Leave a comment Posted on People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jill: Your 45th Birthday

45 years old, today!

Dear Jill,

How did we not think of this sooner?…. We both just simply take off a day of work for your birthday and then go have fun while the kids are away at school. It’s that simple.

We drove just a little over on hour away to Huntsville as we checked out Bridge Street Town Centre for the first time. It contained all your “greatest hits”… from Starbucks to Barnes & Noble to a French macaron cafe to “cute little boutique shops”… it was totally your speed.

Not too far from there in Hampton Cove, we had lunch at Bloom Winery, where you enjoyed your glass of Strawberry Shortcake wine so much, I insisted we buy a bottle to take home. Because, after all, it is your birthday!

Then for dinner, due to the importance of not cooking or doing dishes on your birthday, our family had dinner just down the road from our house at Mentone Market and saw a beautiful sunset on the way home.

Back at the house, we took the time to enjoy the macarons, as well as a chocolate Eiffel Tower we bought earlier while shopping at Bridge Street.

To everyone else, it was just a random Tuesday. But for you, and for me, it was a very special day. Happy Birthday Jill!

Love,

Hubby

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Seeing Toy Story 5

10 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

Mommy and I are so fortunate to be able to work from home. It means that despite working nearly 10 hours a day, we still are able to see you throughout the day as you keep yourself entertained the way a girl is who is starting 5th grade today would.

Your dolls and Warmies have certainly learned a lot this summer, as you have served as their school teacher.

This past weekend for your last Saturday of summer vacation, you took your baby Warmies, Gracie and Gabbie, with you to see Toy Story 5.

And I was so happy when you decided it was time to buy a dress and some heels to wear to church, instead of a t-shirt, sweatpants, and sneakers. So after the movie, you took your time picking them out at Marshall’s.

This is my theory: I think you might be growing up…

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Dirtbike Summer

15 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

Your summer began with you working hard to save money for a new more powerful electric dirtbike.

And in between our family taking a cruise to Nova Scotia and Bermuda…

And in between you visiting Europe on your school trip…

You actually managed to spend the overwhelming majority of your summer on your new dirtbike.

Not locked away in your room playing PlayStation 5.

This summer may go on the record for being the most adventurous so far.

And now… it’s time to begin your sophomore year of high school!

Love,

Daddy

1 Comment Posted on fatherhood, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: We Were the 1st Customers of The Book Club

10 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

It has been a tradition for over a year now, that on Saturday mornings before we go buy groceries, we take you by The Bakehouse Dowtown so you can sit and enjoy a freshly baked cookie.

This past Saturday as we were leaving from there, we just happened to see that next door, The Book Club was officially opening their new location.

So out of curiosity, we walked in. Turns out, you accidentally become their very first customer!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Having Your Buddy with You in Europe

15 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

I was so glad when I learned that your buddy Cline decided to join you for your recent school trip to Europe. I mean, it would still have been an amazing first trip across the Atlantic Ocean either way, but having a good friend along for the ride clearly made it even more fun.

The two of you have been friends for a while now. I remember him being one of the first new friends you made when we moved here a little over two years ago.

All this summer as you have been riding motorbikes, hanging out at the pool, and playing pickleball with your friends, Cline is usually there.

And it’s clear to see from the pictures from Europe that he obviously shares your sense of humor.

Love,

Daddy