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Dear Holly: Spending Time with You is One of My Hobbies

10 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

Something I was thinking about this week is that one of my official hobbies is simply spending time with you. If I were to make a pie chart of how I spend my waking hours each day, a consistent slice each day is making the most of the moment with you.

An unspoken rule and understanding we have is that I am responsible for bringing your dolls and animals to life.

They have distinct voices and personalities; like the way your babies Gracie and Gabby try to keep you up each night right as I am tucking you into bed:

“Mommy, we need a bedtime snack! Time for some ice cream! Babies love it!”

So yes, it’s fair to say that spending quality time with you, often in the name of entertaining you with your toys, is officially one of my hobbies.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Learning to Make Crepes

15 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Our family has a history of appreciating crepes. I specifically remember Mommy being pregnant with you, when she and I would go out for crepes on Saturday morning for brunch.

Well now, thanks to Aunt Jenny buying our family a crepe pan, you started learning how to make crepes yourself. When I asked you this morning how you knew what to do, you explained to me, “I just watched people making them this summer when I was in Europe.”

That would be pretty cool if you are able to start making yourself crepes anytime you want. That’s a unique skill to have!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Building the Electric Car at School

15 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

This week your high school invited the parents to come meet the teachers and see the classrooms. My favorite part was being able to check out your work so far on the electric car that you and a few other classmates are currently building.

I have to say: Of course you would end up in a class where you get to build an electric car… and have fun doing it… and that it would just come naturally for you.

Undeniably so, all those hundreds (and maybe thousands?) of dollars we spent buying you Legos when you were a kid are paying off!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Boom Days 2026

10 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

One of my favorite events of the year in our town is Boom Days. Even during the many years we lived in Tennessee when you and your brother were younger, I always made a point for us to drive down to Fort Payne to be a part of the festivities.

Last Saturday, I actually showed up at Boom Days three different times throughout the day:

You and I went in the morning to catch the aftermath of the pet parade and so you could check out the vendor tents. Then Mommy and I were there during the middle of the day for the wine tasting. And finally, our whole family went back that night for the Sara Evans concert.

I just love being able to participate in celebrating our town each year and spending that time with our family.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Dogsitting Yet Again

15 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Over the past several years  you have been approached multiple times by people, as you apparently seem like the kind of kid who could appreciate making some extra money taking care of people’s dogs while they are out of town.

And you have yet to turn down the job each time. This is never something you have advertised about yourself or sought out.

Well… it happened again.

You were in charge of feeding and letting out our friends’ dogs last weekend.

Dogs just are naturally drawn to you. And so are dog owner’s!

Love,

Daddy