Author: Family Friendly Daddy Blog

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, food reviews, Storytelling

Dear Holly: You Eat Salad Now?

9 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

This week Mommy had to go to Nashville for a few days to run an event she planned for her company at work. So that meant it was up to you (and me?) to pack your lunch for school.

One of the things you packed for yourself was a salad… in a special bowl that allows you to easily pack the dressing separately from the lettuce. It’s a very convenient way for you to take salad to school for lunch.

That makes me so happy that, finally, one of my kids chooses to eat salad.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, funny, parenting, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Being the Official Entertainment of Sleepovers

14 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

You have made it clear that I have a reputation, as a dad, of being extremely strict when it comes to bedtime routine at our house. (That’s something I am very proud of!)

I’m all about having fun and experiencing adventure during daylight hours, but once the sun starts going down… it’s time to settle down.

But, hey… when I’m not there with you, I don’t care what time you go to sleep or how rowdy you get! Not my problem.

And that is exactly how I felt as Nonna sent me photos of you, your sister, and your cousin at their house while Mommy and I went away for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago.

I was happy for all of you! You definitely served as the entertainment, making the sleepover even more exciting for your sister and cousin.

So much for setting down that night.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: What You Do at Sleepovers as a 9 Year-Old

9 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

I am still not over the fact that Mommy and I are at the point in life where she and I can just go away for a weekend, leaving you and your brother at Nonna and Papa’s… and it’s totally okay with everybody!

And it helps even more that your cousin Darla joined in at your most recent sleepover, ensuring that there would be nonstop 9 year-old activities the whole time!

Of course, much of it revolves around your collection of dolls… as the event becomes “the dolls’ sleepover” perhaps more than your own, as you perceive it.

I love it that we live in the same state as family now!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Nostalgia, Storytelling

Dear Holly: Playing Dr. Mario with Me

9 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

Our current shared obsession is playing the 1990 Nintendo game Dr. Mario.

Just about every day now for the past couple of weeks, we end up playing for at least 30 minutes.

I love it that sometimes you like to to get some practice in on your own.

You definitely are getting harder to beat… and sometimes you definitely are too good for me!

When I was your age, Dr. Mario was not a game I even liked. But now, it’s my most favorite.

And the best part is that you can enjoy it with me!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Working on Your Mechanic Skills

14 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

It is pretty typical that you go drive your side-by-side vehicle after school, to return by dinner.

A few weeks ago when you got back to the house, you casually announced, “I flipped it. One of the parts broke. I was able to turn it back up on its wheels and then I had to push it home.”

We thought you were joking.

Fortunately, you barely had a scratch on you. Not only were you okay, but the new parts (a steering tire rod and hubcap) only cost about $60. (I was expecting the wreck to have caused hundreds of dollars in damage.)

With some help from Papa, the new parts have now been installed and you are actually out driving right now as I write this.

Now… no more flipping it over!

Love,

Daddy