Dear Holly: You Were So Brave on the Georgia Mountain Coaster with Me!

4 years, 10 months.

Dear Holly,

As we spent time this past week in the Georgia mountains for your brother’s Spring Break, Mommy found that the Georgia Mountain Coaster wasn’t too far of a drive from where we were staying.

You and I partnered up for the ride and I’m so glad I got to go with you, because I got to see first hand just how brave you were!

Unbeknownst to you, I kept the brake off the entire decline down the mountain, so that we went has fast we possibly could.

You loved it! Even if you shouldn’t have, for your age and size!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Catching Toads and Their Eggs with Your Fishing Net

10 years, 4 months.

Dear Jack,

This past week for your Spring Break, our family had an awesome time in Big Canoe, Georgia.

The family-sized tree house we stayed in had fishing supplies right there in the bedroom.

While you didn’t see any fish, you were able to find not only some toads, but also their stash of eggs.

Obviously, you left them all there in the lake, but it was really cool to be able to stumble upon them in their natural environment.

I’m so glad we chose to spend your Spring Break in the mountains of Georgia, as opposed to the beach in Florida this time around.

It was a nice change of pace for our family!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Building and Testing an Erector Race Car with Papa

10 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack,

Though I was convinced you had already spent the rest of your Christmas money a while back, you surprised me by revealing that you still had a leftover Target gift card.

After careful research there in the toy section, I brought to your attention a $15 race car, made by the brand, Erector.

You decided this was the most exciting way to spend your money, but specifically stated that you wanted to wait to build the car the next time you were with Papa.

And that’s exactly what you did.

Not only did the two of you spend a couple of hours building it, but you also tested it out on cool ramps.

Good thing you have Papa to help you with stuff like that, because I am confident I would be useless in a project so technical!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: You Appreciate the Snow and the Beach in Moderation, Like Me

4 years, 10 months.

Dear Holly,

Just a few weeks ago, we were in the middle of what I would call a Tennessee Blizzard.

With your school closed, as well as your brother’s, Mommy and I were in a situation where we needed to not only keep working from home, but also keep your brother happy by letting him play in the snow; and to keep you happy by keeping you inside.

Whereas your brother was outside most of the day, each day that week playing in the snow (and never got sick!); you enjoyed the winter weather just long enough to go sledding and for a few photo ops.

It reminds me of what it is like when we go to the beach: All your brother wants to do is to stay outside, while you’re like me (and most people)… A couple of hours, and we’re ready to go back inside!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: You Dressed Up as a Character From the “I Survived” Books

10 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack,

Yesterday, your school had a fun theme where the students got to dress as a character from one of their favorite books.

You asked me, “Daddy, what can I dress up as?”

I looked in your closet, and found an old newsie hat that I gave to you a few years ago.

This week I’ve been reading an “I Survived” book to you, that your cousin gave you.

I said, “You know, most of these books take place during a time when boys wore hats like this one.”

Therefore, you got away with wearing a hat at school all day.

And funny enough, no one even asked you who you were dressed up as.

Love,

Daddy