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Dear Holly: Back to School Cookie

10 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

At this point, it really is a strange Saturday morning if we don’t start things off by taking you for a breakfast treat at The Bakehouse Downtown. That’s how much of a weekly tradition it has become.

This past Saturday morning, you chose a “back to school” cookie… which just felt right.

You are now beginning your 3rd year of school here in Alabama since we moved from Tennessee. I can tell- you are really starting to like school now.

I think it’s going to be a good school year for you.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Riding to School in Style

15 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

Exactly a week ago as parents in our town began posting pictures of their kids on the first day of the new school year, Aunt Dana shared a photo that simply caused me to react with the thought, “Yep, here we ago again.”

She took a picture of you along with your sister and cousins in the car ride home. Everyone looked happy and normal… except for you.

You looked a little too happy… and definitely not normal.

And that for you… is normal.

Love,

Daddy

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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

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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

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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