connect with them on a daily basis.

“I love the way he is always there for them. From soccer games to choir concerts, from board game nights to video game marathons, you name it, he’s in! We are so very lucky to have his love and support.”

Joshua Nichols said he was honored to be nominated with the four finalists, all outstanding fathers in Maricopa. His rewards were presented by Maricopa Ace Hardware – a portable spa, a portable hammock and a rolling cooler.